André De Shields, Reeve Carney, Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, Kay Trinidad, Timothy Hughes, Malcolm Armwood, Jessie Shelton, Kimberly Marable, Khaila Wilcoxon, Ahmad Simmons, Afra Hines, T. Oliver Reid & John Krause
Wait for Me
André De Shields, Reeve Carney, Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, Kay Trinidad, Timothy Hughes, Malcolm Armwood, Jessie Shelton, Kimberly Marable, Khaila Wilcoxon, Ahmad Simmons, Afra Hines, T. Oliver Reid & John Krause
Lyrics
[HERMES, spoken]
How to get to Hadestown:
You have to take the long way down
Through the underground, under cover of night
Layin' low, stayin' out of sight
Ain't no compass, brother, ain't no map
Just a telephone wire and a railroad track
Keep on walkin' and don't look back
'Til you get to the bottomland
[ORPHEUS]
Wait for me, I'm comin'
Wait, I'm comin' with you
Wait for me, I'm comin' too
I'm coming too
[HERMES, spoken]
The River Styx is high and wide
Cinder bricks and razor wire
Walls of iron and concrete
Hound dogs howling 'round the gate
Those dogs'll lay down and play dead
If you got the bones, if you got the bread
But if all you got is your own two legs
Just be glad you got 'em
[ORPHEUS and FATES]
Wait for me, I'm comin'
Wait, I'm comin' with you
Wait for me, I'm comin' too
I'm coming too
[FATES]
Who are you?
[FATE]
Where do you think you're going?
[FATES]
Who are you?
[FATE]
Why are you all alone?
[FATES]
Who do you-
[FATE]
-Think you are?
[FATES]
Who are you-
[FATE]
-To think that you can walk a road that no one ever walked before?
[ORPHEUS]
La la la la la la
La la la la la la la
(the COMPANY begins to echo and do rounds)
[ORPHEUS]
La la la la la la la
La la la la la
(HERMES cuts them off)
[HERMES]
You're on the lam, you’re on the run
Don't give your name, you don't have one
And don't look no one in the eye
That town'll try to suck you dry
They'll suck your brain, they'll suck your breath
They'll pluck the heart right out your chest
They'll truss you up in your Sunday best
And stuff your mouth with cotton
[ORPHEUS and COMPANY]
Wait for me I'm coming! I'm coming I'm coming
Wait, I'm coming with you I'm coming
Wait Wait I'm coming for me, I'm coming too
I'm coming!
[COMPANY]
Wait!
[ORPHEUS]
I'm coming wait for me
[COMPANY]
Wait!
[ORPHEUS and HERMES]
I hear the walls repeating
[COMPANY]
Wait!
[ORPHEUS and HERMES]
The falling of my feet and
[ORPHEUS and COMPANY]
It sounds like drumming
[COMPANY]
Wait!
[ORPHEUS and HERMES and Unknown Voice]
And I am not alone
[COMPANY]
Wait!
[ORPHEUS and HERMES, and Unknown Voice]
I hear the rocks and stones
[COMPANY]
Wait!
[ORPHEUS]
Echoing my song
I'm coming!
[HERMES]
Coming...
[COMPANY]
Coming...
Wait for Me is a captivating and poignant song performed by a talented ensemble cast including André De Shields, Reeve Carney, Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, Kay Trinidad, Timothy Hughes, Malcolm Armwood, Jessie Shelton, Kimberly Marable, Khaila Wilcoxon, Ahmad Simmons, Afra Hines, T. Oliver Reid, and John Krause. This powerful song serves as the starting point for Orpheus's journey into the depths of Hadestown as he embarks on a mission to find his beloved Eurydice.
About Wait for Me
In the mesmerizing world of Hadestown, Orpheus finds himself facing the daunting task of venturing into the underworld to rescue his lost love, Eurydice. As the story unfolds, the song Wait for Me sets the stage for the emotional and perilous journey to come.
Orpheus's determination to bring Eurydice back home is evident from the moment he sets foot on his arduous trek. Fueled by love and fueled by hope, he ventures into the unknown, driven by the profound desire to reunite with his beloved. Little does he know the horrors and challenges that await him in the Underground.
As Orpheus embarks on his descent, Hermes, the wise messenger and guide, provides him with invaluable advice to navigate the treacherous realm of the underworld. Hermes' guidance proves to be crucial in helping Orpheus overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and ensures his path remains focused.
While Orpheus receives the support of Hermes, he also faces discouragement from the Fates, a trio with a prophetic ability to see the future. Their presence adds an additional layer of complexity to Orpheus's tribulations, as they attempt to dissuade him from his arduous quest.
The beauty of Wait for Me lies not only in the musical brilliance of its performers but also in the deeply emotional and thematic elements it encapsulates. Through soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures the essence of love, longing, and the unrelenting pursuit of hope.
Wait for Me showcases the exceptional vocal talents of André De Shields, Reeve Carney, Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, Kay Trinidad, Timothy Hughes, Malcolm Armwood, Jessie Shelton, Kimberly Marable, Khaila Wilcoxon, Ahmad Simmons, Afra Hines, T. Oliver Reid, and John Krause. Their collective voices intertwine, creating a harmonious blend that immerses listeners in the emotional depth of the story.
With its powerful and evocative lyrics, Wait for Me resonates with listeners on a profound level. It explores themes of faith, devotion, and the unwavering belief in the power of love. The lyrics carry a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, touching the hearts of all who listen.
Furthermore, the adept composition of Wait for Me adds to the overall impact of the song. The arrangement seamlessly combines elements of jazz, blues, and folk, creating a unique sonic landscape that transports listeners to the mythical world of Hadestown. The instrumental prowess of the accompanying musicians enhances the emotional impact, guiding the listener through the intense emotional journey undertaken by Orpheus.
As the song unfolds, listeners are captivated by the gripping narrative woven within the music. The sense of anticipation and urgency builds, echoing Orpheus's race against time to rescue his love. The gradual crescendo of instrumentation and the interplay between the vocalists further intensify the emotional impact, leaving listeners spellbound.
Wait for Me is a tour de force that blends masterful storytelling, superb vocal performances, and a stirring musical arrangement into a profoundly moving song. It invites listeners to join Orpheus on his harrowing journey, compelling them to reflect on the power of love, determination, and the indomitable human spirit.
In its simplicity and depth, Wait for Me serves as a testament to the timeless nature of music and its ability to touch the souls of those who experience it. It stands as a testament to the talent and artistry of André De Shields, Reeve Carney, Jewelle Blackman, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer, Kay Trinidad, Timothy Hughes, Malcolm Armwood, Jessie Shelton, Kimberly Marable, Khaila Wilcoxon, Ahmad Simmons, Afra Hines, T. Oliver Reid, and John Krause, whose performances breathe life into this unforgettable piece.
Wait for Me is a song that captures the essence of humanity's most profound emotions, wrapped in a stunning musical composition that transports listeners to the mythical world of Hadestown. As Orpheus embarks on his treacherous journey, the song serves as a reminder that love, hope, and perseverance can triumph even in the face of the darkest depths.