Hadestown (album)

Orpheus travels through Hadestown and comes across a speakeasy run by Persephone. Instead of alcohol, Persephone offers the joys of life on the surface (such as rain, wind, stars and sunlight) to her customers ("Our Lady of the Underground"). In "Flowers", Eurydice, who is employed by Hades and appears to have become his mistress, realises what a terrible mistake she made being tempted by his wealth and power. She regrets leaving Orpheus and expresses her wish to being reunited with him. The Fates try to persuade Orpheus to abandon his quest to rescue Eurydice, telling him there is no chance he will succeed and trying will only bring him pain ("Nothing Changes"). Their words trouble him and he begins to wonder if he will ever see his true love again ("If It's True").

Orpheus travels through Hadestown and comes across a speakeasy run by Persephone. Instead of alcohol, Persephone offers the joys of life on the surface (such as rain, wind, stars and sunlight) to her customers ("Our Lady of the Underground"). In "Flowers", Eurydice, who is employed by Hades and appears to have become his mistress, realises what a terrible mistake she made being tempted by his wealth and power. She regrets leaving Orpheus and expresses her wish to being reunited with him. The Fates try to persuade Orpheus to abandon his quest to rescue Eurydice, telling him there is no chance he will succeed and trying will only bring him pain ("Nothing Changes"). Their words trouble him and he begins to wonder if he will ever see his true love again ("If It's True").

Persephone tries to convince Hades to be kind to Orpheus and let him rescue Eurydice ("How Long?"), while Hades says that yielding to Orpheus would be a dangerous precedent that eventually causes his entire regime to crumble. When Orpheus finally reaches Hades, he implores him to let Eurydice go, singing a song in praise of love. He appealing to Hades' sympathy by reminding him that Hades, too, once fell in love with Persephone in the same way as Orpheus loves Eurydice. Orpheus' song is so powerful that Hades feels forced to grant his wish. However, fearing that his entire underworld kingdom will revolt against him if he shows weakness by letting Orpheus have his way, he devises a plan that will thwart the couple's intentions: they are permitted to leave Hadestown together so long as Eurydice follows Orpheus and he does not turn around ("His Kiss, the Riot").

Persephone tries to convince Hades to be kind to Orpheus and let him rescue Eurydice ("How Long?"), while Hades says that yielding to Orpheus would be a dangerous precedent that eventually causes his entire regime to crumble. When Orpheus finally reaches Hades, he implores him to let Eurydice go, singing a song in praise of love. He appeals to Hades' sympathy by reminding him that Hades, too, once fell in love with Persephone in the same way as Orpheus loves Eurydice. Orpheus' song is so powerful that Hades feels forced to grant his wish. However, fearing that his entire underworld kingdom will revolt against him if he shows weakness by letting Orpheus have his way, he devises a plan that will thwart the couple's intentions: they are permitted to leave Hadestown together so long as Eurydice follows Orpheus and he does not turn around ("His Kiss, the Riot").

As they journey back to the surface together, doubt begins to plague Orpheus. He is seized by fear because he is unable to see Eurydice and does not know if she is truly following him. As they walk Eurydice tries to reassure him that she loves him, but he doesn't seem to hear or react to her words and eventually turns ("Doubt Comes In"). In the album's closing track, "I Raise My Cup to Him", Persephone and Eurydice both raise a sad toast to Orpheus, who was forced to return to the surface alone, while nevertheless celebrating his courage to challenge the powers that be in tough times.

As they journey back to the surface together, doubt begins to plague Orpheus. He is seized by fear because he is unable to see Eurydice and does not know if she is truly following him. As they walk Eurydice tries to reassure him that she loves him, but he doesn't seem to hear or react to her words and eventually turns ("Doubt Comes In"). In the album's closing track, "I Raise My Cup to Him", Persephone and Eurydice both raise a sad toast to Orpheus, who was forced to return to the surface alone, while nevertheless celebrating his courage to challenge the powers that be in tough times.