Today’s Random Weekend selection is a short transitional track from the Hamilton soundtrack. ‘Schuyler Defeated’ lasts only a minute but, like every song in the Pulitzer and Tony-winning musical, it has plenty to say.
Musically a reprise of show-stopper ‘The Schuyler Sisters,’ this song sees Alexander Hamilton’s father-in-law defeated in the Senate by Aaron Burr, who to this point has been Hamilton’s friend.
Burr, usually a cautious man, had grown frustrated by Hamilton’s political ascent and finally decided to make a move of his own. This song marks a turning point in the two men’s relationship, putting them on the path that would eventually lead to their fateful duel.
Look!
Grandpa’s in the paper!
“War hero Philip Schuyler loses senate seat to young upstart Aaron Burr”
Grandpa just lost his seat in the senate
[ELIZA]
Sometimes that’s how it goes
[PHILIP]
Daddy’s gonna find out any minute
[ELIZA]
I’m sure he already knows
[PHILIP]
Further down
[PHILIP & ELIZA]
Further down
[PHILIP]
Let’s meet the newest senator from New York
[ELIZA]
New York
[PHILIP & ELIZA]
Our senator
[HAMILTON]
Burr?
Since when are you a Democratic-Republican?
[BURR]
Since being one put me on the up and up again
[HAMILTON]
No one knows who you are or what you do
[BURR]
They don’t need to know me
They don’t like you
[HAMILTON]
Excuse me?
[BURR]
Oh, Wall Street thinks you’re great
You’ll always be adored by the things you create
But upstate—
[HAMILTON]
Wait
[BURR]
—people think you’re crooked
Schuyler’s seat was up for grabs so I took it
[HAMILTON]
I’ve always considered you a friend
[BURR]
I don’t see why that has to end
[HAMILTON]
You changed parties to run against my father-in-law
[BURR]
I changed parties to seize the opportunity I saw
I swear your pride will be the death of us all
Beware, it goeth before the fall
Way to give away the spoiler!