Wait for Me
Anaïs Mitchell featuring Justin Vernon Lyrics
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How to get to Hadestown
You’ll have to take the long way down
Through the underground, under cover of night
Laying low, staying out of sight
Ain’t no compass, brother, ain’t no map
Just a telephone wire and a railroad track
But you keep on walking and you don’t look back
ORPHEUS
Wait for me, I’m coming
Wait, I’m coming with you
Wait for me, I’m coming too
I’m coming to
HERMES
River Styx is high and wide
Cinderbricks and razorwire
Walls of iron and concrete
Hound dogs howling round the gate
Them dogs’ll lie down and play dead
If you got the bones, if you got the bread
But if all you got is your own two legs
You best be glad you got ’em
ORPHEUS
Wait for me, I’m coming
Wait, I’m coming with you
Wait for me, I’m coming too
I’m coming to
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 will 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
Wait for me, I’m coming
Wait, I’m coming with you
Wait for me, I’m coming too
I’m coming
Wait, wait, wait, wait
The song "Wait For Me" by Anaïs Mitchell featuring Justin Vernon is a duet between two characters - Hermes and Orpheus - who are on a journey to Hadestown, the mythical underworld in Greek mythology. Hermes, who acts as a guide, explains to Orpheus that there is no easy way to get to Hadestown, as they have to take the "long way down" through the underground and stay out of sight. They have no map or compass to guide them, just a "telephone wire and a railroad track." As they navigate through this dangerous path, they come across obstacles like the River Styx, guarded by hounds and walls of iron and concrete. Hermes warns Orpheus to be careful and not to be tempted by the town's offerings, such as giving up his identity and individuality.
However, Orpheus is determined to make it to Hadestown, and he pleads with Hermes to wait for him and not leave him behind. Orpheus wants to join Hermes on this journey, as he is desperate to save his lover, Eurydice, who has been abducted to Hadestown. The chorus of the song, "Wait for me, I'm coming," is repeated multiple times, signifying Orpheus's determination and perseverance to reach his destination. The song ends with both Hermes and Orpheus repeating the chorus, reinforcing the importance of their companionship and supporting each other through this journey.
Overall, "Wait For Me" is a song about perseverance, perseverance, and solidarity in the face of adversity. The song captures the essence of a journey that is challenging, full of obstacles, and unpredictable. As the two characters navigate through the challenges in their path, they strengthen their bond and rely on each other for support.
Line by Line Meaning
How to get to Hadestown
How can we reach Hadestown?
You’ll have to take the long way down
You need to take a long and challenging path to reach it.
Through the underground, under cover of night
You have to pass through the underground and stay away from the sight to reach it.
Laying low, staying out of sight
Keeping yourself hidden is crucial in your journey.
Ain’t no compass, brother, ain’t no map
You won't get any help from a compass or a map.
Just a telephone wire and a railroad track
The only direction you can follow is through a telephone wire and a railroad track.
But you keep on walking and you don’t look back
No matter what happens, just keep moving forward and don't look back.
Till you get to the bottomland
You will reach the end of your journey and arrive in the bottomland.
Wait for me, I’m coming
Please be patient with me, I am following your lead.
Wait, I’m coming with you
I will accompany you on this journey.
Wait for me, I’m coming too
I am also on my way, please wait for my arrival.
River Styx is high and wide
The river Styx, which needs to be crossed, is wide and has a fast flow.
Cinderbricks and razorwire
The area is heavily guarded by walls with razor sharp wiring.
Walls of iron and concrete
The walls are made of iron and concrete, and are impossible to break.
Hound dogs howling round the gate
Hunting dogs are guarding the entrance and are howling.
Them dogs’ll lie down and play dead
If you have the resources to bribe them, the dogs will become passive.
If you got the bones, if you got the bread
You need to possess some money, which will be necessary as bribes for the guards.
But if all you got is your own two legs
If you don't have any money, your only hope is to outrun them with your legs.
You best be glad you got ’em
You should be grateful for having strong legs and good stamina.
You’re on the lam, you’re on the run
You're on the run from authorities, on the lookout for you.
Don’t give your name, you don’t have one
Don't give away your identity, you're already a nonentity and a fugitive.
And don’t look no one in the eye
Avoid eye contact with strangers, it can put you in danger.
That town will try to suck you dry
The area is inhospitable, it will only bring harm to new faces.
They’ll suck your brain, they’ll suck your breath
They will drain you of all the life you have in you, and leave nothing.
They’ll pluck the heart right out your chest
They will not only suck out your life, but will rob you of your loved ones, and all human emotions.
They’ll truss you up in your Sunday best
They will trick and deceive you into dressing up nicely, and then imprison you.
And stuff your mouth with cotton
Finally, they will silence you, and take away your voice by stuffing cotton in your mouth.
Contributed by Michael S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.