Stay Alive (Reprise)

The song 'Stay Alive (Reprise)' from the musical 'Hamilton: An American Musical' is a heart-wrenching moment that captures the grief and despair of Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza as they confront the mortal injury of their son, Philip Hamilton. The song is set in the aftermath of a duel in which Philip was shot, reflecting a historical event where Philip Hamilton died in 1801 after participating in a duel to defend his father's honor.

The lyrics convey the urgency and desperation of the situation, with Alexander Hamilton rushing to his son's side, only to find that the young man is gravely wounded and the prognosis is grim. The repetition of 'Stay alive' serves as a plea from the parents to their son, emphasizing their hope against the odds. The intimate exchange between father and son, where Philip recalls following his father's advice during the duel, is particularly poignant, highlighting the tragic irony that the advice meant to protect him ultimately led to his downfall.

The song also touches on the tender memories of Eliza teaching Philip to play piano, a symbol of the innocence and joy that has been lost. The counting in French, 'Un deux trois quatre, cinq six sept huit neuf,' which Philip struggles to complete, represents both a callback to his childhood and the slipping away of his life. The song ends without resolution, leaving the audience in the grip of the family's sorrow and the stark reality of the consequences of violence.