Leslie Odom Jr. is an American actor and singer known for his powerful performances in musical theater, blending traditional Broadway with modern influences.

He gained global recognition for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the Broadway hit Hamilton, with his performance of The Room Where It Happens becoming a standout moment.

His ability to convey deep emotion and powerful storytelling through song, shown in Hamilton and his solo albums, establishes him as a major force in contemporary musical theater.

About the Song

The Room Where It Happens from Hamilton is a powerful song sung by Aaron Burr, played by Leslie Odom Jr. It captures Burr’s ambition and longing for power, highlighting his feelings of being left out of key decisions in history.

The energetic blend of jazz, hip-hop, and Broadway elements makes this song one of the musical’s most spirited and memorable moments.

The Room Where It Happens Lyrics

BURR

Ah, Mister Secretary

HAMILTON

Mister Burr, sir

BURR

Did you hear the news about good old General Mercer?

HAMILTON

No

BURR

You know Clermont Street?

HAMILTON

Yeah

BURR

They renamed it after him. The Mercer legacy is secure

HAMILTON

Sure

BURR

And all he had to do was die

HAMILTON

That’s a lot less work

BURR

We oughta give it a try

HAMILTON

Ha

BURR

Now how’re you gonna get your debt plan through?

HAMILTON

I guess I’m gonna fin’ly have to listen to you

BURR

Really?

HAMILTON

“Talk less. Smile more.”

BURR

Ha ha

HAMILTON

Do whatever it takes to get my plan on the Congress floor
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BURR

Now, Madison and Jefferson are merciless

HAMILTON

Well, hate the sin, love the sinner

MADISON

Hamilton!

HAMILTON

I’m sorry Burr, I’ve gotta go

BURR
But—

HAMILTON

Decisions are happening over dinner

BURR

Two Virginians and an immigrant walk into a room

BURR AND ENSEMBLE

Diametric’ly opposed, foes

BURR

They emerge with a compromise, having opened doors that were

BURR AND ENSEMBLE

Previously closed

ENSEMBLE

Bros

BURR

The immigrant emerges with unprecedented financial power
A system he can shape however he wants
The Virginians emerge with the nation’s capital
And here’s the pièce de résistance:

BURR & ENSEMBLE

No one else was in
The room where it happened
The room where it happened
The room where it happened
No one else was in
The room where it happened (The room where it happened)
The room where it happened
The room where it happened (The room where it happened)
No one really knows how the game is played (Game is played)
The art of the trade
How the sausage gets made (How the sausage gets made)
We just assume that it happens (Assume that it happens)
But no one else is in
The room where it happens (The room where it happens)

BURR AND COMPANY

Thomas claims—

JEFFERSON

Alexander was on Washington’s doorstep one day
In distress ‘n disarray

BURR AND COMPANY

Thomas claims—

JEFFERSON

Alexander said—

HAMILTON

I’ve nowhere else to turn!

JEFFERSON

And basic’ly begged me to join the fray

BURR AND COMPANY

Thomas claims—

JEFFERSON

I approached Madison and said—
“I know you hate ‘im, but let’s hear what he has to say.”

BURR AND COMPANY

Thomas claims—

JEFFERSON

Well, I arranged the meeting
I arranged the menu, the venue, the seating

BURR

But!
No one else was in—

BURR AND COMPANY

The room where it happened
The room where it happened
The room where it happened

BURR

No one else was in—

BURR AND COMPANY

The room where it happened
The room where it happened
The room where it happened

BURR & COMPANY

No one really knows how the
Parties get to yes (Parties get to yes)
The pieces that are sacrificed in (Ev’ry game of chesssss)
Ev’ry game of chess
We just assume that it happens (Assume that it happens)
But no one else is in (The room where it happens)
The room where it happens

BURR AND COMPANY

Meanwhile—

BURR

Madison is grappling with the fact that not ev’ry issue can be settled by committee

COMPANY

Meanwhile—

BURR

Congress is fighting over where to put the capital—

Company screams in chaos

BURR

It isn’t pretty
Then Jefferson approaches with a dinner and invite
And Madison responds with Virginian insight:

MADISON

Maybe we can solve one problem with another and win a victory for the Southerners, in other words—

JEFFERSON

Oh-ho!

MADISON

A quid pro quo

JEFFERSON

I suppose

MADISON

Wouldn’t you like to work a little closer to home?

JEFFERSON

Actually, I would

MADISON

Well, I propose the Potomac

JEFFERSON

And you’ll provide him his votes?

MADISON

Well, we’ll see how it goes

JEFFERSON

Let’s go

BURR

No!

COMPANY

—one else was in
The room where it happened

BURR AND COMPANY

The room where it happened
The room where it happened
No one else was in
The room where it happened
The room where it happened
The room where it happened

BURR

My God!

BURR AND COMPANY

In God we trust
But we’ll never really know what got discussed
Click-boom then it happened

BURR

And no one else was in the room where it happened

COMPANY

Alexander Hamilton!

BURR

What did they say to you to get you to sell New York City down the river?

COMPANY

Alexander Hamilton!

BURR

Did Washington know about the dinner?
Was there Presidential pressure to deliver?

COMPANY

Alexander Hamilton!

BURR

Or did you know, even then, it doesn’t matter
Where you put the U.S. Capital?

HAMILTON

Cuz we’ll have the banks
We’re in the same spot

BURR

You got more than you gave

HAMILTON

And I wanted what I got
When you got skin in the game, you stay in the game
But you don’t get a win unless you play in the game
Oh, you get love for it. You get hate for it
You get nothing if you…

HAMILTON AND COMPANY

Wait for it, wait for it, wait!

HAMILTON

God help and forgive me
I wanna build
Something that’s gonna
Outlive me

HAMILTON/JEFFERSON/MADISON/WASHINGTON & COMPANY

What do you want, Burr? (What do you want, Burr?)
What do you want, Burr? (What do you want, Burr?)
If you stand for nothing (What do you want, Burr?)
Burr, then what do you fall for? (What do you want?)

BURR

I, I wanna be in
The room where it happens
The room where it happens
I wanna be in
The room where it happens
The room where it happens

BURR & COMPANY

I, I wanna be in
The room where it happens
Wanna be (The room where it happens)
In the room where it happens (The room where it happens)
I (I wanna be in the room)
Where it happens
I wanna be in the room… (The room where it happens)
Oh (The room where it happens)
Oh (I wanna be in)
The room where it happens
I wanna be (The room where it happens)
I wanna be (The room where it happens)
I’ve got to be (I wanna be in)
I’ve got to be (The room where it happens)
In that room (The room where it happens)
In that big ol’ room (The room where it happens)

COMPANY

The art of the compromise—

BURR

Hold your nose and close your eyes

COMPANY

We want our leaders to save the day—

BURR

But we don’t get a say in what they trade away

COMPANY

We dream of a brand new start—

BURR

But we dream in the dark for the most part

BURR AND COMPANY

Dark as a tomb where it happens

BURR & COMPANY

I’ve got to be in
The room… (The room where it happens)
I’ve got to be…
The room where it happens
I’ve got to be…
The room where it happens
Oh, I’ve got to be in
The room where it happens… (The room where it happens)
I’ve got to be, I’ve gotta be (The room where it happens)
I’ve gotta be…
In the room! (I wanna be in the room)
Where it happens!
Click-boom! (Click-boom!)

Similar Songs Like The Room Where It Happens

For those who love The Room Where It Happens, here are a few similar songs that blend powerful storytelling, memorable melodies, and dramatic moments in musical theater.

• “Ex-Wives from SIX“: Featuring catchy hooks and engaging storytelling, the track highlights an energetic musical theater style that brings the history of Henry VIII’s wives to life.
• “La Vie Bohème from Rent“: With its lively tempo, the number captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and the artistic expression of a bohemian lifestyle.
• “Friend Like Me from Aladdin“: Blending jazz and showmanship, the track showcases catchy rhythms and memorable lyrics that create a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
• “Way Down Hadestown from Hadestown“: Inspired by New Orleans jazz, this musical uses atmospheric soundscapes and storytelling to evoke a sense of mystique and dramatic flair.

Similar Artists Like Leslie Odom Jr. 

These artists, like Leslie Odom Jr., are known for their beautiful performances and powerful vocals, blending musical theater with soul.

• Anthony Ramos
  Genres: Musical Theater, Pop
  Top Albums: The Good & The Bad (2019), Love and Lies (2022)
• Daveed Diggs
  Genres: Musical Theater, Hip-Hop
  Top Albums: Small Things to a Giant (2018), Blindspotting: The Album (2018)
• Jamie Cullum
  Genres: Jazz, Singer-Songwriter
  Top Albums: Twentysomething (2003), The Pursuit (2009), Momentum (2013)
• Christopher Jackson
  Genres: Musical Theater, R&B
  Top Albums: In the Heights (Original Broadway Cast Recording), Freestyle Love Supreme (2019)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Summary of The Room Where It Happens?

The Room Where It Happens from Hamilton expresses Aaron Burr’s frustration, ambition, and jealousy as he longs for influence in key political decisions, especially regarding Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

What Historical Event is The Room Where It Happens About?

The Room Where It Happens refers to the 1790 dinner between Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, where they negotiated the location of the U.S. capital in exchange for Hamilton’s financial plan.

Why does Burr Want to be in The Room Where It Happens?

Burr wants to be in The Room Where It Happens because he feels excluded from key political decisions.