I Know Him

In the song "I Know Him" from the musical *Hamilton: An American Musical*, the character of King George III provides a satirical commentary on the political transition in the newly formed United States. The song is set during the time when George Washington decides to step down from the presidency, a move that surprises King George III. The king's bewilderment and sarcasm highlight the novelty and uncertainty of democratic leadership transitions, especially from the perspective of a monarch who is accustomed to lifelong rule.

King George III's reaction to John Adams becoming the next president is both dismissive and mocking. He recalls Adams as a minor figure from their past interactions, referring to him as "that little guy who spoke to me all those years ago." This belittling tone underscores the king's disbelief that someone he considers insignificant could rise to such a powerful position. The line "That poor man, they’re gonna eat him alive!" reflects King George's skepticism about Adams' ability to handle the pressures of leadership, especially in comparison to the revered George Washington.

The recurring lines "Oceans rise, empires fall" serve as a reminder of the transient nature of power and the inevitable changes that come with time. King George's gleeful anticipation of the chaos he expects to ensue in the American political landscape reveals his cynicism and perhaps a bit of schadenfreude. The song's playful and somewhat sinister tone captures the complexities and challenges of political succession, while also providing a humorous critique of the American experiment in democracy from an outsider's perspective.