Lin Manuel Miranda – Ten Duel Commandments lyrics

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

It’s the Ten Duel Commandments

It’s the Ten Duel Commandments
Number one

The challenge, demand satisfaction
If they apologize, no need for further action

Number two

If they don’t, grab a friend, that’s your second

Your lieutenant when there’s reckoning to be reckoned

Number three
Have your seconds meet face to face

Negotiate a peace

Or negotiate a time and place

This is commonplace, ‘specially ‘tween recruits

Most disputes die, and no one shoots
Number four
If they don’t reach a peace, that’s alright
Time to get some pistols and a doctor on site

You pay him in advance, you treat him with civility

You have him turn around so he can have deniability

Five

Duel before the sun is in the sky

Pick a place to die where it’s high and dry
Number six

Leave a note for your next of kin
Tell ‘em where you been
Pray that hell or heaven lets you in

Seven

Confess your sins
Ready for the moment of adrenaline when you finally face your opponent

Number eight

Your last chance to negotiate
Send in your seconds, see if they can set the record straight

Alexander

Aaron Burr, sir

Can we agree that duels are dumb and immature?

Sure
But your man has to answer for his words, Burr

With his life? We both know that’s absurd, sir

Hang on, how many men died because Lee was inexperienced and ruinous?

Okay, so we’re doin’ this

Number nine

Look ‘em in the eye, aim no higher
Summon all the courage you require
Then count

One two three four

Five six seven eight nine

Number

Ten paces

Fire