When The Chips Are Down

The song 'When The Chips Are Down' from the Hadestown cast delves into the harsh realities of survival and the moral dilemmas faced during desperate times. The Fates, who serve as a Greek chorus, set the tone by emphasizing that life is inherently unfair and challenging, especially for those who must fight for their rightful share. This sets up a narrative where the characters are forced to confront their values and decisions when faced with adversity.

The repeated question, 'What you gonna do when the chips are down?' serves as a haunting reminder of the choices one must make when in dire straits. The Fates suggest a cynical worldview where self-preservation trumps all, even at the expense of those closest to you. This is evident in lines like 'Help yourself, to hell with the rest, even the one who loves you best,' which underscores the brutal reality that in times of crisis, trust and loyalty can become secondary to survival.

Eurydice's brief interjection, 'Oh, my aching heart,' adds a layer of emotional depth, highlighting the internal conflict and sorrow that accompanies such harsh decisions. The Fates continue to drive home the point that in a world where 'nobody's righteous, nobody's proud, nobody's innocent,' the only person one can truly rely on is oneself. This bleak outlook is further emphasized by the imagery of betrayal and violence, such as 'Aim for the heart, shoot to kill,' and 'Cast your eyes to heaven, you get a knife in the back.' The song ultimately paints a grim picture of human nature and the lengths to which people will go to survive when the chips are down.