Helpless
Phillipa Soo Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Lyrics

Ohh, I do I do I do I Dooo! Hey!
Excitement and anticipation at the start of the song.

Helpless!
Being entranced and in love with someone.

Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit I'm
Feeling boundless possibilities with their significant other.

Down for the count, and I'm drownin' in ‘em.
Being completely consumed by love and unable to resist it.

I have never been the type to try and grab the spotlight.
Being humble and not desiring attention.

We were at a revel with some rebels on a hot night
Enjoying a lively party atmosphere with unconventional people.

laughin' at my sister as she's dazzling the room
Finding joy in watching a family member shine in the spotlight.

then you walked in and my heart went "Boom!"
Experiencing an immediate attraction and intense emotions upon seeing someone they like.

Tryin' to catch your eye from the side of the ballroom
Intentionally seeking attention from the person of interest.

everybody's dancin' and the band's top volume.
Being lost in the music and environment while still being focused on their crush.

Grind to the rhythm as we wine and dine.
Dancing and enjoying each other's company.

Grab my sister, and whisper "Yo, this one's mine."
Asserting their claim on their object of affection to a trusted family member.

My sister made her way across the room to you (Oooh)
Having a sibling facilitate an introduction to their significant other.

and I got nervous, thinking "What's she gonna do?" (Oooh)
Feeling apprehension and fear about their sibling potentially jeopardizing their shot at a romantic relationship.

She grabs you by the arm, I'm thinkin' "I'm through" (Oooh)
Believing that their chance at love is lost when their sibling steals the attention of the person they like.

Then you look back at me and suddenly I'm Helpless!
Feeling powerless to resist the allure of their crush.

Where are you taking me? I'm about to change your life.
Allowing themselves to go on a life-changing adventure with their significant other.

Then by all means, lead the way.
Giving their crush permission to take charge and make decisions.

Thank you for all your service. If it takes fighting a war for us to meet, it will have been worth it.
Showing gratitude and willingness to put in effort for their relationship.

One week later I'm writin' a letter nightly.
Communicating regularly and eagerly with their significant other.

Now my life gets better every letter that you write me.
Finding happiness and contentment in their written correspondence with their partner.

Laughin' at my sister, cuz she wants to form a harem. I'm just sayin', if you really loved me you would share him.
Joking about the idea of a polygamous relationship while also expressing a desire for exclusivity.

In the living room stressin', my father's stonefaced while you're asking for his blessin'.
Feeling anxious and uncomfortable while seeking approval from parental figures.

I'm dying inside, as you wine and dine and I'm tryin' not to cry, ‘cause there's nothing that your mind can't do. (Oooh)
Struggling to maintain their composure in a high-pressure situation while still having complete confidence in their partner.

But then he shakes your hand and says "Be true" (Oooh)
Receiving a powerful endorsement of their relationship from an important authority figure.

And you turn back to me, smiling, and I'm Helpless!
Feeling completely enamored and entranced with their partner's smiles and attention.

Eliza, I don't have a dollar to my name an acre of land, a troop to command a dollop of fame.
Admitting to not having much material wealth or status.

All I have's my honor, a tolerance for pain a couple of college credits and my top-notch brain.
Declaring that their true worth lies in their integrity, resilience, and intelligence.

Insane, your family brings out a different side of me Peggy confides in me, Angelica tried to take a bite of me no stress, my love for you is never in doubt.
Acknowledging that their partner's family brings out different emotions and challenges, but still remaining confident in their love.

We'll get a little place in Harlem and we'll figure it out.
Planning for and looking forward to their future together.

I've been livin' without a family since I was a child. My father left, my mother died, I grew up buckwild.
Revealing a difficult and tumultuous childhood involving a lack of familial support.

But I'll never forget my mother's face, that was real and long as I'm alive, Eliza, swear to God, you'll never feel so (Helpless!) I do I do I do I do!
Promising to always cherish and love their partner unconditionally.

My life is gon' be fine cuz Eliza's in it.
Expressing gratitude for their partner's love and presence in their life.

In New York, you can be a new man.
Believing in the power of a new environment to bring about positive changes and growth.

Helpless!
Feeling completely lost in love and unable to resist it.