We all know this song, many of us have heard this song many, many times. The lyrics of "I'm not throwin away my shot! ", covered, parodied, sang, and heard countless times over the past decade. What could be said about this song that hasn't been said? Let me try, and at least share what this song still means to me that I first heard on a cold autum night almost a decade ago.
The third song the audience hears in Hamilton whether seeing the show live, watching the filmed version, or listening to the album. We see the first look at who Hamilton really is, willing to give his all, and not live in hesitation. Winning over those around him. Before the song concludes Hamilton takes a moment to take it all in, his past, present and future, body proclaiming " I'm past painently waitin, I'm passionately smashing every expectation, every actions an act of creation! I'm Laughing in the face of casualties and sorrow, for the first time I'm thinking past tommorow!" Before kicking into the chorus once more. We see someone who has come from nothing, but has never given up. Someone who is questioned by the ones around him on how he just never stops. Pure ambition.
The song is highly energetic, the lyrics infectious, using both solos and the ensemble in such great ways. Memorable lyrics that make this song a fantastic listen time and time again, that can just be a great song to energize yourself, or the peice of inspiration to keep going. Whether it's to start your day, do some chores, do some work, or create yourself. This song also makes a great work out song trust me.
The instrumentation and lyrics work as one to make this song one that is fun, but in the context of the show, gives us the much needed motivations and inner thoughts of our lead, keeping the plot moving. In the case of this musical so many of these songs are so smart, so memorable, and great that I forget they moving a story from beginning to end at times.
This song like many in the show is packed with very real emotion, that the listener, myself included can connect with. There are plenty of times where I will listen to just this song to fire myself up, the chorus is a bold declaration of giving 110 percent in the best way possible. The use of the ensemble is perfect and the moment where Alexnder reflects, realatble on so many levels. The song starts at a brisk pace and keeps at it while not tiring the listener by sharing the thoughts of those around him, introducing us to some of his friends, Burr, his contemporary the interludes with the ensemble calling those around them to "rise up!", changing things up while still fitting in place of this song. This song shifts and moves, it has a kinetic energy that makes me want to dance, inspires me, or just plain makes me excited.
So much happens in this song, yet it's not overstuffed, working both as a great musical theather song that does the job of keeping the plot moving, while also just being a great listen on its own. When I first heard this song, I was left speechless, I loved it. I appreciate still today, and every now and then give it a listen when I need a boost or just for fun. This is one of my faveorite songs not just in musical theater but in songs in general.
All these years later, this song still is so enjoyable and inspiring on so many levels. Ever since I first heard it on a radio station on my phone to the first time I heard it live, it has been a fantastic, energetic, work of art. Hamilton takes the stage telling us how he won't throw away his shot, and when the song ends, when the show is over, we can walk away and do the same.
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