When I first listened to the Hamilton soundtrack, I was captivated by the storytelling, the energy, and the sheer genius of the lyrics. I didn’t expect it to become one of my go-to sources of inspiration as a small business owner… but here we are.

There’s something about the ambition, resilience, and raw emotion in these songs that speaks to the entrepreneurial journey. Whether it’s the hunger to prove yourself, the pressure to leave a legacy, or the importance of owning your uniqueness, Hamilton somehow captures it all.

In this post, I’m sharing the Hamilton lyrics that have stuck with me through late-night work sessions, early morning brainstorming, and moments of self-doubt—and how they’ve helped me stay grounded and motivated in business. If you’re a fellow small business owner, I hope you’ll see yourself in these lines too.

Let’s dive in. And it’s totally OK to hum along. 😉

Alexander Hamilton

This song lays the foundation for just how much of an underdog Alexander Hamilton truly was. He shouldn’t have survived his childhood—born out of wedlock, orphaned, and raised in the Caribbean—but he fought his way out and went on to become one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

“Just you wait,” he says, determined to rise above his circumstances and prove himself.

As someone who always dreamed of escaping my hometown and moving to NYC*, the line “In New York, you can be a new man” hit me hard the first time I heard it. It’s a reminder that we aren’t defined by where we start, but by how far we’re willing to go.

* I never moved to NYC, opting to move to Chicago right after college instead. Perhaps I should start mentally changing the lyrics to “In Chicago, you can be a new woman.”

Aaron Burr, Sir

Talk less
Smile more

During his duet with Aaron Burr, we see a clear contrast between Burr’s and Hamilton’s philosophies, as well as the early formation of Hamilton’s convictions. Hamilton believes in speaking up and standing firm in your beliefs, while Burr advises caution, warning that those who talk too much often wind up dead. (Foreshadowing much?)

While I don’t typically agree with Burr’s “play-it-safe” approach, I do think there’s wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to listen—especially in business. Not every moment calls for a pitch or a strong opinion. Sometimes, the most powerful move you can make is to pause, observe, and learn.

Finding the balance between conviction and composure is part of what makes a strong leader.

My Shot

I’m young, scrappy and hungry.

Need I say more? Whenever I’m feeling down or questioning myself, I put on this song to remember why I started. I’m always hungry for more. More growth, more impact, more possibility.

I’m often tired, but….

I’m not throwing away my shot.

And then there are the quieter lines that hit just as hard:

Oh, am I talkin’ too loud?
Sometimes I get over-excited, shoot off at the mouth
I never had a group of friends before
I promise that I’ll make y’all proud

If you’re a small business owner, chances are these words feel familiar. The excitement, the self-doubt, the need for connection—it’s all part of the journey. That’s why having a network of other supportive small business owners is so essential. We get it. We’ve been there. And we’re rooting for each other every step of the way.

Seeing Hamilton on Broadway with my best friend in 2022.

You’ll Be Back

You say our love is draining, and you can’t go on
You’ll be the one complainin’ when I am gone

Whether it was a Mad King, a Mad Boss, or something a little more subtle, there’s a reason you left your day job. You knew you were meant for more, and you dared to walk away and build something of your own.

These lyrics hit especially hard when you’re doubting yourself or wondering if it’s all worth it. Belting them out is a reminder: you’re not going back. You’re forging your own path. And you’re going to fight for your business no matter what comes your way.

Right Hand Man

For me, this song all comes down to one line:

Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.

Of course, no one’s suggesting we lay down our lives for our businesses, but the meaning still resonates. It would be easy to walk away, to go back to the comfort and stability of a day job. But showing up every day as a small business owner? That takes grit. That takes heart.

It’s harder. But I like to believe it’s also more rewarding.

Choosing to build something of your own, even when it’s tough, is an act of courage, and that’s what this line reminds me of every time I hear it.

Helpless

Eliza, I don’t have a dollar to my name
An acre of land, a troop to command, a dollop of fame
All I have is my honor, a tolerance for pain
A couple of college credits and my top-notch brain

Sure, Helpless is about Hamilton and Eliza falling in love, but these lines always remind me that small business is one of the great equalizers.

You don’t need a wealthy background. You don’t need a fancy degree. You just need resilience, grit, and a sharp mind. Honor and a high tolerance for the (usually mental) pain of entrepreneurship will carry you far. If you’ve got the brains and the drive, there’s room at the table, and you can build something incredible from the ground up.

Wait For It

Before I started writing this post, I wouldn’t have listed “Wait For It” as one of my favorite Hamilton songs. But as I revisited the lyrics, I realized it’s a song I quote to myself all the time.

“I am the one thing in life I can control.”

As a small business owner, so much is out of your hands, including clients, algorithms, sales, supply chains, and so much more. But your reaction? That’s all you. The way you show up, work through challenges, and keep pushing forward—that’s within your control.

I am inimitable
I am an original

It’s easy to get caught up on social media, comparing yourself to others and thinking your business may not measure up to the competition. But, more often than not, people are utilizing your business because of YOU. You’re the piece that can’t be replaced. You are inimitable. You are original.

Hamilton doesn’t hesitate
He exhibits no restraint
He takes and he takes and he takes
And he keeps winning anyway
He changes the game
He plays and he raises the stakes

Even though Burr sings these words with a mix of awe and envy, I can’t help but relate. As a business owner, I get that relentless drive. The inability to turn your brain off. The emails on vacation. The ideas scribbled during your kid’s soccer game. The push to keep going when no one’s watching.

I wouldn’t say I’m “winning” all the time–usually I’m doing little more than treading water– but I do think that to survive in business, you need to tap into that same kind of hunger. That killer instinct. That refusal to back down.

That Would Be Enough

Look at where you are
Look at where you started

When you’re deep in the day-to-day hustle of running a business, it’s easy to focus on what’s not done, what’s next, or what’s going wrong. But these lyrics are a gentle reminder to pause, take a breath, and acknowledge just how far you’ve come.

Whether it’s been six months or six years since you started, you’ve grown, evolved, and achieved more than you probably give yourself credit for. Don’t forget to celebrate the progress, even the messy, imperfect kind.

History Has Its Eyes on You

In this song, Hamilton secures something priceless—mentorship from George Washington. And then comes the line that will always stick with me:

Greatness lies in you

For Hamilton, an orphan who fought for every opportunity, this moment is pure validation. Someone sees his potential. Someone believes in him.

And honestly? That’s something every small business owner needs from time to time. When you’re juggling a million responsibilities and questioning whether you’re doing enough, hearing someone say, “Greatness lies in you” can be the push that keeps you going.

It’s a reminder that even when things feel uncertain, you’ve got what it takes.

Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)

When you knock me down I get the f— back up again!

Ah, Hercules Mulligan. Honestly, he might be the unofficial spokesperson for small business owners everywhere. Because if there’s one thing entrepreneurship guarantees, it’s setbacks. But what defines us isn’t the fall—it’s the bounce back.

This line? It’s our rallying cry. For every failed product launch, every no-show client, every tech disaster, every moment of doubt… we keep showing up. We get back up. Again and again.

And again.

Because that’s what small business owners do.

What Comes Next?

You’ve been freed
Do you know how hard it is to lead?
You’re on your own
Awesome, wow!
Do you have a clue what happens now?

Once again, King George delivers the sass and somehow ends up speaking directly to every small business owner who’s just left the safety of a steady paycheck.

Because, yes. It is hard to lead. It’s hard to make every decision. It’s hard to be the one in charge of everything. And most of us don’t know exactly what we’re doing in the beginning.

But just like the newly independent United States, we figure it out. We stumble, we learn, we adapt. We build our own systems. We find our way.

Leaving your day job might feel like a leap into the unknown, but trust me: You’re more capable than you think. You’ve been freed. Now, go lead.

Dear Theodosia

The first time I saw Hamilton, I had two children under the age of two, and this song hit me hard.

I’m dedicating every day to you

That lyric—and the way Leslie Odom Jr. delivers it—pierces my heart every time. Because for so many of us, that’s exactly what this is about. We build businesses not just for ourselves, but for our families and the next generation. We dedicate the long hours, the mental energy, and the sacrifices to them.

My father wasn’t around (my father wasn’t around)
I swear that I’ll be around for you
I’ll do whatever it takes (I’ll make a million mistakes)
I’ll make the world safe and sound for you

Whether it’s about creating financial stability, reclaiming our time, or choosing a lifestyle that gives us more presence with our kids, small business ownership can be a path to a better life for the people we love most.

If we lay a strong enough foundation
We’ll pass it on to you, we’ll give the world to you
And you’ll blow us all away

Entrepreneurship can be life-changing, not just for you, but for the next generation. Maybe your children will one day take over the business. Maybe they won’t. But either way, laying a strong foundation today ensures that what you’re building can grow, thrive, and serve others long after you’re gone.

It’s not just about profit. It’s about legacy.

Non-Stop

How to account for his rise to the top?
Man, the man is
Non-stop!

Non-Stop is another anthem for ambitious small business owners. How do you rise to the top? You keep going.

Day after day.

Challenge after challenge.

You show up. You hustle. You don’t stop.

But the song also delivers a warning.

Why do you assume you’re the smartest in the room?
Soon that attitude may be your doom

Hamilton’s relentless ambition is inspiring, but it also becomes his Achilles’ heel. And for small business owners, this is the line we walk every day. Confidence is essential. You have to believe in yourself to launch, lead, and grow. But too much confidence can lead to blind spots, rash decisions, or burned bridges.

Success comes from grit, yes, but also from wisdom. From knowing when to push and when to pause. When to speak and when to listen. Being “non-stop” isn’t just about doing more… it’s about doing better.

Cabinet Battle #1

You don’t have the votes
You don’t have the votes
Ah ha ha ha
You’re gonna need congressional approval and you don’t have the votes

One of the most appealing parts of running a small business? You get to call the shots. No meetings. No bureaucracy. No waiting for approval.

But, eventually, most business owners reach a point where they need to collaborate. That might mean taking on a partner, hiring a team, or seeking outside expertise. Standing firm in your beliefs is important. But so is learning how to compromise, listen, and adapt. Because sometimes… You won’t have the votes. And that’s okay, as long as you’re willing to work with others to move things forward.

Take a Break

Take a break
Take a break and get away
Run away with us for the summer

As someone who’s worked for herself since 2013, I can tell you that one of the hardest things about owning a small business is taking a break. When your business relies entirely on you, stepping away can feel impossible. Emails pile up. Deadlines loom. There’s always more to do.

But here’s what I’ve learned: the most valuable thing I can do for my business is take time away from it.

I need time with my family. I need space to think. I need rest, perspective, and the chance to reconnect with what matters most. When I take a real break, I come back sharper, more focused, and more creative.

You don’t have to run away for the whole summer (though that sounds amazing), but you do deserve time to breathe.

The Room Where it Happens

Do whatever it takes to get my plan on the Congress floor

Sometimes, building a business means working with people you don’t necessarily like or agree with. It’s just part of the deal. Whether it’s clients, collaborators, vendors, or even business partners, you won’t always see eye to eye.

But if this line reminds us of anything, it’s that progress often requires compromise. You can stay true to your values and learn to navigate different perspectives. That’s how plans move forward. That’s how businesses grow.

Schuyler Defeated

Sometimes I’m inspired by entire songs in Hamilton, and sometimes it’s just one-off lines that stick out to me, like this one from “Schuyler Defeated:”

I swear your pride will be the death of us all
Beware, it goeth before the fall

As I’ve said before, it takes an incredible amount of confidence to start and run a small business. You have to believe in your vision. You have to advocate for yourself. You have to take risks others might never dream of taking.

But I also believe it’s just as important to stay grounded.

Most of us don’t have a lifelong rival like Hamilton had in Burr, but unchecked pride can still trip us up. It can keep us from asking for help. It can blind us to feedback. It can isolate us.

Confidence will take you far. But humility? That’s what helps you last.

One Last Time

My 8-year-old daughter is Hamilton-obsessed, so between her enthusiasm and my own, I’ve seen the stage production twice, watched it on Disney+ more times than I can count, and practically have the soundtrack memorized.

Out of all the songs, “One Last Time” is the one that means the most to me.

The people will hear from me
One last time
And if we get this right
We’re gonna teach ‘em how to say
Goodbye

There are so many lessons to take from Hamilton, but this one—knowing when to walk away—might be the hardest of all.

We see it everywhere. In politics, leaders cling to power long past their prime. In small businesses, owners refuse to hand over the reins or close shop even when the time is right. We equate stepping down with failure, but it’s not. Sometimes, the most courageous, graceful thing we can do is to let go.

We are inimitable. We are originals. But we are also replaceable—and that’s okay.

Saying goodbye doesn’t mean your impact ends. It means you’ve made space for someone else to rise.

The Election of 1800

While most of the small business lessons in Hamilton stem from Alexander’s actions, “The Election of 1800” shifts the spotlight to Aaron Burr as he runs for President against Thomas Jefferson.

Throughout the show, Burr’s whole strategy has been to stay neutral, including never picking sides and never saying too much. But that approach finally catches up with him when Hamilton throws his support behind Jefferson, his other longtime rival.

I have never agreed with Jefferson once 
We have fought on like 75 different fronts 
But when all said and all is done
Jefferson has beliefs; Burr has none

And that’s the crux of it: Jefferson stands for something. Burr stands for nothing.

As small business owners, we can’t afford to be Burr. Playing it safe might seem like a smart move, but in the long run, people want to know what you stand for. They want to believe in your why. Your values, your voice, and your convictions are what set your business apart.

So stand tall in what you believe. Because, in the end, that’s what earns trust and builds something that lasts.

The World Was Wide Enough

Legacy! What is a legacy?
It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see

This line takes my breath away every time I hear it.

So many of us start small businesses not just to pay the bills, but to build something lasting. Perhaps it’s not our only reason, but deep down, we all hope that what we create will live beyond us. That it will leave an imprint. That it will matter.

We want to plant seeds, even if we never see the full bloom.

And then, in the show’s final moments, Aaron Burr delivers another gut punch:

I was too young and blind to see
I should’ve known, I should’ve known
The world was wide enough for both Hamilton and me

This line resonates deeply with what we often tell small business owners at Start Something Studio: There is room for everyone.

You don’t have to compete. You don’t have to undercut. You don’t have to build your brand by tearing someone else’s down. The world is wide enough. The market is wide enough. There are more than enough customers, ideas, and opportunities to go around.

Your legacy doesn’t have to be built in a vacuum. It can grow alongside others.

Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story

Alexander Hamilton was far from perfect. He made mistakes. He pushed too hard. He burned bridges. But in the end, after Burr kills him, it’s not his flaws that people remember. It’s what he built. It’s the systems he created, the legacy he left, the dreams he dared to chase.

As small business owners, we don’t know how we’ll be remembered. Most of us won’t rewrite the financial structure of a nation, but we do show up every day to build something that matters. We support our communities. We create jobs. We leave our mark in ways both big and small.

And when my time is up
Have I done enough?
Will they tell your story?

We may not know the answer yet. But every day that we show up, strive, and serve we’re writing that story.

Your Story Matters

The Hamilton soundtrack isn’t just Broadway brilliance; It’s a source of deep inspiration for small business owners. It reminds us that ambition, grit, creativity, and community are the forces that drive change and build lasting legacies. These songs aren’t just catchy; They’re a rallying cry for those of us doing big things in our own small corners of the world.

At Start Something Studio, we believe in supporting the dreamers, the doers, and the small business owners who are building something meaningful. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your next big idea, we’re here to help you tell your story.

Our mission is to help women-owned businesses grow through strategy, design, and connection. From branding and website design to social media management and marketing workshops, we offer the support you need to move forward with confidence and clarity.

If this blog post resonated with you, you’re one of us. And we’d love to work with you.

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