Overture
Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics

Look down, look down Don't look 'em in the eye Look down, look down, You're here until you die
The prisoners in the jail are discouraged and must keep their head low, as they are trapped until the end of their lives.

The sun is strong It's hot as hell below
The heat is unbearable, and the prisoners are suffering in the oppressive environment.

Look down, look down, There's twenty years to go
One of the prisoners is sentenced to stay in jail for twenty years and must endure a long-lasting punishment.

I've done no wrong! Sweet Jesus, hear my prayer!
A prisoner claims his innocence and pleads to God for help and guidance.

Look down look down, Sweet Jesus doesn't care
The prisoners think that God has abandoned them and is deaf to their prayers.

I know she'll wait, I know that she'll be true!
A prisoner believes that his loved one is waiting for him to be released from jail and that she would not betray him.

Look down, look down, They've all forgotten you
The prisoners feel neglected and forgotten by the rest of the world.

When I get free ya won't see me Here for dust!
A prisoner is certain that he will flee and never look back once released from prison.

How long, oh Lord Before you let me die?
A prisoner asks God when he will be released from his suffering and allowed to die.

Look down, look down, You'll always be a slave Look down, look down, You're standing in your grave
The prisoners feel like they are slaves and are dead inside, with no hope for redemption or escape.

Now bring me prisoner 24601 Your time is up And your parole's begun You know what that means.
The jailer summons prisoner 24601 and informs him that his sentence has ended and that he is being released on parole.

Yes, it means I'm free.
Prisoner 24601 is happy to be released from prison and is looking forward to his new-found freedom.

No! It means you get Your yellow ticket-of-leave You are a thief
The jailer reminds prisoner 24601 that he is still seen as a criminal by society and is only receiving a yellow ticket-of-leave, which means he will still be monitored and is not completely free.

I stole a loaf of bread.
Prisoner 24601 admits to committing a crime of stealing bread for his starving family.

You robbed a house.
The jailer accuses prisoner 24601 of a more severe crime of stealing from a home.

I broke a window pane. My sister's child was close to death And we were starving.
Prisoner 24601 explains the reason behind his crime and how he resorted to desperate measures to help his family survive.

You will starve again Unless you learn the meaning of the law.
The jailer warns prisoner 24601 that unless he abides strictly by the law, he will continue to suffer and struggle to survive.

I know the meaning of those 19 years A slave of the law
Prisoner 24601 reflects on the harsh reality of being locked up for nineteen long years and feeling like a prisoner of the law.

Five years for what you did The rest because you tried to run Yes, 24601.
The jailer reveals prisoner 24601 received additional punishment for attempting to flee prison.

My name is Jean Valjean
Prisoner 24601 reveals his true identity as Jean Valjean.

And I am Javert Do not forget my name! Do not forget me, 24601.
Jailer Javert reminds Jean Valjean that he will never forget his name, face, or his prisoner number.

Freedom is mine. The earth is still. I feel the wind. I breathe again. And the sky clears The world is waking. ...lets see What this new world Will do for me!
Jean Valjean revels in his newfound freedom and is excited to see what lies ahead in his life outside prison.

You'll have to go I'll pay you off for the day Collect your bits and pieces there And be on your way.
The farmer dismisses Jean Valjean from work and pays him less than the other laborers because of his criminal record.

You broke the law It's there for people to see Why should you get the same As honest men like me?
Another laborer questions why Jean Valjean should be paid the same as honest workers like him when he broke the law.

Now every door is closed to me Another jail. Another key. Another chain For when I come to any town They check my papers And they find the mark of Cain In their eyes I see their fear `We do not want you here.'
Jean Valjean realizes that his criminal record makes it impossible for him to live a normal life, as he is viewed with suspicion and unwanted in every town he visits.

My rooms are full And I've no supper to spare I'd like to help a stranger All we want is to be fair
The innkeeper's wife cannot offer a room or food to Jean Valjean as their inn is full, but she wants to help and treat him fairly.

You leave my house Or feel the weight of my rod We're law-abiding people here Thanks be to God.
The innkeeper warns Jean Valjean to leave his property, or he will face physical punishment. He reminds Jean Valjean that they are following the law and should thank God for it.

And now I know how freedom feels The jailer always at your heels It is the law! This piece of paper in my hand That makes me cursed throughout the land It is the law! Like a cur I walk the street, The dirt beneath their feet.
Jean Valjean realizes that even though he is free, he is not completely rid of his cursed past and must live the rest of his life as an outcast because of society's laws.

Come in, Sir, for you are weary, And the night is cold out there. Though our lives are very humble What we have, we have to share. There is wine here to revive you. There is bread to make you strong, There's a bed to rest till morning, Rest from pain, and rest from wrong.
The Bishop of Digne shows compassion and offers Jean Valjean food, drink, and shelter for the night, even though he is a stranger.

He let me eat my fill I had the lion's share The silver in my hand Cost twice what I had earned In all those nineteen years - That lifetime of despair And yet he trusted me. The old fool trusted me - He'd done his bit of good I played the grateful serf And thanked him like I should But when the house was still, I got up in the night. Took the silver Took my flight!
Jean Valjean takes advantage of the bishop's kindness and steals his silver. But after getting caught by the constables and brought back to the bishop, the bishop lies that he gifted Jean Valjean the silver as tokens for a better life.