Molasses To Rum Original Broadway Cast of 1776 (Ft. Clifford David)

"Molasses to Rum" from the 1776 musical (1969) is a #MusicalTheater number that addresses the hypocrisy of American revolutionaries regarding slavery and the slave trade. The song contrasts the slow moral progress ("molasses") with the swift economic gains from slavery ("rum"). It highlights themes of injustice and complicity, using powerful vocal harmonies and rhythmic shifts that enhance its emotional weight. The song’s critique of historical figures has sparked discussions about America's founding and its legacy.

[RUTLEDGE, spoken]
Molasses to rum to slaves
Oh, what a beautiful waltz
You dance with us, we dance with you
In molasses and rum and slaves

Who sail the ships out of Boston?
Laden with bibles and rum
Who drinks a toast
To the Ivory Coast?
"Hail Africa, the slavers have come!"
New England with bibles and rum

And it's off with the rum and the bibles
Take on the slaves, clink clink!
Then hail and farewell to the smell
Of the African coast!

Molasses to rum to slaves
'Tisn't morals, 'tis money that saves
Shall we dance to the sound
Of the profitable pound
In molasses and rum and slaves?

Who sail the ships out of Guinea
Laden with bibles and slaves?
'Tis Boston can boast
To the West Indies coast
"Jamaica, we brung what ye craves!"
Antigua, Barbados:
"We brung bibles and slaves!"

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