All I've Ever Known

The song 'All I've Ever Known' from the musical Hadestown, performed by the Hadestown Cast, is a poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and the transformative power of human connection. The lyrics are a duet between Eurydice and Orpheus, two characters from Greek mythology, who find solace and warmth in each other's presence after enduring long periods of isolation and hardship.

Eurydice begins by reflecting on her prolonged loneliness and the coldness that has defined her existence. She has grown accustomed to fending for herself, symbolized by turning her collar to the wind. This imagery conveys a sense of resilience but also a deep-seated isolation. However, meeting Orpheus brings a sudden shift in her world. The warmth and light he brings into her life are almost overwhelming, making her realize how dark and cold her life had been. This transformation is beautifully captured in the lines where she expresses her newfound desire to hold him and never return to her lonely life.

Orpheus, on the other hand, is equally struck by the connection he feels with Eurydice. He is bewildered by the depth of his feelings, as if he has known her all along. This sense of predestined love adds a layer of mysticism to their relationship. The duet culminates in a mutual promise to hold each other forever, hoping that their newfound warmth and light will never fade. The repetition of the phrase 'hold you' underscores their desperation to cling to this newfound happiness and the fear of returning to their previous states of loneliness.

The song captures the essence of finding light in the darkest of times through love and connection. It speaks to the universal human experience of seeking warmth and companionship, and the profound impact that love can have on transforming one's life.