Daveed Diggs is popular for his fast rapping and exciting stage presence. He played Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette in Hamilton and won a Tony Award for his role.
At the same tim, Leslie Odom Jr. is also one of the smooth and powerful singer who played Aaron Burr. He also won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Okieriete Onaodowan brought both strength and charm to his roles as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. He impressed audiences with his deep voice and strong acting. However, the Original Broadway Cast Ensemble includes skilled singers and dancers who helped make Hamilton a powerful and memorable show.
About the Song
What’d I Miss from the Hamilton musical is an upbeat, jazzy number that marks the return of Thomas Jefferson from France.
It blends historical storytelling with energetic rhythm and witty lyrics, setting the stage for political tension to come.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 25, 2015 |
| Album | Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) |
| Writer | Lin-Manuel Miranda |
| Producer | Bill Sherman, Alex Lacamoire, Questlove, Black Thought & Lin-Manuel Miranda |
Complete Lyrics of What’d I Miss
Seventeen. Se- se- seventeen…
Se- se- seventeen…
BURR
1789
How does the bastard orphan
Immigrant decorated war vet
Unite the colonies through more debt?
Fight the other founding fathers til he has to forfeit?
Have it all, lose it all
You ready for more yet?
Treasury Secretary. Washington’s the President
Ev’ry American experiment sets a precedent
Not so fast. Someone came along to resist him
Pissed him off until we had a two-party system
You haven’t met him yet, you haven’t had the chance
‘cause he’s been kickin’ ass as the ambassador to France
But someone’s gotta keep the American promise
You simply must meet Thomas. Thomas!
COMPANY
Thomas Jefferson’s coming home!
Thomas Jefferson’s coming home!
Thomas Jefferson’s coming home!
Thomas Jefferson’s coming home!
Thomas Jefferson’s coming home Lord he’s
Been off in Paris for so long!
Aaa-ooo!
Aaa-ooo!
JEFFERSON
France is following us to revolution
There is no more status quo
But the sun comes up
And the world still spins
ENSEMBLE
Aaa-ooo!
JEFFERSON
I helped Lafayette draft a declaration
Then I said, ‘I gotta go
I gotta be in Monticello.’
Now the work at home begins…
ENSEMBLE
Aaa-ooo!
JEFFERSON
So what’d I miss?
What’d I miss?
Virginia, my home sweet home, I wanna give you a kiss
I’ve been in Paris meeting lots of different ladies…
I guess I basic’lly missed the late eighties…
I traveled the wide, wide world and came back to this…
ENSEMBLE
Aaa-ooo!
JEFFERSON
There’s a letter on my desk from the President
Haven’t even put my bags down yet
Sally be a lamb, darlin’, won’tcha open it?
It says the President’s assembling a cabinet
And that I am to be the Secretary of State, great!
And that I’m already Senate-approved…
I just got home and now I’m headed up to New York
ENSEMBLE
Headin’ to New York!
Headin’ to New York!
JEFFERSON & ENSEMBLE
Lookin’ at the rolling fields
I can’t believe that we are free (Believe that we are free)
Ready to face
Whatever’s awaiting
Me in N.Y.C. (Me in N.Y.C.)
But who’s waitin’ for me when I step in the place?
My friend James Madison, red in the face
He grabs my arm and
I respond
“What’s goin’ on?”
(Aaa-ooo!)
MADISON
Thomas, we are engaged in a battle for our nation’s very soul
Can you get us out of the mess we’re in?
ENSEMBLE
Aaa-ooo!
MADISON
Hamilton’s new financial plan is nothing less
Than government control
I’ve been fighting for the South alone
Where have you been?
JEFFERSON
Uh…France
ENSEMBLE
Aaa-ooo!
MADISON
We have to win
JEFFERSON & ENSEMBLE
What’d I miss?
Wha? Wha? What’d I miss?
What’d I miss?
I’ve come home to this?
Headfirst into a political abyss!
Headfirst, into the abyss!
I have my first cabinet meeting today
Chik-a-pow!
I guess I better think of something to say
I’m already on my way (On my way)
Let’s get to the bottom of this… (What did I miss?)
Ahhh ah!
WASHINGTON
Mr. Jefferson, welcome home
HAMILTON
Mr. Jefferson? Alexander Hamilton
WASHINGTON AND ENSEMBLE
Mr. Jefferson, welcome home
COMPANY
Mr. Jefferson, welcome home
Sir, you’ve been off in Paris for so long!
JEFFERSON
So what did I miss?
Similar Songs Like What’d I Miss
If you enjoyed the upbeat, witty storytelling in What’d I Miss, you’ll love these other powerful songs from Hamilton.
- Alexander Hamilton: A bold opener that tells the story of a young immigrant who changes a nation with words, willpower, and drive.
- My Shot: This song is all about ambition and standing up for yourself. The beat and lyrics make you feel strong and ready.
- The Room Where It Happens: Fun, jazzy song about wanting power. It mixes charm and envy with fast lines and a catchy rhythm.
- Satisfied: An emotional and clever song told in reverse, showing how love and sacrifice can feel heavy even when unspoken.
Similar Artists Like Hamilton Cast
Here are some similar artists and cast recordings with bold vocals, narrative songwriting, and rich musical arrangements.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
Genres: Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Pop
Top Albums: In the Heights (2008), Hamilton (2015), Vivo Soundtrack (2021) - Ben Platt
Genres: Pop, Broadway, Vocal
Top Albums: Sing to Me Instead (2019), Reverie (2021) - Dear Evan Hansen Cast
Genres: Musical Theater, Pop
Top Albums: Dear Evan Hansen (2017), Deluxe Edition (2018) - Les Misérables Cast
Genres: Musical Theater, Classical Crossover
Top Albums: Les Misérables (1987 Original Broadway Cast), Les Misérables Live! (2010 25th Anniversary) - Sara Bareilles
Genres: Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Broadway
Top Albums: The Blessed Unrest (2013), What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress (2015), Amidst the Chaos (2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Humor Central to This Song’s Impact?
The song uses Jefferson’s ignorance for comic relief, giving the audience a break from Act I’s intensity while deepening political irony.
How does This Song Feel Different from The Rest of The Show?
It’s funnier and lighter, giving the audience a break after serious moments.
What Role does the Song Play in Act II?
It kicks off the shift from war to politics.
