Lin-Manuel Miranda, Okieriete Onaodowan, Leslie Odom Jr. & Christopher Jackson - No John Trumbull Lyrics

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Okieriete Onaodowan, Leslie Odom Jr. & Christopher Jackson Lyrics

"No John Trumbull"
(from "Hamilton: An American Musical" soundtrack)

[Burr:]
You ever see a painting by John Trumbull?
Founding fathers in a line, looking all humble
Patiently waiting to sign a declaration, to start a nation
No sign of disagreement, not one grumble
The reality is messier and richer, kids
The reality is not a pretty picture, kids
Every cabinet meeting is a full on rumble
What you 'bout to see is no John Trumbull

[Ensemble:]
John Trumbull

All humble

One grumble

John Trumbull

[Washington:]
Ladies and gentlemen, you coulda been anywhere in the world tonight
But you’re here with us in New York City
Are you ready for a cabinet meeting?

Gentlemen, Vice President John Adams sends his regards
He won't be joining us
He had to be home in Massachusetts for family reasons

[Madison:]
Tell him to stay home!

[Hamilton:]
He can do the same amount from there!

[Washington:]
Alright, alright, settle down!
Now...

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John Trumbull was an American artist, famous for his paintings of Revolutionary War heroes, including George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton.

The painting, which performers talk about at the beginnings of this song, is "Declaration of Independence", John Trumbull's most famous painting which is featured on the US two-dollar bill.

"Declaration of Independence" by John Trumbull portrays not the signing of the document, as many used to think, but the presentation of its first draft.

The line "He had to be home in Massachusetts for family reasons" is a hint to John Adams being very often absent from work. It is also noted in the other musical's songs such as "Take A Break" where Alexander Hamilton says, "John Adams doesn't have a real job anyway."

"No John Trumbull" lyrics

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Okieriete Onaodowan, Leslie Odom Jr. & Christopher Jackson Lyrics