Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story

Let me tell you what I wish I'd known

When I was young and dreamed of glory

You have no control

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

President Jefferson

I'll give him this, his financial system is a work of genius

I couldn't undo it if I tried

And I've tried

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

President Madison

He took our country from bankruptcy to prosperity

I hate to admit it

But he doesn't get enough credit for all the credit he gave us

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story

Every other founding fathers' story gets told

Every other founding father gets to grow old

And when you're gone, who remembers your name?

Who keeps your flame?

Who tells your story?

Who tells your story?

Who tells your story?

(Eliza)

I put myself back in the narrative

(Eliza)

I stop wasting time on tears

I live another 50 years

It's not enough (Eliza)

I interview every soldier who fought by your side

(She tells our story)

I try to make sense of your thousands of pages of writings

You really do write like you're running out of time

I rely on Angelica

While she's alive, we tell your story

She is buried in Trinity Church near you

When I needed her most, she was right on time

And I'm still not through

I ask myself, what would you do if you had more time

The Lord, in his kindness

He gives me what you always wanted

He gives me more time

I raise funds in D.C. for the Washington Monument

(She tells my story)

I speak out against slavery

You could have done so much more if you only had time

And when my time is up, have I done enough?

Will they tell your story?

Oh, can I show you what I'm proudest of?

(The orphanage)

I established the first private orphanage in New York City

(The orphanage)

I help to raise hundreds of children

I get to see them growing up

(The orphanage)

In their eyes I see you, Alexander

I see you every time

And when my time is up

Have I done enough?

Will they tell your story?

Oh, I can't wait to see you again

It's only a matter of time

Will they tell your story? (Time)

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story? (Time)

Will they tell your story? (Time)

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?