One of the most iconic scenes in the Broadway musical "Hamilton" is the Cabinet Battle between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. The two men engage in a heated debate over the future of the United States, with Hamilton advocating for a strong central government and Jefferson arguing for states' rights.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to "Cabinet Battle 1" are some of the most clever and witty in the entire musical. Hamilton and Jefferson trade insults and jabs, using historical references and wordplay to make their points. Some of the most memorable lines include:
- "You must be out of your goddamn mind if you think the President is going to bring the nation to the brink of meddling in the middle of a military mess, a game of chess, where France is Queen and Kingless."
- "If we assume the debts, the union gets a new line of credit, a financial diuretic. How do you not get it? If we're aggressive and competitive, the union gets a boost. You'd rather give it a sedative?"
- "We're in a fight for our nation's very soul. Can you get us out of the mess we're in? Hamilton is wearing his nation like a skin."
The Clean Version
While the original version of "Cabinet Battle 1" includes some explicit language and innuendo, a clean version was created for radio play and other family-friendly events. In the clean version, all swear words and suggestive language are replaced with more PG-rated alternatives.
For example, instead of Hamilton saying "If there's a fire you're trying to douse, you can't put it out from inside the house," he says "If there's a problem with the fire, you can't put it out from inside the choir." The clean version also replaces the line "Sit down, John, you fat motherf***er" with "Sit down, John, you fat loveable loser."
The Importance of "Cabinet Battle 1"
Aside from being a standout moment in "Hamilton," "Cabinet Battle 1" is also significant for its historical accuracy. The debate between Hamilton and Jefferson over the assumption of state debts did in fact take place in 1790, and the two men had very different opinions on the matter.
Hamilton believed that the federal government should take on the debts of the states in order to establish the nation's credit and strengthen the central government. Jefferson, on the other hand, thought that the states should be responsible for their own debts and that the federal government should have less power.
The fact that "Hamilton" is able to make a historical debate between two founding fathers into a catchy rap battle is a testament to the show's creativity and innovation.
The Legacy of "Hamilton"
Since its debut in 2015, "Hamilton" has become a cultural phenomenon, winning numerous awards and breaking box office records. The show has introduced a whole new generation to the story of Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States, and has sparked renewed interest in American history.
But "Hamilton" has also had a wider impact beyond the world of theater. The show's diverse cast and hip-hop influenced music have challenged traditional ideas of what a Broadway musical should be, and have opened doors for other marginalized voices in the entertainment industry.
The Enduring Appeal of "Cabinet Battle 1"
Years after its debut, "Cabinet Battle 1" remains one of the most popular songs in "Hamilton." Its catchy tune and clever lyrics make it a favorite among fans, and its historical significance and relevance to modern politics give it a deeper meaning.
Whether you're a die-hard "Hamilton" fan or just a casual listener, "Cabinet Battle 1" is sure to get your heart racing and your mind working. So sit back, turn up the volume, and enjoy one of the most epic rap battles in Broadway history.