Hamilton drafts: Listen to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original demos from the hit musical

If you’ve been enjoying Hamilton on Disney+, here’s a look at how the hit musical was put together.

Early demos and drafts from the early days of Hamilton have been shared online, featuring composer Lin-Manuel Miranda singing pretty much every part.

They show how the musical came to life and the changes that were made in the writing process as the show made its way to Broadway.

And if you’re interested in more, be sure to check out Miranda’s book Hamilton: The Revolution which offers a backstage pass to the musical.

Say No To This

Lin performs all the parts in this early draft of Say No To This which features an alternative start of the song without Aaron Burr and a callback to Satisfied.

 

Helpless

This early version of Helpless is very different to the one we know today, it even has a different title: This One’s Mine.

 

Satisfied

In this early version of Satisfied is performed by Miranda (with some choice backing vocals). While most of the lyrics are the same as in the final show, notably Angelica’s three realisations are in a different order.

Guns & Ships

Performed by Miranda, this draft comes from 2014.

 

Take A Break

This demo of Take A Break comes back from 2013 and features Miranda in all the parts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IOGpV1K-gc

 

My Shot

This early version of My Shot features a rap by Hercules Mulligan which later became part of Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down).

 

Non-Stop

An early version of the Act 1 closer with some additional lyrics to the final version in the show.

About the author: Rachel Wise

UK based freelancer journalist Rachel contributes regularly to Stageberry with features and interviews from the hottest new shows and stage stars.