Why is this song a reprise?

It brings back the melody and thematic material from “The Story of Tonight,” but recontextualizes it during Hamilton’s wedding, adding humor, tension, and foreshadowing.

What does Laurens’ solo line suggest?

Laurens singing “I may not live to see our glory” alone parallels Hamilton's earlier solo — both ultimately die before witnessing the fruits of their revolution.

Why does Burr’s presence change the mood?

His entrance interrupts the celebratory tone, introducing emotional restraint and secrecy — a clear counterpoint to the open exuberance of Hamilton’s crew.

Is Hamilton mocking or advising Burr?

A bit of both. Hamilton’s challenge to pursue love reflects his impulsive nature and disdain for Burr’s inaction — an ongoing motif between them.

What’s the significance of Burr’s line “I’ll see you on the other side of the war”?

It's a subtle farewell and emotional wall. He’s excusing himself — both physically and philosophically — from vulnerability and confrontation.

The Story of Tonight (Reprise) Lyrics – Hamilton

The Story of Tonight (Reprise) Lyrics

[LAURENS]
I may not live to see our glory!

[MULLIGAN/LAFAYETTE]
I may not live to see our glory!

[LAURENS]
But I’ve seen wonders great and small

[MULLIGAN/LAFAYETTE]
I’ve seen wonders great and small

[LAURENS]
‘Cause if the tomcat can get married

[MULLIGAN/LAFAYETTE]
If Alexander can get married—

[LAURENS]
There’s hope for our ass, after all!

[LAFAYETTE]
Raise a glass to freedom

[LAURENS/MULLIGAN]
Hey!
Something you will never see again!

[MULLIGAN]
No matter what she tells you

[LAFAYETTE]
Let’s have another round tonight!

[LAURENS]
Raise a glass to the four of us!

[LAFAYETTE/HAMILTON]
Ho!

[MULLIGAN]
To the newly not poor of us!

[LAURENS/LAFAYETTE/HAMILTON]
Woo!

[LAFAYETTE]
We’ll tell the story of tonight

[LAURENS]
Let’s have another round—

[HAMILTON]
Well, if it isn’t Aaron Burr

[BURR]
Sir!

[HAMILTON]
I didn’t think that you would make it

[BURR]
To be sure

[MULLIGAN/LAFAYETTE]
Burr!

[BURR]
I came to say congratulations

[MULLIGAN]
Spit a verse, Burr!

[BURR]
I see the whole gang is here

[LAFAYETTE]
You are the worst, Burr!

[HAMILTON]
Ignore them. Congrats to you, Lieutenant Colonel
I wish I had your command instead of manning George’s journal

[BURR]
No, you don’t

[HAMILTON]
Yes, I do

[BURR]
Now, be sensible
From what I hear, you’ve made yourself indispensable

[LAURENS]
Well, well, I heard
You’ve got a special someone on the side, Burr

[HAMILTON]
Is that so?

[LAURENS]
What are you tryin’ to hide, Burr?

[BURR]
I should go

[HAMILTON]
No, these guys should go

[LAFAYETTE]
What?

[LAURENS]
No!

[HAMILTON]
Leave us alone

[MULLIGAN]
Man…

[HAMILTON]
It’s alright, Burr. I wish you’d brought this girl with you tonight, Burr

[BURR]
You’re very kind, but I’m afraid it’s unlawful, sir

[HAMILTON]
What do you mean?

[BURR]
She’s married

[HAMILTON]
I see

[BURR]
She’s married to a British officer

[HAMILTON]
Oh shit…

[BURR]
Congrats again, Alexander. Smile more
I’ll see you on the other side of the war

[HAMILTON]
I will never understand you
If you love this woman, go get her! What are you waiting for?

[BURR]
I’ll see you on the other side of the war

[HAMILTON]
I’ll see you on the other side of the war
Last Update: May, 05th 2025

Song Overview

The Story of Tonight (Reprise) Lyrics video by Anthony Ramos, Okieriete Onaodowan, Daveed Diggs, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Leslie Odom Jr. — Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manuel Miranda and company sing the 'The Story of Tonight (Reprise)' lyrics in the music video.

Song Credits

Featured: Leslie Odom Jr., Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos
Producer: Bill Sherman, Black Thought, ?uestlove, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alex Lacamoire
Composer: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Release Date: 2015-09-25
Album: Hamilton: An American Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Genre: Broadway, Rap, Soundtrack
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Synthesizer, Percussion, Keyboards, Harp, Guitar, Drums, Cello, Bass, Banjo
Language: English
Label: Atlantic Records
Recorded At: Avatar Studios

Song Meaning and Annotations

Anthony Ramos performing song The Story of Tonight (Reprise) — Performance of 'The Story of Tonight (Reprise)' by Anthony Ramos and cast in the music video.

Raising glasses, lowering guards

“The Story of Tonight (Reprise)” is like a late-night toast gone slightly off-script — a rowdy celebration that slides into emotional excavation. It opens with a semi-drunken, fully heartfelt reprise of a revolutionary anthem, once solemn, now teasing.

[LAURENS] I may not live to see our glory!

That line — it's a loaded echo. Laurens says it solo, just like Hamilton did in the original version. That solitary declaration resonates deeper here, especially knowing Laurens won’t live to see the revolution's victory. It's foreshadowing by way of a drinking song. The crew — Laurens, Mulligan, Lafayette — are ribbing Hamilton for getting married, a playful jab turning the weighty “glory” of war into the absurd hope that even “our ass” might find love.

Burr enters the chat (and the storm)

Then comes a tonal shift, as Aaron Burr walks in. You feel it immediately. The camaraderie goes cold.

[BURR] She’s married to a British officer

Oof. This revelation introduces the theme of Burr’s concealed love life, contrasted against Hamilton’s loud, messy one. Here, Burr is reticent, secretive, restrained — all things Hamilton is not. This dissonance sets the stage for "Wait For It," where Burr unpacks that repression. The flirtatious jeering and toasts fade fast. Hamilton's challenge — “If you love this woman, go get her!” — isn’t just a dig. It's a window into the differences between these two men. Burr won’t act. Hamilton always does.

[HAMILTON] I will never understand you

And maybe that’s the whole tragedy of the show, nestled right in this short scene.

Similar Songs

Thumbnail from The Story of Tonight (Reprise) lyric video by Anthony Ramos, Okieriete Onaodowan, Daveed Diggs, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Leslie Odom Jr. — A screenshot from the 'The Story of Tonight (Reprise)' music video.

"Wait For It" – Leslie Odom Jr.
Thematically tethered and sequenced directly after, this song is Burr's full-length meditation on restraint. If "Story of Tonight (Reprise)" plants the seed of conflict, "Wait For It" lets it bloom. While the reprise features group energy and teasing, Burr's solo number is hushed, calculated, emotionally raw — but never messy.
"My Shot" – Lin-Manuel Miranda
The original firestarter anthem of ambition, "My Shot" mirrors the revolutionary bravado that the reprise gently parodies. Both songs share many cast members, but where "My Shot" shouts into history, the reprise murmurs across a bar table, reflecting on how the dream is morphing mid-revolution.
"Dear Theodosia" – Leslie Odom Jr. & Lin-Manuel Miranda
Later in the show, both Burr and Hamilton sing to their future children, revealing a tender overlap in their ideologies. The same contrast between emotional openness and guarded love found in the reprise echoes more gently but more personally in this lullaby-like song.

Questions and Answers

Scene from The Story of Tonight (Reprise) track by Anthony Ramos and cast — Visual effects scene from 'The Story of Tonight (Reprise)'.

Why is this song a reprise?: It brings back the melody and thematic material from “The Story of Tonight,” but recontextualizes it during Hamilton’s wedding, adding humor, tension, and foreshadowing.
What does Laurens’ solo line suggest?: Laurens singing “I may not live to see our glory” alone parallels Hamilton's earlier solo — both ultimately die before witnessing the fruits of their revolution.
Why does Burr’s presence change the mood?: His entrance interrupts the celebratory tone, introducing emotional restraint and secrecy — a clear counterpoint to the open exuberance of Hamilton’s crew.
Is Hamilton mocking or advising Burr?: A bit of both. Hamilton’s challenge to pursue love reflects his impulsive nature and disdain for Burr’s inaction — an ongoing motif between them.
What’s the significance of Burr’s line “I’ll see you on the other side of the war”?: It's a subtle farewell and emotional wall. He’s excusing himself — both physically and philosophically — from vulnerability and confrontation.

Awards and Chart Positions

The Hamilton soundtrack, including this track, won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album (2016).
Part of the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical Hamilton (11 wins, including Best Musical).
Certified multi-platinum by the RIAA for soundtrack sales.

Fan and Media Reactions

“The banter turns into something unexpectedly deep. Burr’s entrance hit me like a plot twist every time.” @broadwaybabe92

“Laurens singing that line alone… knowing what happens later makes this feel like a goodbye.” @histofan42

“They’re just roasting Hamilton and then BAM – here comes Burr with a heartache and a secret.” @narrativejunkie

“Every song in Hamilton has a purpose. This one? It builds a bridge between joy and tragedy.” @theaternerd88

“‘If you love this woman, go get her!’ Hamilton, sir, that’s not how feelings work for Burr.” @empathonstage

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