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The Meaning Behind The Song: Epic II by Original Cast of Hadestown
Song Information
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic II | Original Cast of Hadestown | Anaïs Mitchell | Hadestown: The Myth. The Musical (Live Original Cast Recording) | October 6, 2017 | Rock, Folk, Opera, Musicals, Literature |
“Epic II” is a song from the musical Hadestown, written and composed by Anaïs Mitchell. It is performed by the original cast of Hadestown and appears on the live original cast recording album. Released on October 6, 2017, this song falls under multiple genres including rock, folk, opera, musicals, and literature.
Meaning of the Song
“Epic II” is a continuation of the story told in the musical Hadestown. In this song, the character Orpheus sings about Hades, the king of the underworld. Orpheus describes Hades as the king of a kingdom of dirt, where miners and diggers work under his command. They are bound to Hades, who provides them with work and wages.
The river Styx, a mythical river in Greek mythology, is portrayed as a river of stones in Hadestown. Hades, with the help of a brainwashed labor force, builds his famous wall with these stones. The workers move like a million feet in unison and think as one mind. Orpheus paints a picture of a relentless and relentless empire controlled by Hades.
The repeated phrase “La la la la la la la…” emphasizes the monotony and numbing effect of the workers’ labor, as they continue to dig and dredge the depths of the earth. The song captures the oppressive atmosphere of Hadestown and the overwhelming power of Hades.
My Personal Connection to “Epic II”
This song holds a special place in my heart as it resonates with my personal experiences of feeling trapped and overwhelmed by a demanding and routine job. The lyrics vividly describe the feeling of being stuck in a never-ending cycle of work, where individuality and creativity are suppressed.
Like the workers in Hadestown, I have often found myself bowing down to the demands of a job that drains my energy and stifles my passion. The image of a million minds that are just one mind resonates deeply, as it reflects the loss of individuality and autonomy in a strict work environment.
However, “Epic II” also serves as a reminder of the importance of resistance and the power of art. Orpheus, despite the pressure to find work, continues to prioritize his music. This defiance inspires me to hold onto my own passions and seek fulfillment beyond the confines of a nine-to-five routine.
The musicality and emotive delivery of the song further enhance its impact. The combination of rock, folk, and opera elements creates a haunting and evocative atmosphere that immerses the listener in the world of Hadestown. The powerful vocals of the original cast bring the lyrics to life, making the song truly epic.
“Epic II” is not only a pivotal moment within the narrative of Hadestown but also a poignant commentary on the sacrifices and struggles that come with the pursuit of work and the loss of individuality. It serves as a reminder to find balance, hold onto our passions, and resist the pressures that threaten to consume us.
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