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Lin-Manuel Miranda - Burn (from Hamilton)

"Burn" is a song from the musical "Hamilton," created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Here are some interesting facts about the song:

  1. Emotional Power: "Burn" is one of the most emotionally charged songs in the musical. Eliza Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton's wife, sings it after discovering her husband's affair with Maria Reynolds. The song explores her heartbreak and her decision to burn the letters she exchanged with Hamilton to protect her family's reputation.

  2. Philippa Soo's Performance: Philippa Soo, who originated the role of Eliza Hamilton on Broadway, delivered a powerful and heart-wrenching performance of "Burn." Her performance earned widespread acclaim and added to the song's emotional impact.

  3. Foreshadowing: "Burn" foreshadows the tragic events to come in Eliza and Alexander Hamilton's life. The act of burning the letters symbolizes the destruction of their personal history and sets the stage for the challenges their marriage will face.

  4. The Slow Burn: The song's slow and deliberate tempo adds to the intensity of the moment. It allows the audience to fully absorb the emotions Eliza is experiencing as she sings about her pain and betrayal.

  5. Eliza's Growth: "Burn" is a turning point for Eliza's character. It marks the moment when she takes control of her narrative and decides to define her legacy on her terms, rather than letting others dictate it.

  6. Musical Composition: Lin-Manuel Miranda's composition in "Burn" is hauntingly beautiful, with a simple piano accompaniment that emphasizes the raw emotion of the lyrics. It's a departure from some of the more energetic and rap-heavy songs in the musical.

  7. Historical Inspiration: While "Hamilton" takes creative liberties with historical events, the essence of the song is rooted in real history. Eliza Hamilton did burn her correspondence with Alexander, and historians believe this was to protect her husband's reputation after his death.

  8. Stage Production: The stage production of "Burn" is visually stunning. During the song, Eliza burns the letters one by one, and the burning letters are represented by delicate pieces of paper that float away, creating a mesmerizing and symbolic visual effect.

  9. Character Evolution: Eliza's journey in "Burn" is emblematic of her growth throughout the musical. She starts as a young, naive woman in love and transforms into a strong, resilient figure who ultimately shapes the narrative of her husband's life.

  10. Audience Reaction: "Burn" often leaves audiences in tears due to the raw emotion and vulnerability conveyed by Eliza in her performance. It's a pivotal moment in the musical that resonates deeply with viewers.

"Burn" is a pivotal and emotionally charged song in the "Hamilton" musical, showcasing the talent of both the composer and the performer while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the power of personal agency.

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