By: Rahmel Bailey
The song “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” is the final song in the musical performance of Hamilton and acts as a grand finale to the play. It speaks about the legacy of Hamilton after his death and question who will keep it. In the mixtape a remix of the song was created called “Who Tells Your Story”, which has some similarities but a lot of changes from the original.
In the original song the entire cast is included and many of the founding fathers give their remarks of Hamilton which reflect how many tried to downplay Hamilton’s contributions to the founding of the country. It is clear that many didn’t want to give him any recognition, but only gave him some credit because his impact was undeniable. Jefferson is heard saying “I’ll give him this: his financial system is a work of genius”, and Madison says “He took our country from bankruptcy to prosperity, I hate to admit it,”. The founding fathers only gave him credit for his undisputable contributions. In the rap song it differs because it follows Common and Black Thought talking about the legacy that they have set for themselves. Furthermore, in the main hook the singer asks “Who holds on to our lives”. The perspective of the remix is of Common and Black Thought talking about the legacy they will have, and the main singer asks the listener to think of their legacy. However, the original song talks of Hamilton’s legacy and how Eliza helped it.
In the original piece there is a large emphasis on time, almost as though the reason Eliza had to save Hamilton’s legacy was because he died early and wasn’t able to solidify his impact like the other founding fathers. However, the rappers Common and Black Thought contribute legacy to the contributions made while alive. Common asks if he will be remembered for his early album “Water For Chocolate” or “Resurrection”, and Black Thought mentions that his writing and raps will be most remembered about him.
The new form changes the viewers experience with the text because in the original we see that the legacy of Hamilton was up to everyone else after he died and is more of a historical song of how the story of Hamilton survived overtime. However, the remix makes the reader think of the legacy they will leave after they die. This is essential because it speaks directly to black and brown audiences and challenges them to chase success in their lives.
Because I am using the remix from the mixtape this analysis will help me create a video that fits with the overall meaning I found from the lyrics of the song. It taught me more about how a legacy can be affected after death.