The Meaning Behind The Song: Wait For It by Leslie Odom, Jr. & Original Broadway Cast of “Hamilton” - Beat Crave (2024)

The song “Wait For It” by Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Original Broadway Cast of “Hamilton” is a powerful and introspective soliloquy performed by Aaron Burr. It is featured midway through the first act of the show. The song was written by the renowned composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and is part of the highly acclaimed album “Hamilton: An American Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)” released in 2015. With its release, the song quickly became a favorite among fans and critics alike.

The lyrics of “Wait For It” delve into Burr’s character and reflect on his philosophy towards life and success. The opening lines reveal that Burr’s love interest, Theodosia, writes him a letter every day, while her husband is away fighting on the British side in Georgia. Despite the challenges they face, Burr firmly declares that Theodosia belongs to him.

The song explores the themes of love, perseverance, and waiting for one’s turn. Burr acknowledges that love doesn’t discriminate between sinners and saints; it takes and takes, but people keep loving anyway. The lyrics touch on the ups and downs of life, the mistakes made, and the willingness to wait for what is meant to be.

Burr’s perspective is intertwined with his family background, as he reflects on his fire and brimstone preacher grandfather and his genius mother and respected father. The legacy left by his parents without instructions serves as a motivation for Burr to protect and build upon their foundation.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that death and life do not discriminate, as both take and take, but people continue to live and make mistakes. Burr ponders on the reason why he is still alive when so many who loved him have passed away, concluding that he is willing to wait for what lies ahead.

The song’s title, “Wait For It,” echoes throughout the lyrics, emphasizing the importance of patience and resilience. The repetition of the phrase throughout the song adds to its powerful impact, underscoring Burr’s determination to face life’s challenges with fortitude.

For me, “Wait For It” holds a profound meaning that resonates with my own experiences. There have been moments in my life when I felt as though everyone around me was moving forward, achieving success, and reaching milestones while I remained stagnant, waiting for my turn to come. It can be disheartening to witness others’ accomplishments, but this song reminds me that everyone has their own journey. It teaches me to trust in the timing of my life and to have faith that my turn will come when the time is right.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of “Hamilton,” spoke about the philosophy behind “Wait For It” in an interview with The New Yorker. He mentioned how many of us have seen friends and colleagues surpass us in various aspects of life, yet we must tell ourselves to “Wait for it.” Miranda considers this one of the best songs he has ever written and praises Leslie Odom, Jr. for his exceptional performance in capturing the essence of Burr’s character.

The song’s production and arrangement play a significant role in conveying its message. The beat during the first half of the song resembles dancehall reggae, creating a unique and captivating rhythm. Additionally, the visuals and staging of the song in the musical further reinforce Burr’s lyrics and philosophy. The ensemble, usually active and dancing throughout the show, sits in chairs surrounding Burr during the performance, portraying the act of waiting as they “wait for it.”

“Wait For It” is a song that embodies the human experience, reminding us to remain patient and resilient in the face of adversity. It serves as a personal anthem for many, imparting a message of hope and determination. As we navigate through the ups and downs of life, we can find solace in these lyrics and find the strength to wait for our own moments of triumph.