A Winter's Ball
Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Lyrics
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Go on and on
Grow into more of a phenomenon?
Watch this obnoxious, arrogant, loudmouth bother
Be seated at the right hand of the father
Washington hires Hamilton right on sight
But Hamilton still wants to fight, not write
Now Hamilton's skill with a quill is undeniable
We're reliable with the
Ladies
There are so many to deflower
Ladies
Looks
Proximity to power
Ladies
They delighted and distracted him
Martha Washington named her feral tomcat after him
That's true
Seventeen-eighty
A winter's ball
And the Schuyler sisters are the envy of all
Yo, if you can marry a sister, you're rich, son
Is it a question of if, Burr, or which one?
Hey
Hey
Hey hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
In the song "A Winter's Ball" from the Broadway musical Hamilton, the lyrics depict the character of Alexander Hamilton reflecting on his rise to prominence and his interactions with women. Hamilton, being a bastard orphan, reflects on how he has become a phenomenon despite his disadvantaged background. He observes how his obnoxious and loudmouthed nature has not hindered his success, as he is seen seated at the right hand of George Washington, who has hired him on sight.
The lyrics also explore Hamilton's skill with a quill, highlighting his undeniable talent for writing and rhetoric. However, the question arises of what he has in common with the higher class and more refined individuals around him. The answer lies in their common fascination and interaction with women. The "ladies" are portrayed as both a distraction and a delight to Hamilton. The line about Martha Washington naming her tomcat after him is a humorous reference to his charm and reputation with women.
The song takes place at a winter's ball in 1780, and the Schuyler sisters are mentioned as being envied by all. The character of Aaron Burr wonders if Hamilton's intention is to marry one of the sisters for their wealth, highlighting both the social dynamics and the potential for personal gain within their society.
Line by Line Meaning
How does the bastard, orphan, son of a whore
How does a child born out of wedlock, abandoned by their parents, and with a promiscuous mother
Go on and on
Rise to fame and success continuously
Grow into more of a phenomenon?
Become even more extraordinary and exceptional?
Watch this obnoxious, arrogant, loudmouth bother
Witness this annoying, prideful, and outspoken person cause trouble
Be seated at the right hand of the father
Be chosen for a prestigious position close to those in power
Washington hires Hamilton right on sight
General Washington immediately recruits Hamilton as part of his team
But Hamilton still wants to fight, not write
However, Hamilton desires to participate in battles instead of focusing on his writing skills
Now Hamilton's skill with a quill is undeniable
Now it is unquestionable that Hamilton is incredibly talented with a pen
But what do we have in common
But what similarities do we share
We're reliable with the
We're dependable when it comes to
Ladies
Engaging with women romantically
There are so many to deflower
There are numerous women to seduce and have sexual relationships with
Ladies
Engaging with women romantically
Looks
Physical attractiveness
Proximity to power
Closeness or association with influential individuals
They delighted and distracted him
The women pleased and diverted his attention
Martha Washington named her feral tomcat after him
Even Martha Washington, the wife of George Washington, named her wild male cat after him
That's true
That statement is accurate
Seventeen-eighty
The year 1780
A winter's ball
An event held during the winter season
And the Schuyler sisters are the envy of all
And the Schuyler sisters are admired and envied by everyone
Yo, if you can marry a sister, you're rich, son
If you are able to marry one of the Schuyler sisters, you will become wealthy, my friend
Is it a question of if, Burr, or which one?
Is it a matter of whether it will happen, Burr, or which sister it will be?
Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind