Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton

About Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story

"Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" is the finale song of Act 2 of the musical Hamilton, based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, which premiered on Broadway in 2015. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote both the music and lyrics to the song.


Year:
2015
3:37
20,978 
#35

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Let me tell you what I wish I’d known
When I was young and dreamed of glory
You have no control, who lives, who dies, who tells your story?
President Jefferson
I’ll give him this, his financial system is a work of genius
I couldn’t undo it if I tried, and I tried

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

President Madison, he took our country from bankruptcy to prosperity
I hate to admit it
But he doesn’t get enough credit for all the credit he gave us

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

Every other founding father story gets told
Every other founding father gets to grow old

But when you’re gone, who remembers your name?
Who keeps your flame, who tells your story?

Who tells your story (who tells your story?)

(Eliza) I put myself back in the narrative
(Eliza) please stop wasting time on tears
I live another fifty years, it’s not enough
(Eliza) I interview every soldier who fought by your side (she tells our story)

I try to make sense of your thousands of pages of writings
You really do write like you’re running out of time (time)

I rely on angelica
While she’s alive, we tell your story
She is buried in Trinity Church, near you
When I needed her most, she was right on time
And I’m still not through
I ask myself, what would you do if you had more time? (time)

The Lord, in his kindness
He gives me what you always wanted
He gives me more time (time)

I raise funds in D.C. for the Washington Monument
She tells my story
I speak out against slavery
You could have done so much more if you only had time
And when my time is up, have I done enough?

Will they tell our story? (will they tell your story?)
Oh, can I show you what I’m proudest of?

(The orphanage)
I established the first private orphanage in New York City
(The orphanage)
I help to raise hundreds of children
I get to see them growing up (the orphanage)

In their eyes I see you, Alexander
I see you every time

And when my time is up, have I done enough?
Will they tell my story? (will they tell your story?)
Oh, I can’t wait to see you again
It’s only a matter of time

(Will they tell your story?)
(Time)
(Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?)
(Time)
(Will they tell your story?)
(Time)
(Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?)

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Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda (; born January 16, 1980) is a Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, playwright, rapper, and actor best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton. He co-wrote the songs for Walt Disney Animation Studios' Moana soundtrack (2016) and co-starred in the film Mary Poppins Returns. Miranda's awards include a Pulitzer Prize, three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a MacArthur Fellowship, three Tony Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Miranda was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor in 2018. Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In the Heights, which premiered on Broadway in 2008. For this work, he won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Original Score, the show's cast album won the 2009 Grammy Award… more »

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Written by: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" is the final song in the Broadway musical, "Hamilton," written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is a group number, featuring nearly every character in the musical and marks the dramatic conclusion of the show.
Character Representation
The song represents all the important characters recalling the legacy of Alexander Hamilton, including his wife Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, who lived 50 years more after his death. Her narration provides a perspective on the continuing impact of Hamilton’s work after his demise.
Social Impact
The song addresses the significant theme of legacy and historiography, questioning who gets to control the narrative in the afterlife. It explores how people are remembered after their death and how their stories are told.
Musical Structure
It is carefully composed with an intriguing musical structure that combines opera, hip hop and traditional Broadway elements, reflecting the diverse musical styles found throughout the show.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Songwriting
It epitomizes Lin-Manuel Miranda's brilliant songwriting skill. His ability to infuse historical content into musically diverse and profoundly emotional songs is truly encapsulated in this piece.
Historical Accuracy
The song includes significant historical facts, such as Eliza establishing the first private orphanage in New York City. It also references the monumental task Eliza undertook to ensure her husband’s legacy was preserved and recognised.
Critical Acclaim
The song has been critically acclaimed for its bittersweet ending, depth of emotion, and soaring harmonies. It has greatly contributed to the musical's success, including winning the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Inspirational Impact
"Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" has inspired many interpretations and covers by fans of the show, highlighting the song and musical's cultural significance.
Emotional Tone
The song is one of the most emotional moments in the theatrical production, often bringing the audience, and even the performers, to tears with its poignant narrative and powerful performances.

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