[1815, Toulon, France. The chain gang, overseen by

brutal warders, works in the sun.]



Prisoners

Look down, look down

Don't look 'em in the eye

Look down, look down,

You're here until you die

The sun is strong

It's hot as hell below

Look down, look down,

There's twenty years to go

I've done no wrong!

Sweet Jesus hear my prayer!

Look down, look down,

Sweet Jesus doesn't care

I know she'll wait,

I know that she'll be true!

Look down, look down,

They've all forgotten you

When I get free ya won't see me

Here for dust!

Look down, look down

Don't look 'em in the eye

How long O Lord

Before you let me die?

Look down, look down,

You'll always be a slave

Look down, look down,

You're standing in your grave



Javert

Now bring me prisoner 24601

Your time is up

And your parole's begun

You know what that means



Valjean

Yes, it means I'm free



Javert

NO!

It means you get

Your yellow ticket-of-leave

You are a theif



Valjean

I stole a loaf of bread!



Javert

You robbed a house!



Valjean

I broke a window pane!

My sister's child was close to death

And we were starving!



Javert

And you will starve again

Unless you learn the meaning of the law.



Valjean

I know the meaning of these 19 years

A slave of the law



Javert

Five years for what you did

The rest because you tried to run

Yes 24601



Valjean

My name is Jean Valjean



Javert

And I am Javert

Do not forget my name

Do not forget me

24601



Chorus-ac