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"History Has Its Eyes On You" is the 19th song of Act One of Hamilton.

Washington recounts his first battle experience and explains that no matter how hard you try and in how many ways you may succeed, you cannot alter your reputation in others' eyes. You are always watched and recorded by history itself.

Lyrics[]

[WASHINGTON]
I was younger than you are now
When I was given my first command
I led my men straight into a massacre
I witnessed their deaths firsthand
I made every mistake
And felt the shame rise in me
And even now I lie awake

[WASHINGTON (LAURENS/MULLIGAN)]
Knowing history has its eyes on me (Whoa oh oh…)
(Whoa…)
(Whoa…)
(Yeah)

[HAMILTON/WASHINGTON (COMPANY)]
History has its eyes on me (Whoa oh oh…)
(Whoa…)
(Whoa…)
(Yeah)

[WASHINGTON]
Let me tell you what I wish I'd known
When I was young and dreamed of glory
You have no control

[WASHINGTON & COMPANY]
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story

[WASHINGTON]
I know that we can win
I know that greatness lies in you
But remember from here on in

[WASHINGTON/HAMILTON & MEN(ENSEMBLE)]
History has its eyes on you (Whoa oh oh…)
(Whoa…)
(Whoa…)

[Full Company]
History has its eyes on you

Alternate versions[]

Soundboard Recording[]

  • Washington's first verse spells out his error during the French and Indian War:

[WASHINGTON]
I was younger than you are now
The year was 1754
I was given my first command
I triggered the French and Indian war
I made every mistake
And felt the shame rise in me
And even now I lie awake

Songs in Hamilton (Broadway Production)
Act One
Alexander Hamilton
Aaron Burr, Sir
My Shot
The Story of Tonight
The Schuyler Sisters
Farmer Refuted
You'll Be Back
Right Hand Man
A Winter's Ball
Helpless
Satisfied
The Story of Tonight (Reprise)
Wait For It
Stay Alive
Ten Duel Commandments
Meet Me Inside
That Would Be Enough
Guns And Ships
History Has Its Eyes On You
Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)
What Comes Next?
Dear Theodosia
Tomorrow There'll Be More Of Us
Non-Stop
Act Two
What'd I Miss
Cabinet Battle #1
Take A Break
Say No To This
The Room Where It Happens
Schuyler Defeated
Cabinet Battle #2
Washington On Your Side
One Last Time
I Know Him
The Adams Administration
We Know
Hurricane
The Reynolds Pamphlet
Burn
Blow Us All Away
Stay Alive (Reprise)
It's Quiet Uptown
The Election of 1800
Your Obedient Servant
Best of Wives and Best of Women
The World Was Wide Enough
Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story
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