Valjean

He thinks that man is me!

He knew him at a glance!

That stranger he has found

This man could be my chance

Why should I save his hide

Why should I right this wrong

When I have come so far

And struggled for so long?

If I speak, I am condemned

If I stay silent, I am damned!

I am the master of hundreds of workers

They all look to me

How can I abandon them, how can they live

If I am not free?

If I speak, I am condemned

If I stay silent, I am damned!



Who am I?

Can I condemn this man to slavery

Pretend I do not see his agony

This innocent who bears my face

Who goes to judgement in my place

Who am I?

Can I conceal myself for evermore?

Pretend I'm not the man I was before?

And must my name until I die

Be no more than an alibi?

Must I lie?

How can I ever face my fellow man?

How can I ever face myself again?

My soul belongs to God, I know

I made that bargain long ago

He gave me hope, when hope was gone

He gave me strength to journey on



[He steps in front of the court]



Who am I?

Who am I?

I am Jean Valjean!



[He unbuttons his shirt to reveal the number tattooed to his chest.]



And so Javert, you see it's true,

That man bears no more guilt than you!

Who am I?

24601!