Cabinet Battle #2 lyrics

[WASHINGTON]

The issue on the table: France is on the verge of war with England, and do we provide aid and 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

[JEFFERSON]

When we were on death’s door, when we were needy

We made a promise, we signed a treaty

We needed money and guns and half a chance

Uh, who provided those funds?

[MADISON]

France

[JEFFERSON]

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

[ENSEMBLE]

Ooh!!

[JEFFERSON]

Hey, and if ya don’t know, now ya know, Mr. President

[WASHINGTON]

Thank you, Secretary Jefferson. Secretary Hamilton, your response

[HAMILTON]

You must be out of your Goddamn mind if you think

The President is gonna 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

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’ head?”

“Uh… do whatever you want, I’m super dead.”

[WASHINGTON]

Enough. Hamilton is right

[JEFFERSON]

Mr. President—

[WASHINGTON]

We’re too fragile to start another fight

[JEFFERSON]

But sir, do we not fight for freedom?

[WASHINGTON]

Sure, when the French figure out who’s gonna lead ‘em

[JEFFERSON]

The people are leading—

[WASHINGTON]

The people are rioting

There’s a difference. Frankly, it’s a little disquieting you would let your ideals blind you to reality

Hamilton

[HAMILTON]

Sir

[WASHINGTON]

Draft a statement of neutrality

[JEFFERSON]

Did you forget Lafayette?

[HAMILTON]

What?

[JEFFERSON]

Have you an ounce of regret?

You accumulate debt, you accumulate power

Yet in their hour of need, you forget

[HAMILTON]

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?

[JEFFERSON]

So quick-witted

[HAMILTON]

Alas, I admit it

[JEFFERSON]

I bet you were quite a lawyer

[HAMILTON]

My defendants got acquitted

[JEFFERSON]

Huh. Well, someone oughta remind you

[HAMILTON]

What?

[JEFFERSON]

You’re nothing without Washington behind you

[WASHINGTON]

Hamilton!

[JEFFERSON]

Daddy’s calling!

• Artist:Hamilton (Musical)
• Album:Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording)