Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2015 Commencement Address

Lin-Manuel Miranda is the Tony and Grammy-winning composer-lyricist of Broadway’s In the Heights, which received four 2008 Tony Awards, with Miranda receiving a Tony Award for Best Score, and a nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
In The Heights was a finalist for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The show’s first incarnation was staged at the ’92 Theater at Wesleyan in 2000. Miranda is also the co-composer/co-lyricist of Broadway’s Bring it On: The Musical, which received a 2013 Tony nomination for Best Musical. His latest stage work is Hamilton, a musical based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, which had its world premiere at the Public Theater in New York City in 2015.
Along with composer Tom Kitt, Miranda won the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy for Best Original Music and Lyrics for their work on the 67th Annual Tony Awards. Additionally, Miranda is a co-founder and member of Freestyle Love Supreme, a popular hip-hop improv group that launched its own television series on Pivot TV in 2014. (Read a Broadway.com Q&A here)
Miranda has appeared in New York City Center’s “Encores!” productions of Merrily We Roll Along and tick, tick… BOOM! His television and film credits include Sesame Street, The Electric Company, The Sopranos, House, Modern Family, Smash, How I Met Your Mother, The Odd Life of Timothy Green and 200 Cartas. A 2002 graduate of Wesleyan, he lives in New York City with his wife and son. (AB)

[@kaylaslack9276]

"I AM NOT THROWING AWAY MY SHOT -- contrast this with Burr" Casual 👌🏻

[@katrinab494]

OMG just imagine Lin Manuel Miranda rapping at your graduation

[@jennajez]

Katrina Bolinder I would CRY

[@alexanderhamilton5291]

Katrina Bolinder please!

[@mattdillon849]

Omg i would be freaking out and be screaming at lin lol-

[@churbum]

i would be running in circles lmao

[@DanyMeza]

Pride is not the word I'm looking for.

[@sivanisudhakaran3067]

There is so much more inside me now

[@nanoq3391]

I like how he could have just summarized My Shot but no he went ahead and rapped all of it and if that doesn't sum lmm up, I don't know what does

[@lilykate2292]

He not only does he give an amazing speech thats beautiful and inspiring but he also like casually plugs Hamilton and I love it.

[@ashleytowk5036]

+Lily Kate Gwin gotta get that plug haha

[@laurathornton1456]

+Ashley Towk when you are in the midst of writing/producing something that means so much to you as Hamilton does it colors everything else in your life. That being said, what LMM says is absolutely the truth.

[@daniswidhiatmojo3]

He's a fucking sellout. I love him.

[@megasauruss]

+Galuh Widhiatmoyo he's not a sellout?

[@syda7506]

i want to reach out i and fix his hat

[@newbegin1]

"You'll always be rushing and waiting at the same time." Lin-Manuel Miranda

[@creepcake3971]

Aaron waits for it.. Alexander feels like he's running out of time..

[@jennajez]

CreepCake OMG THE CLOCK TICKING IT JUST CLICKED.....

[@AstonCulf]

I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory...

[@kirstyfernandes1421]

CreepCake The ironic part of it is, the one moment in life when they switched, is when Hamilton died. Hamilton waited, Burr didn’t. For the first time ever, Hamilton waited and decided what he would do, he never thought that Burr would kill him, they were kind of frenemies, it didn’t politically advance Burr to kill Hamilton, and Hamilton knew from earlier that Burr didn’t believe in duels and that Burr thought that a man losing his life in a duel was stupid - So Hamilton aimed at the sky, thinking Burr would see it, would see that Hamilton had conceded the fight, and they could all go home. But to Hamilton’s surprise, Burr took immediate action and shot first. If Burr had waited, he would have seen Alexander point to the sky and they all would have walked away - Burr had already shot the gun when he saw Alexander had aimed for the sky, Burr instantly regretted his choice, but it was too late. Hamilton - He aims his pistol at the sky! Burr - WAIT! Burr never meant to kill him, he was aiming for the shoulder, but as Burr sings in the song, he had really shitty aim and hit Alexander square between his ribs. When he saw what he’d done, he tried to go over to Hamilton to help him, but he was lead away. Shooting someone who aimed at the sky, at that point in time, was equivalent to shooting an unarmed man, it was murder - so Burr’s friends told him to get the hell out of there and lay low, as Hamilton was taken away. Hamilton was taken to Angelica’s house which was nearest to the duel site and Angelica called Eliza over, and despite heroic efforts from his doctor, Hamilton died something like 30 hours after he was shot. Alexander always felt like he was running out of time, maybe something in him knew, his days were gonna be short.

[@oliverdelgado8802]

i feel like im running out of time too but most people do its just idk what to do with my life either and idk how im gonna go to college or university because my family doesnt have money but we'll see gl to you all

[@mckenna8663]

What i wouldn't have GIVEN for him to have BEEN my freshman orientation leader.

[@zacandashleys1fan]

Yeah but this is a graduation speech... So he's speaking at a graduation... Not a freshman orientation

[@mayawoni]

AHfan they're talking how well he gave this speech

[@mckenna8663]

Not just how well he gave the speech - but how inspiring it was to NOT treat life as if it were a rehearsal (which I did for way too long). I am now a career changer after languishing in a field that truly had no room and less opportunity. Either way...when I was a freshman, I was more excited about being in college (walking between classes, driving to school, chatting with friends, going to parties) than to be serious that THIS was the beginning of "my shot". I worked...but not as I should have; as I COULD have. Now I am where I SHOULD have been. Using a mind and facing challenges I never thought I could. THIS time i am charging over hurdles and accomplishing goals that simply astonish me. How I WISH I had done this the first time. Listening to his story..he lived and he enjoyed...but he also didn't throw away the time. There are two clocks...one depends on the other. To be THIS inspired, from the beginning, THAT would have been an incredible gift.

[@genesismayer3865]

im the hat slipping off

[@lilykate2292]

+Gen Mayer me af

[@ashleytowk5036]

+Gen Mayer I'm laughing as it slowly slips further and further off his cranium

[@ChildOfHephaestus]

+Gen Mayer it's literally on the side of it's head it's gonna fall sweet jesus

[@ernie_renee]

+Gen Mayer oh my god same

[@chelsea6624]

I want to fix that hat so much ooohHH MY GOD

[@suselibee9435]

Is anybody else so used to Leslie singing Wait For It that Lin signing it sounds weird?

[@thedoveyparkchop4162]

Yeah good point

[@thespicyrose]

Yes! It made me appreciate Leslie’s smooth voice that much more!

[@joannavanzeller3780]

I thoroughly love the nodding heads of the old guys in the back.

[@emilygood2015]

HE GRADUATED WHEN I TURNED ONE. I FEEL SO YOUNG OML

[@c_rye9825]

He graduated a couple months before I was born :3

[@cinnamonelizastudies8276]

I wasn't even born when he graduated. XD

[@partyintheclouz]

i was literally fresh outta womb

[@mimi_wandering]

what a speech. I loved the part where he explained that life goes by both rushing and waiting at the same time. I've been trying to put that in words for a while and this really explained it well. I constantly am striving to go off on an adventure, rushing to leave, but in the end settling in I am waiting a lot for things to do, for the time to pass until I get back to comfort at home. I'm in a really strange point in my life and I really needed to watch this right now. Thanks for sharing.

[@emmatroake6747]

amyafterwords guess you need to figure out if you're a Hamilton or a Burr :)

[@iiiiitsmagreta1240]

Emma Troake The whole point of the speech (that I gathered, at least) is you need to be both if you want to succeed in life. There are times when you have to be willing to wait for it, and other times when you can't throw away your shot. The trick is knowing which is which. Hamilton died because he chose the wrong time to wait; Burr killed him because he chose the wrong time to shoot.

[@crazyhippy1800]

He is a sheer genius.

[@mckenna8663]

This was an excellent speech... and also an excellent way to see how the drive of Hamilton and the patience of Burr need BOTH to be within your core. May the attributes of these men - along with the perseverance and wisdom portrayed in the show be the cornerstones your build the rest of your life upon.

[@tiongesakala7647]

*His rap was really great, he should really write a Musical about it*

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

STOOOOOOOP AHDJHXJS

[@levi0394]

get this guy infront of a crowd

[@AltKaycee]

​@@levi0394 he's not throwing away his shot

[@MayWhite5]

that's like the best graduation speech ever. ♥

[@NO-qu1uk]

I love these guys behind him, and especially this one particular guy who always seem to laugh when he says something. check 5:39 and 5:49

[@emiliafaye3181]

I now understand why we have history class. not only to learn ABOUT the past, but to learn FROM it. Thanks, Lin.

[@bazbasilton9479]

That...was...amazing... Lin-Manuel Miranda, how many ways can you find to bring me to tears? I'm not even a senior, I'm not even college, I don't even know what college I want to go to yet, but somehow you and your words found yet another way to resonate so strongly within me that I was sitting in a torrential downpour by the end of your speech; even as I'm typing this, I'm still wiping away saltwater. You are so amazing, Lin, thank you for existing, and sharing your existence with everyone, I would give anything to meet you in person, even for three seconds, because honestly, there are select few people I've loved-without-even-meeting who would tie for the most amazing three seconds of my life; anyone else would be hard pressed to even come close. YOU ARE AMAZING LIN! IF NO ONE HAS TOLD YOU THAT YET TODAY WELL THEY SHOULD'VE BUT I'M DOING IT NOW SO IT'S ALL GOOD! ME AND MY FRIENDS LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@bazbasilton9479]

Ditto to that^

[@mekdeshilete8617]

Me tooooo

[@bowieg1441]

I cried before it even started because this guy has helped me so so much

[@baguetteboi6832]

My Shot and Wait For It have a much deeper and thought out meaning after hearing Lin’s speech

[@Tahonamaya]

As someone who's graduating high school in a little over two weeks, I really, really needed to hear this. That constant feeling of wanting to rush into everything, but also being terrified, and hanging back? It's nice to know that balance is necessary. Lin, thank you for this speech, for inspiring me in pursuing what really makes me happy, and for putting my fears into words.

[@allielee]

congratulations if you're graduating/graduated from college!

[@Tahonamaya]

@@allielee Thank you! I graduated last year :)

[@juanabarboni3918]

Audience, little did they know they were really lucky to be spoiled with this amazing musical. For those who weren’t listening,god forgive them ,they had no idea.

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

yes.

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

just- all yes.

[@poggieauggie529]

Classic Lin, rapping in the middle af a commencement address.

[@ashleytowk5036]

If I ever graduate college I want LMM to give the commencement address

[@futureangelica1125]

I love him, I mean I genuinely love this guy.

[@jamesroberts5984]

Watching things like this from Lin always make me so emotional. He's so inspiring, he's done so much in such little time.

[@easternCriminal]

This made me cry. I love this.

[@redrumthebum]

Lin: *raps* His hands: 🙌👌🙌👐👌🤚🖐☝🙌👐🤙🤚🖐

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

HAHDJDJDJDJFJWNS

[@faroncollins8795]

This is truly amazing. Thank you, Lin-Manuel Miranda. I can't put into words everything I want to say.

[@marshyart1425]

LOOK AT MY SON PRIDE IS NOT THE WORD I'M LOOKING FOR

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

STOPPPPPP

[@Twelsaloom]

I'm inspired...Lin you inspiring little angel

[@Julescr80]

Loving the HeHeHeHe and smiles from the guy in the back.. Lin es un grandísimo GENIO! I'm reaching for more!! 🙋🏻

[@onim14]

I teared up some

[@nalachincuanco]

I watch this video at different points in my life and everytime something new speaks to me very uniquely to my situation. Thank you, Lin

[@ekasblsd12]

I'm so thankful for this. The speech made by Lin-Manuel Miranda is very inspiring and motivational. I cried watching this because I feel moved by his words. As a graduating student next year, I felt it deeply in my heart. I know I'm just getting started but just like Lin says "I'm not throwing away my shot but sometimes I also need to wait for it". My god how I cannot love this man. I love you Lin-Manuel Miranda. Thank you so much🥺😭😍

[@missipp3]

This moving beyond words

[@jazyjas3937]

'in reality we're always rushing and waiting at the same time.' So true.

[@ellietaylor395]

The tears. Omg. Beautiful.

[@eliasapollo4131]

Beautiful. Simply.... beautiful

[@valglasscock253]

Seriously, beautiful!

[@MissGeorgiex1]

I love this. You inspire me so very much Lin, keep thriving!!

[@skylar8111]

nothing has impacted my life more than this single speech

[@bradbakert8530]

wow...... this is a work of art

[@theresaeng202]

4:09 Anthony Ramos????

[@Eliotic710]

Theresa Eng I hope

[@alexanderhamilton5291]

Theresa Eng I was gonna comment that.

[@chyanneterry3670]

The emotion in my shot at the end! Wowza!

[@pastelogical]

I love this. Also, did anyone notice Lin's hat slowly move down? Or was it just my eyes acting up 😅

[@briannaknowles5232]

What was his hat even hanging on to at the end of his speech

[@carter4959]

Hope. It was hanging onto hope

[@3dnygma]

he's truly inspiring, so glad that he's being successful

[@themanav7]

This is incredible 😮

[@QuillingTime]

Lin is a gift to humanity 🎁😍

[@saoirsereynolds7321]

3:11 I was singing and then BAM

[@c_rye9825]

I wish he had a mic to drop at the end.

[@alexanderhamilton5291]

ftm max but then caught it cuz he doesn't wanna break it.

[@callmehcharlie]

Alexander Hamilton Honestly sounds like him though lmao

[@kjmike9867]

"the u haul is rented and waiting your thing because you didn't pack" lmao this is my fave lin quotes next to "PAY YOUR FUCKING TAXES"

[@kirstyfernandes1421]

KJMike9 When did he say that? One of my favourite Lin quotes is: Lin angrily “What the fuck is a curtain remote?” from Curb Your Enthusiasm.

[@catnap1964]

Thank you, Mr. Miranda for your words, for your love, for showing all of us the connection from the past to right now. Yes, I hear the ticking of the clock too.

[@hollyb6885]

My God. Lin is so inspirational! How lucky we are to be alive right now.

[@Edlas22158]

Love Jimmy Falon and Lin Manuel together. Funny both of them.

[@laraanderson9855]

I was so on edge for the last few minutes that his cap was about to fall off 😂

[@NaughtyNinjaBears]

I spent so much time during the speech wanting to fix his hat :/

[@carolinekemp7920]

Gave me chills

[@anne_bckmnn]

I wish he would rap at my graduation...

[@asumijynn]

This is a video I'm going to watch when I graduate from college 😊

[@_the_]

Did you already graduate?

[@livydijoseph5659]

When I graduate I want Lin to speak

[@kjmike9867]

"17 years old" why am i laughing

[@livydijoseph5659]

Aren't the actual words "I'm only *19* but my mind is older" or am I wrong

[@Mariavega191]

Yeah but he probably changed it last minute

[@doctorkussy1133]

No you're right but he probably changed it to 17 to be more relatable for the graduates.

[@Alina28357]

Yes but there are two possible birth years for Hamilton. I think most historians have settled for the earlier one.

[@chloebutler8438]

Yes. Yes it is.

[@allielee]

@@doctorkussy1133 the graduates are like 20 or 21 though right?

[@qie5401]

I’m crying~

[@mei-ud4tu]

Talks for 12 minutes the convention is listless! Bright young man... yo who the f is this??

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

AHHHHHHHH JAJAJAJJSHEHD

[@coleene2123]

My reactions... Lin: some are oblivious to it, and god bless your soul. Me: Frick. So I will die. -- Lin: *starts singing ‘My shot* Me: Sniifff... smell that? What does it smell like to you? It smells like innocence and Purity. -- I love how lin is voicing all the people. -- Does anyone pay attention to the giy behind lin? He’s just laughing every time. Someone call FBI.

[@cft4l793]

I had the longest laugh skiping at section just to see the hat

[@JocazJoscylla]

why am i crying over this

[@jennajez]

look at my little cinnamon roll 💜

[@lauren1969]

Congratulations you have invented a new kind of inspiring a I will listen to this every day kinda of inspiring a you have opened all my ideas kinda inspiring you truly thought this though kind of inspiring so yeah congratulations

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

STOOOOOOP AHAHXJXJSJJSJW

[@casey3760]

I want to go to this school just for this

[@kjmike9867]

"-is to wait (for it)" "wait for it wait for it wait" *lin*

[@adelineschuyler4842]

im coming back on my high school graduation day

[@Selichan42_SA]

Amazing

[@nuno.picado]

Remarkable...

[@michaelahamblin1484]

I'm not sobbing, what?

[@taliag.2785]

Congratulations, for the rest of your life.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

HOLY CRAP THE FEELS. I wish every graduating class got a send off as moving and as poignant and powerful and important as Wesleyan's 2015 class did. I know I sure could have used this when I finally finished my degree the same year at UConn.

[@baylinkdashyt]

The Tick... TIck... BOOM speech. Nice.

[@zazjudo]

my man

[@hieronymusboschful]

Lin Manuel Miranda is a gift. The epithet ‘voice of a generation’ might actually apply.

[@pamelamays4186]

First Hamilton preview. The only time LMM perfomed as Burr.

[@hh-zr5qp]

Meet the latest graduate of King's College

[@thisisntmaddie3025]

yes maam

[@Lillipod1]

Special student :)

[@Ella-fv5ks]

his little tassel is annoying me so much but i love him all the same

[@doctorkussy1133]

Same.

[@lauren1969]

I am the guy in the back you all know who I am talking about

[@nataliewilson9380]

haha I am CRYING

[@kjmike9867]

anybody notice how lin changed "the" to "my" ? no just me? *sobbing in corner* "im such hamiltrash"

[@miniash1939]

I’m the guy in the red cloak

[@Viabread]

1 year later: THERES NOTHING RICH FOLKS LOVE MORE-

[@jabelzebub1451]

Less dislikes that I've ever seen

[@Sam-xf4uw]

4 dislikes and 2.3K likes

[@mc_lara2230]

i love skipping through this and watching the hat slip further off his head

[@jana81199]

Please tell me I'm not the only one who sang along trying not to cry meanwhile

[@princepeach3818]

4:32 Aaron burr without puberty

[@nalachincuanco]

8:45 :,(

[@pamelamays4186]

Please protect the Linnamon Roll!

[@YiningDai]

his singing is so terrible and i love it😂