Anthem Lights - Alexander Hamilton Lyrics
Lyrics
How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a
Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten
Spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished, in squalor
Grow up to be a hero and a scholar?
The ten-dollar Founding Father without a father
Got a lot FARTHER by working a lot HARDER
By being a lot smarter
By being a self-starter
By fourteen, they placed him in charge of a trading charter
And every day while slaves were being slaughtered and carted
Away across the waves, he struggled and kept his guard up
Inside, he was longing for something to be a part of
The brother was ready to beg, steal, borrow, or barter
Then a hurricane came, and devastation reigned
Our man saw his future drip, dripping down the drain
Put a pencil to his temple, connected it to his brain
And he wrote his first refrain, a testament to his pain
Well, the word got around, they said, "This kid is insane, man"
Took up a collection just to send him to the mainland
"Get your education, don't forget from whence you came, and
The world's gonna know your name. What's your name, man?"
Alexander Hamilton
My name is Alexander Hamilton
And there's a million things I haven't done
Just you wait, just you wait...
Alexander Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton)
We are waiting in the wings for you (waiting in the wings for you)
You could never back down
You never learned to take your time!
Oh, Alexander Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton)
When America sings for you
Will they know what you overcame?
Will they know you rewrote the game?
The world will never be the same, oh
The ship is in the harbor now
See if you can spot him
(Just you wait)
Another immigrant
Comin' up from the bottom
His enemies destroyed his rep
America forgot him
There's a million things I haven't done
But just you wait!
What's your name, man?
Alexander Hamilton!
Video
Alexander Hamilton (from "Hamilton") | Anthem Lights Cover
Meaning & Inspiration
The Anthem Lights cover of "Alexander Hamilton" is a compelling musical interpretation that transcends its historical subject matter to resonate with deeply spiritual themes. Released on July 3, 2020, this rendition focuses on the powerful narrative of overcoming immense adversity, a story that echoes the biblical account of individuals chosen and shaped by God for a grand purpose. The song opens with a stark depiction of Hamilton's humble and challenging origins, questioning how someone born into such dire circumstances could rise to become a transformative figure. This immediately calls to mind the Lord's inclination to use the unlikely and the overlooked, as stated in 1 Samuel 2:7, "The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he promotes." Hamilton's journey is presented as a testament to relentless effort, intelligence, and an unyielding spirit of self-reliance, qualities that, when applied with divine guidance, can lead to extraordinary achievements. His early success at fourteen, managing a trading charter, showcases a precognition of leadership, much like young Samuel who served in the temple (1 Samuel 3:1-10). The lyrics describe his inner struggle and longing for belonging, a sentiment relatable to anyone seeking purpose. His raw talent, expressed through writing after a devastating hurricane, mirrors the way many biblical figures poured their experiences of hardship into their divine calling. The line, "Put a pencil to his temple, connected it to his brain. And he wrote his first refrain, a testament to his pain," suggests a profound catharsis and transformation through creative expression, a spiritual release that can be found in pouring out one's soul to God in prayer and song.
The song highlights the communal recognition of Hamilton's potential, with the community rallying to fund his education and urge him to achieve greatness. This acts as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and the body of believers supporting one another, a principle found in Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." The recurring refrain, "My name is Alexander Hamilton. And there's a million things I haven't done. Just you wait," is not mere youthful bravado, but a declaration of destiny and a promise of future impact, imbued with the faith that propels individuals toward their God-given potential. The verses that speak of waiting in the wings and being called to action evoke the biblical narrative of God's chosen servants being prepared for their moment, like David, who was anointed king long before he ascended the throne (1 Samuel 16:1-13). The song acknowledges the challenges of being an immigrant and facing forgotten legacies, a theme that resonates with the biblical narratives of exiles and strangers who, despite societal marginalization, played pivotal roles in God's plan. Ultimately, Anthem Lights' rendition of "Alexander Hamilton" is an inspiring exploration of a life driven by purpose and resilience, demonstrating how an individual, through hard work, talent, and perhaps an unseen divine hand, can indeed "rewrite the game" and leave an indelible mark on the world, much like the prophets and apostles who, despite their human frailties and societal positions, brought about profound change. The song encourages listeners to recognize their own potential, even from humble beginnings, and to trust that their unique journey, with its struggles and triumphs, is part of a larger, purposeful design.