Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the most successful musical theatre composers of our generation.
Understanding his repertoire is essential for anyone studying musical theatre or aspiring to a professional career on stage. This article aims to explore some of his most underrated songs.
Artist profile highlight
Lin Manuel Miranda
Born 1980 · 🇺🇸 American
1. What the heck I gotta do?
from 21 Chump Street
Every song in this 15-minute musical should be on this list because they are all that amazing. It’s not very well-known, but it was the show that introduced us to Anthony Ramos who later appeared in Hamilton as 2015 and went on to lead as Usnavi in the In The Heights movie.
You can also find the full musical on Youtube.
Song details
Musical
21 Chump Street
Music & Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda
Sung by character
Justin Laboy
Original performer
Anthony Ramos
2. One more song
from Vivo
Lin has composed the score for. a bunch of animated featured and truthfully everyone’s obsessed with Encanto, but the soundtrack to Vivo still has some amazing songs by Lin and was orchestrated by his long time collaborator Alex Lacamoire. “One More Song” is the perfect I want song where we get to meet the protagonist Vivo.
Song details
Featured Film
Vivo
Music & Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda
Sung by character
Vivo
Performed by
Lin Manuel Miranda
3. More (Cut song)
from Moana
This song is an outtake from Disney’s Moana that didn’t make the final cut of the film. It was likely an early draft standing in for Where You Are and How Far I’ll Go. You can still hear melodic motifs and lyrical ideas that later made it into the final cut.
In the Moana Deluxe Edition Soundtrack, you can also find a reprise of More.
Song details
Featured Film
Moana
Music & Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda
Original performer
Marcy Harriel
Sung by character
Moana and other characters
4. Congratulations (Cut song)
from Hamilton Mixtape
Originally written for Hamilton but cut before the Broadway premiere, “Congratulations” gives Angelica Schuyler a moment to confront Alexander after the Reynolds scandal. Performed powerfully by Dessa on The Hamilton Mixtape.
Song details
Featured Film
The Hamilton Mixtape
Music & Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda
Sung by character
Angelica Schuyler
Original performer
Dessa (in the Hamilton Mixtape)
5. A Boy Like That (spanish version)
from West Side Story 2009 Revival
Lin-Manuel Miranda translated this iconic duet into Spanish for the West Side Story Broadway revival. His version keeps the sharp rhythm and emotional tension of the original while highlighting the story’s cultural roots.
My favorite personal translated lyric is “Ese cabrón mató a tu hermano, olivda a ese americano“
Song details
Featured Film
West Side Story
Music by
Leonard Bernstein
Original Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim
Translated Lyrics by
Lin Manuel Miranda
Sung by character
Angelica Schuyler
Original performer
Karen Olivo and Josefina Scaglione
6. Paciencia y Fe
from In The Heights
This song tells the story of Abuela Claudia’s journey from Cuba to New York, blending memory, struggle, and hope. Lin-Manuel Miranda uses layered rhythms and shifting tempos to mirror her perseverance and faith.
Song details
Show
In The Heights
Music and Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda
Sung by character
Abuela Claudia
Original performer
Olga Merdiz
7. Call Me Mercy
from Warriors Mixtape
“Call Me Mercy” gives voice to the character Mercy as she transitions from the Orphans gang to the Warriors, blending vulnerability and defiance in a moment of transformation.
Song details
Show
Warriors Mixtape
Music and Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis
Sung by character
Abuela Claudia
Original performer
Julia Harriman
8. Waiting on a Miracle
from Encanto
Mirabel’s solo song, “Waiting for a Miracle,” captures her frustration and longing to belong within the magical Madrigal family. It’s often overshadowed by more popular Encanto songs such as We Don’t Talk About Bruno or Dos Oruguitas, but this song is a powerful emotional centrepiece perfect for auditions
Song details
Feature Film
Encanto
Music and Lyrics
Lin Manuel Miranda
Sung by character
Mirabel
Original performer
Stephanie Beatriz
