The song “One Last Time” is from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical Hamilton. It’s a duet between the characters George Washington and Alexander Hamilton and appears in the second act of the show, which details Washington’s decision not to run for a third term as President. The public first got to hear the song in late 2015, when Hamilton debuted on Broadway.
The song’s music consists of an R&B melody bridging two more traditional-style Broadway numbers, while its lyrics drew from various historical documents, including lines from both Washington’s Farewell Address and correspondence between Washington and Hamilton. While issues of legacy, leadership, and humility are central to this track, I would also argue that it has a lot to do with questions America faces about its political future too.
One Last Time Lyrics by Hamilton:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | One Last Time |
| Musical | Hamilton |
| Lyricist/Composer | Lin-Manuel Miranda |
| Characters Singing | George Washington and Alexander Hamilton |
| Debut | 2015, as part of Hamilton on Broadway |
| Genre | R&B, Hip-Hop, and Musical Theater |
| Themes | Legacy, leadership, humility, the peaceful transfer of power |
| Historical Reference | Draws from George Washington’s Farewell Address |
| Significance in Show | Represents Washington’s decision to step down as President and his wisdom in shaping American democracy |
| Notable Lyrics | “If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on. It outlives me when I’m gone.” |
| Emotional Tone | Reflective, inspiring, and bittersweet |
| Cultural Impact | Highlights the importance of selflessness and leadership, resonating with historical and modern audiences. |
One Last Time Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I was a liar; I gave in to the fire
I know I should’ve fought it; at least I’m being’ honest
Feel like a failure ’cause I know that I failed you
I should’ve done you better ’cause you don’t want a liar
[Pre-Chorus]
And I know, and I know, and I know she gives you everything
But, boy, I couldn’t give it to you
And I know, and I know, and I know that you got everything
But I got nothing here without you
[Chorus]
So, one last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
One more time
I promise after that, I’ll let you go
Baby, I don’t care if you got her in your heart
All I really care is that you wake up in my arms
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
[Verse 2]
I don’t deserve it, I know I don’t deserve it
But stay with me a minute; I swear I’ll make it worth it
Can’t you forgive me? At least just temporarily
I know that this is my fault; I should’ve been more careful
orus]
And I know, and I know, and I know she gives you everything
But, boy, I couldn’t give it to you
And I know, and I know, and I know that you got everything
But I got nothing here without you, baby
[Chorus]
So, one last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
One more time
I promise after that, I’ll let you go
Baby, I don’t care if you got her in your heart
All I really care is that you wake up in my arms
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
[Bridge]
Yeah
I know I should’ve fought it; at least I’m being’ honest.
But stay with me a minute; I swear I’ll make it worth it, babe
‘Cause I don’t want to be without you. (Oh)
[Chorus]
So, one last time
I need to be the one who takes you home (Takes you home, babe)
One more time
I promise after that, I’ll let you go
Baby, I don’t care if you got her in your heart, babe
All I really care is that you wake up in my arms
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home, yeah
[Outro]
One last time
I need to be the one who takes you home
