“Wait for It,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and sung by Leslie Odom Jr, is track 13 of Hamilton: An American Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) released on September 25, 2015. Aaron Burr, the foil to Alexander Hamilton, is the star of the song and takes the audience on a journey through his past. Miranda uses Burr’s backstory, lyrical and musical composition, and emotional richness to highlight the complexity of humans and how people are not all “bad” or all “good.” 

      To start, the lyrics of “Wait for It” immediately give insight into a personal aspect of Burr’s life. The song opens with Burr singing about his lover Theodosia: “Theodosia writes me a letter every day / I’m keeping the bed warm while her husband is away” and continues shortly after with “[a]nd if there’s a reason I’m by her side / When so many have tried / Then I’m willing to wait for it” (0:10-18, 0:41-46). These lines show a sense of vulnerability from Burr. His willingness to wait for Theodosia is evidence of his deeper emotional capacity, indicating how he is able to be patient and committed to her. Then, the song reveals the hardships Burr has endured, specifically through the loss of his parents: “When they died they left no instructions / Just a legacy to protect” (1:07-10). This lyric sheds light on a feeling of responsibility that Burr carries regarding living life. He carries a caution with him which explains how his actions are not driven mainly by ambition, but a combination of fear, love, and survival. This makes it easy to empathize with Burr, and acknowledge the pain that fuels his character’s decisions, or at least gain a better understanding of him. 

      Moving away from the lyrics, the sound and production of the song contributes to the meaning in a different way. For example, “when the drums first pound their way in at 1:31… the sheer level and sense of punch delivers a genuine element of surprise” (The Mix Review). The listener had to wait for that surprise which almost reinforces the idea that life is unpredictable because they weren’t expecting it. The drums, mix of voices, and sped-up tempo at the chorus reflects the chaos of Burr's attempts at taking opportunities and risks. The use of ensemble voices adds stronger backing that additionally enhances the song’s emotional impact. Lines like “preacher… preacher” create an echoing effect that leaves Burr’s thoughts and feelings lingering (0:54-56). Burr’s perspective is amplified and encouraged by the supporting voices. In Volume 12, Issue 2 of the Studies in Musical Theatre, Stacy Wolf states that Eliza’s “singularity is especially striking when compared to other solo numbers that nonetheless get the ensemble’s support, such as Burr’s ‘Wait for It’” (Wolf 175). This comparison highlights how Burr as a character is not as isolated as he may seem. The echo shares his point of view with the audience, validates it, and leaves a lasting effect on the listener. 

      Culturally and historically, “Wait for It” reflects broader themes of ambition and the fear of inadequacy. Miranda has expressed that “Burr is every bit as smart as Hamilton, and every bit as gifted, and he comes from the same amount of loss as Hamilton. But because of the way they are wired Burr hangs back where Hamilton charges forward. I feel like I have been Burr in my life as many times as I have been Hamilton” (Mead). Like Miranda, many people find themselves in situations where they have to balance ambition with caution which can lead to moments of doubt and reflection. This makes “Wait for It” resonate deeper because it’s not just about the history of Aaron Burr or Alexander Hamilton—it is a personal and universal narrative that everyone can experience. 

      The themes of love, death, and life flow throughout the song and further connect Burr’s experiences to those of everyday individuals. For example, there is a repeating phrase that is spaced out in the song: “love doesn’t discriminate,” “death doesn’t discriminate,” and “life doesn’t discriminate” (0:30-32, 1:11-13, 2:39-2:40). There is a progression of how the delivery of the line changes as time goes on. “Love doesn’t discriminate” is sung by only Burr with a calmer, slower voice whereas “life doesn’t discriminate” is sung faster and louder along with an accompanying ensemble. This addition of vocals creates a sense of community and togetherness. Love, death, and life are inherent aspects of being human and the listener travels through Burr’s experience of feeling them (love through Theodosia, death through his parents, and life through Hamilton). 

      To conclude, “Wait for It” humanizes Aaron Burr, moving away from the notion that in storytelling, in this case musicals, the foil to the main character should be viewed solely in a negative light. Miranda inspires listeners to reflect on the dualities within others and themselves. Ultimately, the song can be a reminder that people are all capable of both good and bad, and understanding that complexity can create a more comprehensive and compassionate view of history and humanity. 

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