As with “Farmer Refuted,” here’s it’s also used to indicate an almost prissy level of formality and contribute to the old-fashioned vibe. But hey, this was literally the way that these guys wrote themselves into history, so Lin-Manuel Miranda has an excuse to tease his characters a little.įollowing Burr’s familiar introduction, the song is performed in ¾ time, making it a minuet or a waltz. Here, the two are playfully mean with their letters, and the song has a kind of old-fashioned, silly charm. The title and refrain of this song are a reference to the real-life correspondence between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton that led to their famous duel.
Vice President: I am not the reason no one trusts you No one knows what you believe I will not equivocate on my opinion I have always worn it on my sleeve Even if I said what you think I said You would need to cite a more specific grievance Here’s an itemized list of thirty years of disagreements Sweet Jesus Hey, I have not been shy I am just a guy in the public eye Tryin’ to do my best for our republic I don’t wanna fight But I won’t apologize for doing what’s right I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servant A dot Ham Careful how you proceed, good man Intemperate indeed, good man Answer for the accusations I lay at your feet or Prepare to bleed, good man Burr, your grievance is legitimate I stand by what I said, every bit of it You stand only for yourself It’s what you do I can’t apologize because it’s true
I am slow to anger But I toe the line As I reckon with the effects Of your life on mine I look back on where I failed And in every place I checked The only common thread has been your disrespect Now you call me “amoral,” A “dangerous disgrace,” If you’ve got something to say Name a time and place Face to face I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servant A dot Burr Mr.