"Schuyler Defeated" is the 6th song of Act Two of Hamilton, and the 29th song in the musical overall.
Burr switches political parties and becomes a Democratic-Republican for personal status, and overthrows Hamilton's father-in-law Philip Schuyler's seat in the Senate. Hamilton is shocked that Burr would do this, even more so that it was merely for personal gain. Burr drives a divide between the men as they now reside on opposing parties.
Lyrics[]
[PHILIP]
Look! Grandpa's in the paper!
"War hero Philip Schuyler loses senate
seat to young upstart Aaron Burr"
Grandpa just lost his seat in the senate
[ELIZA]
Sometimes that's how it goes
[PHILIP]
Daddy's gonna find out any minute
[ELIZA]
I'm sure he already knows
[PHILIP]
Further down
[PHILIP & ELIZA]
Further down
[PHILIP]
Let's meet the newest senator from New York
[ELIZA]
New York
[PHILIP & ELIZA]
Our senator...
[HAMILTON]
Burr?
Since when are you a Democratic-Republican?
[BURR]
Since being one put me on the up and up again
[HAMILTON]
No one knows who you are
Or what you do
[BURR]
They don't need to know me
They don't like you
[HAMILTON]
Excuse me?
[BURR]
Oh, Wall Street thinks you're great
You'll always be adored by the things you create
But upstate—
[HAMILTON]
Wait
[BURR]
—people think you're crooked
Schuyler's seat was up for grabs so I took it
[HAMILTON]
I've always considered you a friend
[BURR]
I don't see why that has to end
[HAMILTON]
You changed parties to run against my father-in-law
[BURR]
I changed parties to seize the opportunity I saw
I swear, your pride will be the death of us all
Beware, it goeth before the fall
Alternate versions[]
- On the Soundboard Recording, the plot of the song is significantly different: Eliza and Philip rush into the city upon learning the news of Schuyler's defeat, finding Hamilton in the midst of confronting Burr over the recent election and ushering him away.
[PHILIP]
Look! Grandpa's in the paper!
"War hero Philip Schuyler in danger of
losing senate seat to young upstart Aaron Burr"
Grandpa might lose his seat in the senate
[ELIZA]
I thought he was unopposed?
[PHILIP]
Not according to the paper he isn't
[ELIZA]
Go make sure the door is closed
[PHILIP]
Further down
[PHILIP/ELIZA]
Further down
[PHILIP]
See Schuyler has a challenger from New York
[ELIZA]
New York
[PHILIP/ELIZA]
For senator
Burr!
[ELIZA]
I gotta go, I gotta find Alexander
[PHILIP]
Let him know we're on his side
[ELIZA]
No! He’ll consider this a personal slander
I’ve gotta stop a homicide!
[PHILIP]
Oh!
[ELIZA]
Look around
[PHILIP/ELIZA]
We should look around
[ELIZA]
Let’s go and find your father down in New York
[PHILIP]
New York
[HAMILTON]
Burr!
Since when are you a Democratic-Republican?
[BURR]
Since being one put me on the up and up again (hah)
[HAMILTON]
No one knows who you are
Or what you do
[BURR]
They don't need to know me
They don't like you
[HAMILTON]
Excuse me?
[BURR]
Oh, Wall Street thinks you're great
You'll always be adored by the things you create
But upstate you’re the rascal who trades away the capitale—
[HAMILTON]
Wait
[BURR]
—The asshole who taxes the a-a-alcohol!
[HAMILTON]
I've always considered you a friend
[BURR]
I don't see why that has to end
A senate seat was up for grabs and I took it
It’s not my fault people think you’re crooked
[HAMILTON]
You’re gonna make a fool of me through my father in law?
[BURR]
There’s the kid who almost shot Charles Lee in the jaw
My god, your pride will be the death of us all
Beware, it goeth before the fall!
[ELIZA]
Alexander, there you are
[HAMILTON]
Eliza?
[ELIZA]
You forgot your papers
Mister Burr, good sir, it’s been so long
How are the Theodosias?
[BURR]
As a matter of fact, my wife has taken ill
[ELIZA]
I’m not surprised, what with the chill
You’ll send her our regards
[BURR]
I will
[ELIZA]
And how’s your daughter?
[BURR]
She’s my pride and joy
Fluent in French- and Latin!
[PHILIP]
So am I!
[BURR]
She’s the same age as your boy
[HAMILTON]
Yeah, one day he’ll run Manhattan
[ELIZA]
We must be going, Burr
But send your girls our love
[BURR]
Nice to meet your son
[HAMILTON]
We’re not done, mister Burr, sir!
[ELIZA]
Hon
[BURR]
If I were you I’d stick with her, sir