That Would Be Enough by Phillipa Soo Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Layers of Love and Contentment
Lyrics
Look around, look around at how lucky we are
to be alive right now.
Look around, look around…
How long have you known?
A month or so.
Eliza, you should have told me.
I wrote to the General a month ago.
No.
I begged him to send you home.
You should have told me.
I’m not sorry.
I knew you’d fight
until the war was won
(The war’s not done.)
But you deserve a chance to meet your son.
Look around, look around
at how lucky we are to be alive
right now.
Will you relish being a poor man’s wife,
unable to provide for your life?
I relish being your wife.
Look around, look around…
Look at where you are
Look at where you started.
The fact that you’re alive is a miracle.
Just stay alive, that would be enough.
And if this child
Shares a fraction of your smile
or a fragment of your mind,
look out world!
That would be enough.
I don’t pretend to know
the challenges you’re facing.
The worlds you keep erasing and creating in your mind.
But I’m not afraid.
I know who I married.
So long as you come home at the end of the day
that would be enough.
We don’t need a legacy.
We don’t need money.
If I could grant you peace of mind,
If you could let me inside your heart…
Oh, let me be a part of the narrative
in the story they will write someday.
Let this moment be the first chapter:
where you decide to stay
and I could be enough
and we could be enough
that would be enough.
…
In the weaving melodies of the Broadway hit ‘Hamilton,’ a particular song stands out for its emotional depth and simplicity. Performed by Phillipa Soo, ‘That Would Be Enough’ is more than just a musical number—it’s a heartfelt declaration of unconditional love amidst the turbulent times of the American Revolution. Offering a vista into the historic yet intimate conversation between Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza, the song captures the essence of marital devotion and the enduring strength of contentment.
The number eschews the grandiosity often associated with Broadway productions, opting instead for a stripped-down poignancy that resonates with audiences worldwide. Phillipa Soo’s crystal-clear voice navigates through lyrics that speak of love, sacrifice, and the hopes tethered to new life. As we dissect the lyrics, we uncover themes of existential gratitude, the construct of legacy, and the timeless struggle for peace of mind.
The Eternal Gratitude for Existence
The recurring phrase, ‘Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now,’ encapsulates a profound appreciation of life. Soo’s gentle intonation reminds listeners to pause and appreciate the present moment—a sentiment that resonates now more than ever in our frenetic world. In the context of the late 18th century, where the song is set, this acknowledgment of life’s fragility speaks volumes against the backdrop of war and uncertainty.
Eliza’s tender plea for Alexander to simply ‘stay alive’ speaks to the core of human companionship, where the mere presence of one’s partner supersedes any materialistic or professional accomplishments. It’s a line steeped in raw emotion that challenges the listener to consider what truly matters when life’s scales tip towards the impermanent.
Navigating the Seas of Sacrifice
The song deftly explores the theme of sacrifice—Eliza’s silent strength and her willingness to forego revelations to ensure her husband’s focus on the greater good. When she says, ‘I’m not sorry. I knew you’d fight until the war was won,’ there’s a resilience that defines the character’s subtle yet significant role in her husband’s life and the American cause.
The narrative doesn’t idolize self-sacrifice; instead, it subtly questions the romanticization of suffering for loftier ideals. This nuanced take on sacrifice is what elevates the song beyond a mere period piece to a timeless reflection on the personal costs of ambition and duty.
Decoding the Song’s Hidden Poignancy
At first glance, ‘That Would Be Enough’ might seem like a simple melody, but it carries an undercurrent of layered meaning. It’s not just about love; it’s a portrayal of a partnership where ambition collides with affection, where the future is both feared and revered. Eliza’s reassurances offer Alexander solace from his restless quest for a lasting legacy.
When Eliza sings about her willingness to be ‘a part of the narrative in the story they will write someday,’ she’s not just speaking of her historical significance—she’s claiming her place as a foundational force in her husband’s narrative. This willingness to be part of each other’s stories, without overshadowing or diminishing one another, reverberates through the song’s harmonious composition.
Dissecting the Resonance in ‘That Would Be Enough’ Memorable Lines
‘If this child shares a fraction of your smile or a fragment of your mind, look out world!’—capturing the essence of inheritance beyond the material, these lines invoke the idea that the greatest legacy one can leave is intangible attributes like joy and intellect. It’s a profound contemplation on what we pass on to future generations, particularly poignant in a world often preoccupied with wealth and status.
The lyric ‘we don’t need legacy, we don’t need money’ then becomes a quiet but forceful rejection of societal norms that measure worth in assets rather than affection. Eliza embodies a person content with existential richness—fulfilled by the love and character of her kin, rather than external validation.
The Universality of Soo’s Emotional Delivery
Phillipa Soo’s rendition of ‘That Would Be Enough’ doesn’t just rely on linguistic expression—it’s imbued with a universal power that comes from raw emotional delivery. Her performance is a reminder that sometimes the most profound sentiments are those that are simple and sincere. The song bridges the gap between a historic past and a modern audience, making the themes universally applicable.
It urges listeners to evaluate their own lives, their own wars, and their own ambitions. In the vast tapestry of human experience, ‘That Would Be Enough’ rings as a clarion call to find satisfaction in what may seem mundane, to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to deem that, in love and life, being present, supportive, and content ‘would be enough.’
