Blog 8 Jake Holt

When asked to discuss writing with rhythm and sound, I can't help but to immediately think about Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda's incredible, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical has been the subject of my obsession for the better part of 2016. Musical theatre is already a big part of my life, and the inspiration I've gained from this work has driven me, already, to write some things I would never have believed I could write. 

Lin-Manuel has been repeatedly compared to Shakespeare. His use of syntax, vocabulary and hip-hop beats combine to create some of the most intricately constructed and fantastic songs ever known. 

This is one of my favorite lines from the show:

I’m in the cabinet. I am complicit in
Watching him grabbin’ at power and kiss it
If Washington isn’t gon’ listen
To disciplined dissidents, this is the difference:
This kid is out!

The sheer amount of rhymes he can seamlessly fit into a verse is shocking. If you find yourself wanting to study the rhythm of language, I would recommend listening to this play from start to finish. It's on Spotify.