It could be about the idea in a karaoke - like setting of life's journey. Who are the ones that are living their lives fully, who are those that fade away, and who will be the ones to tell your story, perhaps in the context of a performance or just life in general.
In real life, we can think of it in terms of relationships. Our friends and family are the ones who can 'tell our story'. The choices we make can determine whether we 'live' fully or just exist on the verge of 'dying' in terms of our potential. For example, if we pursue our dreams, we are living, but if we let fear hold us back, it's like a part of us is dying.
Well, it could be said that a mix of chance, power dynamics, and personal determination decides. For instance, in a war, the randomness of battle might determine who lives or dies, but the victors often get to tell the story.
Sometimes, it depends on the themes and messages the story wants to convey. The circumstances and moral choices within the story might influence who lives or dies and who gets to tell the tale. It can also be influenced by audience expectations and the genre of the story.
Well, in the Hamilton musical, the characters' fates vary. Alexander Hamilton himself dies, while others like Eliza Hamilton live on. The story is conveyed by various characters sharing their experiences and viewpoints.