First Burn

The song 'First Burn' from 'Hamilton: An American Musical' is a raw and emotional response to betrayal and heartbreak. It is sung from the perspective of Eliza Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The lyrics reflect Eliza's pain and disillusionment upon discovering Alexander's infidelity, which he made public in the Reynolds Pamphlet, a document that confessed his affair to protect his political career at the expense of his personal life.

The metaphor of Icarus flying too close to the sun, as mentioned by Angelica, Eliza's sister, symbolizes Alexander's reckless ambition and the consequences of his actions. Eliza's decision to burn the letters Alexander wrote to her signifies her attempt to erase the past and her presence from the narrative of his life, a powerful act of reclaiming her own story and dignity. The burning of letters is both literal and metaphorical, representing the destruction of their relationship and Eliza's transformation through the flames of betrayal.

The song also touches on the theme of legacy, as Eliza contemplates the impact of Alexander's actions on their children and how history will remember her reaction. 'First Burn' is a poignant reminder of the personal costs of public scandal and the strength it takes to move on from deep hurt. It's a testament to Eliza's character and her journey from a trusting wife to a woman scorned, who ultimately chooses to rise above the ashes of her pain.