Exploring the Significance of "The Schuyler Sisters" from Hamilton
Song Credits
- Featuring Artists: Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica), Phillipa Soo (Eliza), Jasmine Cephas Jones (Peggy), Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr)
- Producers: Bill Sherman, ?uestlove, Alex Lacamoire, Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Composer and Writer: Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Release Date: 2015
- Label: Atlantic Records
- Musical Genre: R&B, Soul, Show Tune
- Album: Hamilton: An American Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
- Language: English
- Mood: Energetic, Empowering
Song Meaning
"The Schuyler Sisters" introduces audiences to Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy Schuyler, highlighting their distinct personalities and perspectives. Set against the backdrop of revolutionary New York City, the song showcases the sisters' intelligence, curiosity, and desire to be part of the changing world around them.
Historical Context and Inspiration
Lin-Manuel Miranda crafted this number to reflect the Schuyler sisters' progressive attitudes and their engagement with contemporary political ideas. The song portrays them as active participants in the social and intellectual currents of their time, rather than passive bystanders.
Musical Style and Composition
Drawing inspiration from contemporary R&B and hip-hop, the song features tight harmonies and rhythmic patterns reminiscent of groups like Destiny's Child. This modern musical approach bridges the 18th-century setting with 21st-century sensibilities, making the historical content more relatable to today's audiences.
Key Themes and Messages
The song emphasizes themes of female empowerment, intellectual pursuit, and social awareness. Angelica's line, "I'm looking for a mind at work," underscores her desire for intellectual equals, while the sisters' collective curiosity leads them to explore the revolutionary fervor of New York City.
Imagery and Metaphors
The recurring motif of "work" serves as both a literal and metaphorical call to action, reflecting the sisters' determination to engage with and influence the world around them. Additionally, references to foundational American texts, such as "We hold these truths to be self-evident," connect the sisters' aspirations to the broader revolutionary ideals.
In the 18th-century urban spaces of New York City, the concept of "slummin' it with the poor" was prevalent, with elites and middle classes visiting urban slums to observe the poor in their natural habitat. This social and philanthropic phenomenon developed in the mid- to late-19th century, particularly in the slums of New York City and London.
Carriages were used as elegant means of transportation, creating a physical barrier between wealthy people and the people outside. Gawking, the act of hanging one's jaw open to expose one's inner mouth, was considered rude and could lead to confrontation. However, from within a carriage, wealthy people could gawk without fear. Columbia University, which would later become King's College, was still located in downtown Manhattan at the time, right by City Hall.
Columbia University was the only American college to remain loyal to the crown during the Revolutionary War, so the debates at City Hall's Commons were fiery. Columbia didn't move to Midtown until 1857 and then to Morningside Heights in 1897. Aaron Burr, an advocate for women's education, underestimated the wits and confidence of the "rich folks" downtown.
Philip Schuyler's family had deep roots in the province of New York, with large, diverse landholdings and business interests. By the time of the Revolution, his business interests had achieved an intense level of vertical integration, including the harvesting of farm and forest products on his extensive Hudson Valley estates and shipping them to New York on his own sloops and schooner. Schuyler was also deeply involved in the commercial development of New York, overseeing the construction of saw mills, gristmills, and New York's first flax mill.
The Schuyler sisters were introduced in this order only once, to fit the upcoming rhyme with "guys at." Everywhere else, they are announced from oldest to youngest (Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy). The repeated "Work, work" lines may be inspired by similar ones in the Contours' 1962 song "Do You Love Me," which was written by director Tommy Kail and directed by Tommy Kail.
The Schuyler sisters' presence in the city allowed them to see them in a non-romantic place, just as the rich educated daughters of one of the richest dudes in New York, and it served as a love letter to New York.
The Schuyler Sisters is a musical that explores the lives of three sisters, Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy. Angelica is the first to introduce herself to the audience, becoming the driving force behind the song and eventually becoming an influential force behind Alexander. Her immediate prominence sets the tone, emphasizing her influence over her sisters and her forward-thinking attitude towards life.
The sisters' name motifs are used throughout the show, with each character being introduced in order of age and meeting Hamilton. The interconnectedness of the sisters' motifs is used in a particularly heartbreaking way at Hamilton's death. The sisters' names are sung in a way that reflects their family structure and importance in the show. They are introduced in order of age (oldest to youngest) and in the order in which they meet Hamilton.
Peggy plays a stereotypical youngest sibling who is much more nervous than her sisters about attracting their parents' disapproval. The actress playing Peggy is dual cast as Maria Reynolds, so Peggy's excessive demureness acts as an ironic contrast to Maria's louche come-ons. The music begins low with the first syllable of Angelica's name, peaks a minor tenth higher at the middle syllable of Eliza's name, and drops back down to the same low note for the last syllable of Peggy's name. This places them in a musical triangle, with Eliza at the apex, appropriate for the sister who is most prominent in the show.
The theme of independence throughout the song is continued throughout the show, with the sisters not needing any man's approval, not even their father's. "Like I said, you're free to go" could also be Eliza telling Peggy that if she is uncomfortable with disobeying their father, she can go back home.
Angelica sings the first fragment of the melody, which is later completed by Eliza and becomes one of her principal motifs. The song is similar to Jay Z's "Empire State of Mind" and has been performed on Broadway, Lincoln Center, and other venues.
The line "it's bad enough" has an ambiguity due to the interpretation of "it's bad enough." Peggy's goody two-shoes character may intend the latter interpretation. Additionally, the rhyme of "bad e-" with "Daddy" in Peggy's first lines shows that she might be more complex than she seems, as she is a Schuyler.
In the story of the Schuyler sisters, Eliza, Peggy, and Angelica, each represents different schools of thought at the time. Angelica leads the charge as a voice of dissent, while Peggy represents the old views that the colonies should maintain the status quo. The character Peggy must effectively "die out" at the same point in the show where the colonies gain their independence.
Angelica sings the first fragment of the melody, which is later completed by Eliza, and will become one of her principal motifs. She replies with the singular I, indicating that she is known for her intelligence and seeks the same in a future partner. However, Eliza doesn't pay close attention to the pronouns, and she takes Angelica's response as advice and finds herself a man with a mind at work, the brilliant Hamilton.
The lyrics have very similar word choice to The Lovin' Spoonful's “Summer in the City.” Burr, as narrator, reprises this line later in “Say No To This,” a summer some years later when Alexander begins another romance. The use of perfume as a status symbol dates back as far as Ancient Egypt. The enlightenment brought delicate scents in vogue, especially among the well-heeled noble classes. In particular, Louis XV, who had died two years earlier in 1774, loved perfume. His court was known as “la cour parfumée,” and used fragrance extravagantly. It wouldn't be until the late 1800s, when synthetic compounds were discovered, that perfume could be mass-produced. Even so, the cachet of certain scents remained well into the 20th and 21st century.
The back and forth banter that starts this section is reminiscent of Positive K’s 1992 hit “I Got a Man.” The line “searchin for an urchin who can give you ideals” invokes a Humans-of-New-York vibe where rich people gawk at the lives of the poor / wealthy students go to a developing country for a summer and “volunteer” to develop “ideals.” Burr mistakenly sees the (rich) Schuyler sisters as no more than these voyeuristic wealthy kids in the slums, using poor people as inspiration. Angelica wants an urchin to give her ideals, but Burr doesn't want him.
Angelica's pronunciation and intonation in “I’m insane” is evocative of Nicki Minaj’s iconic verse on Kanye West’s “Monster.” This is not the only Nicki Minaj reference in Angelica’s material; see “Satisfied” for a more direct reference to her “Super Bass.”
In 1776, women's education was considered unnecessary and inappropriate in colonial America. Girls were given a basic education but could only attend master's schools if there was room. The Schuyler Sisters, Angelica, Alexander, and Eliza, are depicted on stage as the company orbits them, revolving around them. They quote one of the most famous lines in the Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, and challenge Jefferson for the document's androcentric language. This could be referencing numerous early feminist works on women's rights, such as the Seneca Falls Conference's "Declaration of Rights and Sentiments" which included a line that all men and women are created equal.
Angelica and her sisters show that they are educated, well-read, and on the pulse of the current political movement, and also declare themselves to be feminists. Eliza's theme is introduced, and it recurs in both word and melody several times throughout the show. This line is an important tie between the past being depicted on stage and the present being experienced by the audience. Eliza refers to being lucky because of the progress and enlightenment in this time period, and in "That Would Be Enough," she repeats it in reference to surviving the war when so many have died.
Miranda's anthem to New York has a series of internal (false) rhymes, mirroring the hustle and bustle of the city. New York was grittier, with more prostitution and drinking, but also more focused on commerce, more open to people of different cultures, and culturally more open to "self-made men." This openness and competition were major factors behind New York's ascension to greatness.
By the end of the musical, the sisters have heard the news about the Declaration of Independence, as there are 26 known copies of the original document still in existence. On July 4, 1776, multiple copies of the original document were made with the intent of "going viral" and being read aloud in town squares, so that even people who couldn't read would know what was happening.
Songs with Similar Themes
- "Independent Women" by Destiny's Child: This anthem celebrates female independence and self-sufficiency, mirroring the empowerment themes present in "The Schuyler Sisters." Both songs highlight women's agency and their proactive roles in shaping their destinies.
- "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" by Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin: This track underscores women's liberation and equality, aligning with the Schuyler sisters' portrayal as forward-thinking and socially conscious individuals.
- "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan (and later Whitney Houston): Celebrating the multifaceted nature of womanhood, this song resonates with the diverse personalities and strengths of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy as depicted in the musical.
Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the repeated use of "work" in the song?
- The term "work" functions on multiple levels: it reflects the sisters' industrious nature, and their desire to contribute meaningfully to society, and serves as a nod to contemporary expressions of empowerment.
- How does the song portray the dynamics between the sisters?
- The song highlights Angelica's leadership and intellect, Eliza's compassion and curiosity, and Peggy's cautiousness, showcasing a spectrum of responses to the revolutionary environment.
- In what ways does the song blend historical and modern elements?
- By incorporating modern musical styles and contemporary language, the song creates a bridge between the 18th-century setting and today's audience, making historical figures accessible and relatable.
Awards and Chart Positions
While "The Schuyler Sisters" as an individual track did not chart separately, the Hamilton cast recording achieved significant success, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2016.
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans and critics alike have praised "The Schuyler Sisters" for its infectious energy, strong harmonies, and empowering message. The song has become a fan favorite within *Hamilton*, standing out for its modern sound and celebration of female voices in a historically male-dominated narrative.
Critics have noted the song's ability to introduce complex ideas about gender, history, and social change in an engaging and accessible way. The playful, confident delivery of Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy has drawn comparisons to contemporary girl groups, reinforcing their status as early feminists within the story.
Notable Media Comments
“This track is the musical’s most unapologetically fun moment, yet it carries deep historical weight, positioning the Schuyler sisters as intellectuals and revolutionaries in their own right.”
“Angelica’s ‘I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel’ is one of the most cheer-worthy lines in the entire show, a direct call for gender equality wrapped in an R&B-inspired anthem.”
“A perfect blend of history and modern empowerment, ‘The Schuyler Sisters’ is the rare Broadway song that feels just as at home on a pop playlist as it does in the theater.”
Fan Interpretations
Many fans have embraced the song as an anthem of feminism and intellectual ambition. Angelica’s outspoken nature and drive have made her a particularly beloved character, with her call for gender inclusion in Thomas Jefferson’s writings resonating across generations.
Eliza’s role in the song has also drawn attention, as it foreshadows her deep emotional core and her future contributions to Hamilton’s legacy. Meanwhile, Peggy’s limited presence in the song has inspired countless jokes and memes, turning her brief appearances into a cultural phenomenon within the *Hamilton* fandom.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Since its debut, “The Schuyler Sisters” has been performed at numerous public events, including Broadway concerts and televised award shows. The song’s modern relevance continues to spark discussions about women’s roles in history and their contributions to revolutionary movements.
The track has also inspired covers and reinterpretations by artists from various genres. From jazz adaptations to a-cappella renditions, musicians have found unique ways to bring new life to the song while maintaining its core message of empowerment and progress.
Beyond music, the song has been referenced in political and activist circles, often quoted in discussions about gender equality and representation. Its line “I’m looking for a mind at work” has been particularly embraced by women in leadership and academia as a rallying cry for recognition and opportunity.
Final Thoughts
“The Schuyler Sisters” is more than just an introduction to three important characters in Hamilton —it is a bold statement about intelligence, ambition, and social change. With its vibrant melody, sharp lyrics, and unforgettable performances, the song continues to inspire audiences, reinforcing the power of women’s voices in both history and the present day.
As musical maintains its status as a cultural juggernaut, this track remains one of its most beloved moments, proving that history, when told through the right lens, can be as thrilling and impactful as any modern movement.