This month, all my A to Z Challenge posts will feature a song that is on my personal list of “deep cuts.” These are songs that my husband often razzes me about, that there’s no one else who has ever heard of them or is listening to them, or they’re songs that possibly are just not that mainstream. If we are of the same era or run in the same musical taste circles, none of these may seem that off the beaten path, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fun songs! Enjoy!

If you’re a Hamilton fan like I am, then today’s song isn’t likely to be anything new to you.

After seeing Hamilton in Chicago the first time, I immediately became obsessed with the soundtrack. I played it over and over and over again. I fell in love with all the songs, but the one song I fell in love with the first time I heard it performed on stage was “Burn.” Every word of the lyrics is masterful. And the pain and hurt and sadness in Eliza’s voice as she sings it caused an actual physical ache in my chest.

And then I learned about Hamidrops, and I came across “First Burn.” This is a first draft of the song “Burn” and while some of the lyrics in the 2 songs are the same, there are quite a few differences. But the biggest difference is the tone. While “Burn” is so sad it actually hurts to listen to it, “First Burn” is pissed off. It’s Eliza at the range stage of her pain at being so publicly betrayed by her husband. A fun fact is that the song was recorded by 5 different actresses who have played Eliza, so they were able to be in the character’s head enough to add proper emotion to the song.

If you’re unfamiliar with either song, I’m including both here for you to listen to and you can let me know if you prefer one to the other. Personally, I prefer “Burn” but “First Burn” really is so close behind it that it’s practically a tie!