The Confrontation

Valjean, at last

We see each other plain

M’sieur le Mayor

You’ll wear a different chain

Before you say another word Javert

Before you chain me up like a slave again

Listen to me

There is something I must do

This woman leaves behind a suffering child

There is none but me who can intercede

In mercy’s name

Three days are all I need

Then I’ll return I pledge my word

Then I’ll return

You must think me mad

I’ve hunted you across the years

A man like you can never change

A man such as you

Believe of me what you will – Men like me can never change

There is a duty that I’ve sworn to do – Men like you can never change

You know nothing of my life – No, 24601

All I did was steal some bread – My duty’s to the law, you have no rights

You know nothing of the world – Come with me 24601

You would sooner see me dead – Now the wheel has turned around

But not before I see this justice done – Jean Valjean is nothing now

I am warning you Javert – Dare you talk to me of crime

I’m a stronger man by far – And the price you had to pay

There is power in me yet – Every man is born in sin

My race is not yet run – Every man must choose his way

I am warning you Javert – You know nothing of Javert

There is nothing I won’t dare – I was born inside a jail

If I have to kill you here – I was born with scum like you

I’ll do what must be done – I am from the gutter too

And this I swear to you tonight – There is no place for you to hide

Your child will live within my care

Wherever you may hide away

And I will raise her to the light

I swear to you I will be there