Chant
Hadestown Lyrics
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Is it true? (Is it true?)
What's that noise?
And the walls had heard what the boy was saying
It's the boy
A million tons of stone and steel
Is it true? (Is it true?)
Echoed his refrain
Low, keep your head, keep your head low
Oh, you gotta keep your head low
If you wanna keep your head
Oh, you gotta keep your head low
Keep your head, keep your head low
Oh, you gotta keep your head low
If you wanna keep your head
Oh, you gotta
Why do we turn away when our brother is bleeding?
Oh, keep your head
Why do we build the wall and then call it freedom?
Oh, keep your head
If we're free, tell me why
I can't look in my brother's eye?
Keep your head
Young man
Got to hand it to ya
Guess you don't scare easy, do ya?
Are you brave or stupid, son?
Doesn't matter which one
'Cause it seems your song made quite a strong impression on my wife
But it takes more than singin' songs to keep a woman in your arms
Take it from a man no longer young
If you want to hold a woman, son
Hang a chain around her throat
Made of many carat gold
Shackle her from wrist to wrist
With sterling silver bracelets
Fill her pockets full of stones
Precious ones, diamonds
Bind her with a golden band
Take it from an old man
Oh
If I raise my voice
If I raise my voice
If I raise my voice (keep your head low)
If I raise my head
If I raise my head
If I raise my head (keep your head low)
Could I change my fate?
Could I change
Could I change
Could I change my fate? (Oh, you gotta keep your head low)
If I raise my voice could I
Keep your head low
Could I change the way it is?
Why do we turn away instead of standing with him?
Oh, keep your head
Why are we digging our own graves for a living?
Oh, keep your head
If we're free, tell me why
We can't even stand upright?
If we're free, tell me when
We can stand with our fellow man
Keep your head
Young man, I was young once too
Sang a song of love like you
Son, I too, was left behind
Turned on one too many times (ah-ooh)
Now I sing a different song
One I can depend upon (ah-ooh)
A simple tune, a steady beat
The music of machinery (ah-ooh)
You hear that heavy metal sound?
The symphony of Hadestown
And in this symphony of mine
Of power cords and power lines
Young man, you can strum your lyre
I have strung the world in wire
Young man, you can sing your ditty
I conduct the electric city
I'll tell you what, young man
Since my wife is such a fan
And since I'm going to count to three
And put you out of your misery
One! Give me one more song
One more song before I send you
Two! To the great beyond
Where nobody can hear you singing
Three! Sing a song for me
Make me laugh, make me weep
Make the king feel young again
Sing for an old man
The song "Chant" from the Broadway musical Hadestown is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of oppression, freedom, and the consequences of speaking out against authority. The lyrics depict a conversation between a young man and an older, more jaded character who holds power and influence.
The song begins with the idea that "walls have ears," symbolizing the oppressive nature of the world they live in. The young man's words have been heard by those in power, and they question whether what he has said is true or not. The repetition of "Is it true?" highlights the skepticism and fear that comes with challenging the status quo. The young man advises others to keep their heads low, to stay silent and submissive if they want to survive in this oppressive society.
The lyrics then shift to a critique of the society they live in. The older character questions why people turn away when their fellow human beings are suffering and why they build walls in the name of freedom. He poses these questions while advising the young man on how to hold onto a woman, using imagery of chains and precious stones to symbolize control and possession.
As the song progresses, the young man contemplates whether raising his voice or raising his head could change his fate. He questions why they turn away instead of standing with those who are oppressed and why they are digging their own graves by participating in a system that keeps them down.
The older character, who represents the power structures that benefit from the oppression, dismisses the young man's ideals and his belief in love and freedom. He reveals that he controls the city and its infrastructure, emphasizing his dominion over the young man's artistry and passion.
The song concludes with the older character's command for the young man to sing one last song before he is silenced and sent to the "great beyond." This final request is a display of power and control, demonstrating the extent to which the oppressive forces will go to maintain their authority.
Overall, "Chant" delves into the complexities of power dynamics, the consequences of speaking out, and the pursuit of freedom against oppressive systems. Through vivid imagery and contrasting perspectives, the song raises important questions about society and the choices individuals must make in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Now everybody knows that walls have ears
It is widely understood that walls are capable of listening and hearing what is said around them.
Is it true? (Is it true?)
Can this be confirmed? (Can this be confirmed?)
What's that noise?
What is the source of that sound?
And the walls had heard what the boy was saying
The walls were attentive to and caught the boy's words.
A million tons of stone and steel
A massive amount of solid and unyielding material.
Is it true? (Is it true?)
Can this be confirmed? (Can this be confirmed?)
Echoed his refrain
Repeated his message in a reverberating manner.
Low, keep your head, keep your head low
Remain discreet, keep a low profile.
Oh, you gotta keep your head low
It is imperative that you maintain a low profile.
If you wanna keep your head
If you desire to stay safe and secure.
Why do we turn away when our brother is bleeding?
Why do we avert our gaze when our fellow beings endure suffering and pain?
Oh, keep your head
Maintain composure and self-control.
Why do we build the wall and then call it freedom?
Why do we construct barriers and deceptively label them as symbols of liberty?
Oh, keep your head
Retain your composure and self-control.
If we're free, tell me why
If we truly possess freedom, explain to me
I can't look in my brother's eye?
Why do I feel unable to make direct eye contact with my fellow human?
Young man
Addressing the young individual.
Got to hand it to ya
I must admit, you deserve credit.
Guess you don't scare easy, do ya?
It seems that you are not easily intimidated, do you?
Are you brave or stupid, son?
Are you courageous or foolish, my young one?
Doesn't matter which one
It is irrelevant which characteristic you possess.
'Cause it seems your song made quite a strong impression on my wife
Because it appears that your song greatly influenced my spouse.
But it takes more than singin' songs to keep a woman in your arms
However, it requires more than merely serenading to maintain a woman's affection.
Take it from a man no longer young
Accept this advice from an older man.
If you want to hold a woman, son
If you wish to retain a woman's love, my son.
Hang a chain around her throat
Place a decorative necklace around her neck.
Made of many carat gold
Crafted from pure gold of high carat value.
Shackle her from wrist to wrist
Fasten restraints on both of her wrists.
With sterling silver bracelets
Using bracelets made of high-quality silver.
Fill her pockets full of stones
Stuff her pockets with precious stones.
Precious ones, diamonds
Particularly valuable gemstones, such as diamonds.
Bind her with a golden band
Secure her with a band or ring made of gold.
Take it from an old man
Listen to the advice of an elderly individual.
If I raise my voice
If I speak up with force and conviction.
If I raise my voice
If I speak up with force and conviction.
If I raise my voice (keep your head low)
If I express myself assertively (maintain composure and self-control).
If I raise my head
If I elevate my position or status.
If I raise my head
If I elevate my position or status.
If I raise my head (keep your head low)
If I elevate my position or status (maintain composure and self-control).
Could I change my fate?
Is it possible for me to alter my predetermined destiny?
Could I change
Would I have the ability to alter
Could I change
Would I have the ability to alter
Could I change my fate? (Oh, you gotta keep your head low)
Would I be able to modify my predestined future? (Oh, it is essential to maintain composure and self-control).
Why do we turn away instead of standing with him?
Why do we avert our eyes rather than supporting him?
Oh, keep your head
Maintain composure and self-control.
Why are we digging our own graves for a living?
Why are we engaging in self-destructive actions as a means of survival?
Oh, keep your head
Retain your composure and self-control.
If we're free, tell me why
If we truly possess freedom, explain to me
We can't even stand upright?
Why are we unable to stand tall and assert our rights?
If we're free, tell me when
If we truly possess freedom, reveal to me
We can stand with our fellow man
Why are we unable to stand in solidarity with our fellow humans?
Keep your head
Maintain composure and self-control.
Young man, I was young once too
Youthful individual, I too have experienced youth.
Sang a song of love like you
Expressed affection through a song, just as you do.
Son, I too, was left behind
My child, I also had experiences of abandonment.
Turned on one too many times (ah-ooh)
Betrayed by others repeatedly (ah-ooh).
Now I sing a different song
Presently, my song has a changed tone or meaning.
One I can depend upon (ah-ooh)
A tune on which I can rely (ah-ooh).
A simple tune, a steady beat
A straightforward melody accompanied by a regular rhythm.
The music of machinery (ah-ooh)
The sound produced by mechanical devices (ah-ooh).
You hear that heavy metal sound?
Do you perceive that deep, resonant noise?
The symphony of Hadestown
The harmonious ensemble of the underworld, Hadestown.
And in this symphony of mine
Within this composition that I conduct.
Of power cords and power lines
Consisting of electrical cords and lines conveying power.
Young man, you can strum your lyre
Young individual, you may play your lyre.
I have strung the world in wire
I have interconnected the world using wires.
Young man, you can sing your ditty
Young individual, you can sing your little song.
I conduct the electric city
I am the conductor of the electrified city.
I'll tell you what, young man
Allow me to inform you, young individual.
Since my wife is such a fan
Due to my wife being a fervent admirer.
And since I'm going to count to three
Furthermore, as I am about to commence a countdown to three.
And put you out of your misery
And bring an end to your suffering.
One! Give me one more song
First! Provide me with another song.
One more song before I send you
An additional song prior to my dispatching of you.
Two! To the great beyond
Second! To the realm beyond the living.
Where nobody can hear you singing
In a place where nobody can perceive your vocalizations.
Three! Sing a song for me
Third! Perform a song specifically for my enjoyment.
Make me laugh, make me weep
Elicit both laughter and tears from me.
Make the king feel young again
Cause the ruler to experience rejuvenation.
Sing for an old man
Serenade an elderly individual.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Anais Mitchell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind