Dear Theodosia
Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Lyrics
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You have my eyes
You have your mother's name
When you came into the world, you cried and it broke my heart
I'm dedicating every day to you
Domestic life was never quite my style
And I thought I was so smart
You will come of age with our young nation
We'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you
If we lay a strong enough foundation
We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you
And you'll blow us all away
Someday, someday
Yeah, you'll blow us all away
Someday, someday
Oh Philip, when you smile I am undone
My son
Look at my son
Pride is not the word I'm looking for
There is so much more inside me now
Oh Philip, you outshine the morning sun
My son
When you smile, I fall apart
And I thought I was so smart
My father wasn't around (my father wasn't around)
I swear that
I'll be around for you (I'll be around for you)
I'll do whatever it takes
I'll make a million mistakes
I'll make the world safe and sound for you
Will come of age with our young nation
We'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you
If we lay a strong enough foundation
We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you
And you'll blow us all away
Someday, someday
Yeah, you'll blow us all away
Someday, someday
The song "Dear Theodosia" is a heartfelt duet between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, addressing their newborn children (Theodosia Burr and Philip Hamilton) and expressing their hopes and dreams for them. The song reflects the deep love and dedication both fathers have for their children, despite their different backgrounds and beliefs.
The lyrics begin with Burr and Hamilton expressing their awe and admiration for their children. They remark on the physical features of their children, such as the eyes inherited from Hamilton and the mother's name. The line "When you came into the world, you cried and it broke my heart" captures the overwhelming emotions and vulnerability that come with being a parent, as they witness the fragility of their child's existence.
The song then shifts to the fathers promising to dedicate themselves to their children's futures. Hamilton acknowledges that his previous pursuits, such as his ambition for power and fame, do not compare to the happiness and fulfillment he finds in his child's smile. Burr, on the other hand, recognizes that being a father is a new role for him, as he admits that "Domestic life was never quite my style." Both fathers, however, feel a profound sense of love and responsibility towards their children.
The chorus emphasizes the fathers' commitment to building a better world for their children. They assert that they will fight and sacrifice to create a strong foundation, passing on a legacy to their children. The phrase "blow us all away" suggests that the future generations have the power to surpass their predecessors and achieve greatness.
The second verse focuses on Hamilton's relationship with his son, Philip. Hamilton expresses his immense pride in his son's presence and notes that words like "pride" are insufficient in capturing his overwhelming emotions. He acknowledges that his own upbringing lacked a father figure, but he resolves to be there for his son and make up for the absence of his own father.
The song ends with Hamilton promising to do whatever it takes to ensure a safe and secure world for his son. He acknowledges that mistakes will be made along the way, but he is committed to protecting and guiding his son through life's challenges.
Overall, "Dear Theodosia" is a touching expression of the unconditional love and devotion that fathers have for their children. It showcases the hopes and dreams parents have for their offspring and the determination to create a better future for them.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Theodosia, what to say to you?
Beloved Theodosia, how can I express my feelings to you?
You have my eyes
You possess the same eyes as mine
You have your mother's name
You bear the name of your mother
When you came into the world, you cried and it broke my heart
Upon your birth, your cries deeply saddened me
I'm dedicating every day to you
I commit each day solely to you
Domestic life was never quite my style
I have never felt comfortable with a mundane, domestic lifestyle
When you smile, you knock me out, I fall apart
Your smiling face overwhelms me, causing me to lose composure
And I thought I was so smart
I foolishly believed myself to be intelligent
You will come of age with our young nation
You will grow up alongside our fledgling country
We'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you
We will sacrifice and battle for your sake, striving to create a better world
If we lay a strong enough foundation
If we establish a solid basis
We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you
We will hand down our legacy and entrust the entire world to you
And you'll blow us all away
You will astonish and surpass all expectations
Someday, someday
At some point in the future
Yeah, you'll blow us all away
Indeed, you will impress and amaze us all
Oh Philip, when you smile I am undone
Oh Philip, your smile leaves me utterly vulnerable
My son
My beloved child
Look at my son
Observe the extraordinary qualities of my son
Pride is not the word I'm looking for
The term 'pride' does not sufficiently capture my emotions
There is so much more inside me now
My heart and soul now contain boundless love and devotion
Oh Philip, you outshine the morning sun
Oh Philip, you radiate brilliance surpassing the light of day
When you smile, I fall apart
Your smile causes me to emotionally unravel
And I thought I was so smart
I mistakenly believed myself to possess great wisdom
My father wasn't around (my father wasn't around)
My own father was absent from my life
I swear that
I solemnly vow
I'll be around for you (I'll be around for you)
I will always be there to support and care for you
I'll do whatever it takes
I am willing to do anything necessary
I'll make a million mistakes
I will inevitably make numerous errors
I'll make the world safe and sound for you
I will ensure the world is secure and harmonious for your sake
Will come of age with our young nation
You will mature as our emerging country develops
We'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you
We will shed blood and engage in battles, striving to rectify any wrongs for your benefit
If we lay a strong enough foundation
Provided we establish a sturdy base
We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you
We will pass along our accomplishments and bestow the entire world upon you
And you'll blow us all away
And you will astound and surpass all expectations
Someday, someday
At some point in the future
Yeah, you'll blow us all away
Indeed, you will impress and amaze us all
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind