Guns and Ships
Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Lyrics

How does a ragtag volunteer army in need of a shower
How could a disorganized group of volunteers, who are not well-equipped, manage to defeat a well-trained, global superpower's army?

Somehow defeat a global superpower?
The line reiterates the incredulity of the thought that a group of volunteers led by Lafayette, a Frenchman, was able to defeat the British army in battle.

How do we emerge victorious from the quagmire?
This line elicits the question of how America could emerge victorious from the complicated military and political situation that they were in during the Revolutionary War.

Leave the battlefield waving Betsy Ross' flag higher?
This line highlights the determination of the volunteers to continue fighting, even when they are tired, to defeat the British and make their country free.

Turns out we have a secret weapon
The line reveals that Lafayette, a French immigrant, was America's secret weapon to victory against the British army.

An immigrant you know and love who's unafraid to step in
The line emphasizes the importance of an immigrant in the fight for freedom and how that person was ready to step up to the challenge.

He's constantly confusin', confoundin' the British henchmen
This line reveals how Lafayette's tactics confused the British army, giving America an advantage.

Ev'ryone give it up for America's favorite fighting Frenchman
This line is a call to celebrate Lafayette's bravery and contribution to the revolution.

I'm takin this horse by the reins makin'
Lafayette explains how he took control of the situation and was making the most of it by leading his army.

Redcoats redder with bloodstains
Lafayette describes how his army was killing British soldiers and making their red coats even redder with their bloodstains.

And I'm never gonna stop until I make 'em
Lafayette vows to continue fighting until he defeats the British army.

Drop and burn 'em up and scatter their remains, I'm
Lafayette is determined to defeat the British army by killing and destroying them as much as he can.

Watch me engagin' em, escapin' em
Lafayette is explaining how he is engaging the British army in combat and then escapes after causing enough havoc.

Enragin' em
Lafayette was also trying to enrage the British army by taunting and boasting to provoke them into making mistakes.

I go to France for more funds
Lafayette goes to France to get more financial help and support for the American Revolution

I come back with more
Not only did Lafayette get more funding for the revolution, but he also brought more men and resources back with him.

Guns
Lafayette brought back guns to fight the British army.

And ships
Along with weapons, Lafayette brought back ships to transport soldiers and supplies.

And so the balance shifts
This line represents that Lafayette's return with more resources has shifted the balance of power towards the Americans.

We rendezvous with Rochambeau, consolidate their gifts
Lafayette and the American army joined with the French army, led by Rochambeau, and all their resources were consolidated to fight and win against the British.

We can end this war at Yorktown, cut them off at sea, but
The line explains that the Americans could have won the war by cutting off the British at Yorktown and sea.

For this to succeed, there's someone else we need
Hamilton reflects that they need someone else to successfully win the war and defeat the British army.

I know
Hamilton realizes someone with special skills is required to win the war.

Sir, he knows what to do in a trench
Hamilton introduces Lafayette as someone who is knowledgeable about the workings of trenches in the war.

Ingenuitive and fluent in French, I mean
Hamilton highlights Lafayette's intelligence and skill of being fluent in French and using it as a way to communicate with the French army.

Sir, you're gonna have to use him eventually
Hamilton emphasizes the importance of using Lafayette to his full potential.

What's he gonna do on the bench?
The line questions why they would keep such a talented person sitting on the bench instead of using his skills for their benefit.

No one has more resilience
Hamilton extols Lafayette's ability to keep fighting even when the odds are against them.

Or matches my practical tactical brilliance
Hamilton boasts that he is the only one who can match Lafayette's tactical brilliance in warfare.

You wanna fight for your land back? (Hamilton)
Hamilton asks rhetorically if the audience wants to fight back for their land.

I need my right hand man back (Hamilton)
Hamilton declares that Lafayette is his right-hand man and he needs him to win this war.

Ah, uh, get ya right hand man back (Hamilton)
Hamilton urges the audience to do what it takes to get their right-hand man back as it is key to winning the war.

You know, you gotta put some thought into the letter but the sooner the better
Hamilton advises the audience to put some effort into writing a letter to get their right-hand man back and do it as soon as possible.

Troops are waiting in the field for you
Hamilton tells Lafayette that the troops are waiting for him in the field ready to join the revolution.

If you join us right now, together we can turn the tide
Hamilton asserts that if Lafayette joins them now, they can reverse the course of events and emerge victorious.

Oh, Alexander Hamilton
Here, the attention is shifted towards Hamilton, his contributions to the war, and how he played a part in bringing Lafayette back.

I have soldiers who will yield for you
Hamilton expresses that he has soldiers who are going to support Lafayette and follow him into battle.

If we manage to get this right
Hamilton acknowledges that everything, like the timing and coordination, would have to be just right for them to win.

They'll surrender by early light
Hamilton predicts that the British would surrender by early morning if they manage to get everything right.

The world will never be the same, Alexander
Hamilton reflects on how the world will be changed, and in what ways, should they succeed and win the war.