The Art of Restraint and Release
Wait for It is the defining anthem for the character of Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Unlike the rapid-fire rapping of Alexander Hamilton, Burr's music is smooth, calculated, and simmering with internal tension. The challenge for a singer here is not just hitting the notes, but managing the "slow burn" of the song.
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the track draws heavily from dancehall and R&B influences. It stays primarily in the middle register for the verses but demands a powerful, sustained belt in the chorus and bridge. Let's look at how to navigate these transitions.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Vowels
On the repeated word "Wait," singers often pinch the sound, making it nasal. Open your jaw vertically and modify the vowel slightly towards "Weh-it" to keep the tone warm and resonant like Leslie Odom Jr.
Phase 1: The Simmering Verse
The song begins in Db Major. The verses ("Theodosia writes me a letter every day") require a clean, legato sound. You want to sound controlled, almost conversational, but with a musical pulse.
The Trap: Do not over-sing the beginning. The power of this song comes from the dynamic contrast. If you start at forte volume, you have nowhere to go when the chorus hits. Keep it mezzo-piano and focus on crisp diction.
Phase 2: The Chorus Build
The chorus ("Death doesn't discriminate") lifts the melody slightly. Here, you should engage your diaphragm more actively. The rhythm becomes more syncopated. The AI Coach looks for rhythmic precision here—you must be locked in with the beat, just slightly behind it to get that laid-back R&B feel.
Phase 3: The Climax (The Belt)
The bridge is the emotional peak. The line "I am the one thing in life I can control" ascends to the song's highest belting notes (reaching an Ab4/G#4). This is a test of vocal stamina.
To nail this, anchor your body and use a "calling" voice placement. Do not push from the throat. Imagine the sound projecting to the back of a theater. The note needs to be held with vibrato at the very end to release the tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note in the lead vocal is an Ab4 (G#4) on the word "one" in the bridge. There are ad-libs that may go higher depending on the performer.
Yes, this is an excellent song for Baritones and Baritenors. The range sits perfectly in the "money notes" of a high baritone voice. If the Ab4 is too high, you can transpose down -1 or -2 semitones in the app.
The phrases are long and legato. Practice taking quick, deep breaths through your mouth ("catch breaths") at punctuation points in the lyrics, rather than waiting until your lungs are empty.
