Cabinet Battle #2 Songtext
von Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton

The issue on the table: France is on the verge of war with England
and do we provide aid and our troops to our French allies or do we stay out of it?
Remember, my decision on this matter is not subject to congressional approval
The only person you have to convince is me. Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir
When we were on death′s door
When we were needy
We made a promise
We signed a treaty
We need money and guns and half a chance
Uh, who provided those funds?
France
In return, they didn't ask for land
Only a promise that we′d lend a hand
And stand with them If they fought against oppressors
And revolution is messy
But now is the time to stand!
Stand with our brothers
As they fight against tyranny
I know that Alexander Hamilton is here and he
Would rather not have this debate
I'll remind you that he is not Secretary of State!
He knows nothing of loyalty
Smells like new money, dresses like fake royalty
Desperate to rise above his station
Everything he does betrays the ideals of our nation
Hey, and if you don't know, now you know, Mr. President

Thank you, Secretary Jefferson. Secretary Hamilton, your response?


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 King-less
We signed a treaty with a King whose head is now in a basket
Would you like to take it out and ask it?
Should we honor our treaty, King Louis′s head?
"Uh, do whatever you want I′m super dead!"

Enough enough, Hamilton is right

Mr. President!

We're too fragile to start another fight

But sir, do we not fight for freedom?

Sure, when the French figure out who′s gonna lead 'em

The people are leading!

The people are rioting! There′s a difference!
Frankly it's a little disquieting you would let your ideals blind you to reality!
Hamilton?

Sir

Draft the statement of neutrality
Did you forget Lafayette?

What?

Have you an ounce of regret?
You accumulate debt, you accumulate power
Yet in their hour of need, you forget

Lafayette′s a smart man, he'll be fine
And before he was your friend, he was mine
If we try to fight in every revolution in the world
We never stop. Where do we draw the line?

So quick witted

Alas, I admit it

I bet you were quite a lawyer

My defendants got acquitted

Yeah, well someone ought to remind you

What?

You're nothing without Washington behind you

Hamilton!

Daddy′s calling!