I got to fall in love. I got to win a war. I got to write words that inspired a nation.

I have been working on this movie [Moana] since before Hamilton happened.

When you're dealing with a constant rhythm, no matter how great your lyrics are, if you don't switch it up, people's heads are going to start bobbing. And they're going to stop listening to what you're saying, so consistently keep the ear fresh and keep the audience surprised.

I got the job [in Moana], and the next day I was on a plane to New Zealand, where the rest of the team was already doing research, and meeting with different choirs, and sort of really soaking up the music, the musical world of, the musical heritage of this part of the world.

We get the job done. So what happens if we win?

I try to let my decisions be guided not by what I think will succeed or fail, but what I'm going to learn from that process.

I'm the music guy, I get to wear the music hat, but being able to be that guy in the room is a thrill at this level and caliber.