"Cabinet Battle #2" is the 7th song of Act Two of Hamilton and the 30th song of the musical overall. It is a part two of "Cabinet Battle #1".
Secretary Jefferson & Secretary Hamilton debate again, this time over whether America should assist France in their revolution against Britain. Jefferson, having been the ambassador to France, votes to aid France. Hamilton however, argues that America is not strong enough to fight another war again and that they should not get involved in foreign affairs, breaking the agreement they had with France, and resolving to stay out of it.
Later, Jefferson tells Hamilton that the only reason for his success is that Washington is constantly supporting Hamilton.
Lyrics:[]
[WASHINGTON]
The issue on the table: France is on the verge
of war with England, and do we provide aid and our
troops to our French allies or do we stay out of it?
Remember, my decision on this matter is not subject to
congressional approval. The only person you have to convince
is me. Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir
[JEFFERSON]
When we were on death's door, when we were needy
We made a promise, we signed a treaty
We needed money and guns and half a chance
Uhh, who provided those funds?
[MADISON]
France
[JEFFERSON]
In return, they didn't ask for land
Only a promise that we'd lend a hand
And stand with them if they fought against oppressors
And revolution is messy but now is the time to stand
Stand with our brothers as they fight against tyranny
I know that Alexander Hamilton is here
And he would rather not have this debate
I'll remind you that he is not Secretary of State
He knows nothing of loyalty
[ENSEMBLE MAN]
Nothing!
[JEFFERSON]
Smells like new money, dresses like fake royalty
Desperate to rise above his station
Everything he does betrays the ideals of our nation
[ENSEMBLE]
Ooh!!
[JEFFERSON]
Hey, and if ya don't know
Now you know, Mr. President
[WASHINGTON]
Thank you, Secretary Jefferson. Secretary Hamilton, your response
[HAMILTON]
You must be out of your GODDAMNmind
If you think the President is gonna
Bring the nation to the brink of
Meddling in the middle of a military mess
A game of chess, where France is
Queen and Kingless
We signed a treaty with a King
Whose head is now in a basket
Would you like to take it out and ask it?
"Should we honor our treaty, King Louis' head?"
"Uh, do whatever you want, I'm super dead!"
[ENSEMBLE]
(frenzied chatter)
[WASHINGTON]
Enough. Hamilton is right
[JEFFERSON]
Mr. President—
[WASHINGTON]
We're too fragile to start another fight
[JEFFERSON]
But, sir, do we not fight for freedom?
[WASHINGTON]
Sure, when the French figure out who's gonna lead 'em
[JEFFERSON]
The people are leading
[WASHINGTON]
The people are rioting
There's a difference, frankly
It's a little disquieting you would
Let your ideals blind you to reality
Hamilton?
[HAMILTON]
Sir
[WASHINGTON]
Draft a statement of neutrality
[JEFFERSON]
Did you forget Lafayette?
[HAMILTON]
What?
[JEFFERSON]
Have you an ounce of regret?
You accumulate debt, you accumulate power
Yet in their hour of need, you forget
[HAMILTON]
Lafayette's a smart man, he'll be fine
And before he was your friend, he was mine
If we try to fight in every revolution in the world, we never stop
Where do we draw the line?
[JEFFERSON]
So quick-witted
[HAMILTON]
Alas, I admit it
[JEFFERSON]
I bet you were quite a lawyer
[HAMILTON]
My defendants got acquitted
[JEFFERSON]
Yeah. Well, someone oughta remind you
[HAMILTON]
What?
[JEFFERSON]
You're nothing without Washington behind you
[WASHINGTON]
Hamilton!
[JEFFERSON]
Daddy's calling