The Confrontation
Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics

Valjean, at last, we see each other plain
Finally, we are face to face and can see each other clearly for who we really are.

M'sieur le maire, you'll wear a different chain
As a prisoner, you wore one chain, but as a mayor, you wear a different kind of chain - the distinction and responsibility that comes with power.

Before you say another word, Javert
I ask that you listen to me before responding, Javert.

Before you chain me up like a slave again
Rather than automatically treating me like a slave and imposing your authority, I ask that you hear me out first.

Listen to me, there is something I must do
Please hear me out and let me explain what I need to do next.

This woman leaves behind a suffering child
The woman you are currently holding responsible for her actions has left behind a child who is suffering because of her arrest and imprisonment.

There is none but me who can intercede
I am the only one who can intervene and help this child, as I have a personal understanding of the situation.

In mercy's name, three days are all I need
In the name of mercy, I am requesting a short period of time (three days) to help this child and fulfill my duty.

Then I'll return, I pledge my word
I promise to return in three days time.

You must think me mad
You likely believe that I am crazy or foolish for risking so much over this woman and her child.

I've hunted you across the years
I have spent many years tirelessly pursuing you, Valjean.

Men like you can never change
I believe that, as a convict, you are inherently bad and incapable of change.

A man, such as you
You, Valjean, as a convicted criminal.

Believe of me What you will (Men like me can never change)
You are free to believe whatever you like about me, but it won't change your belief that convicts like myself are incapable of change.

There is a duty that I'm sworn to do (Men like me can never change)
Despite what you believe, I have a duty to fulfill, and I intend to fulfill it to the best of my ability.

No! (24601) You know nothing of my life)
No, Javert, you do not understand my past or what I've been through as a prisoner.

All I did was steal some bread (My duty's to the law You have no rights Come with me, 24601
You might judge me for stealing bread, but my duty now is to the law. As an arrested man, you have no rights. Come with me, Valjean.

Now the wheel has turned around (You know nothing of the world You would sooner see me dead)
The tables have turned now, Javert. You do not understand the struggles of the world, and you would rather see me dead than understand the situation and help me.

Jean Valjean is nothing now)
I am nothing more than a convicted criminal in your eyes, despite everything I've done to redeem myself.

I am warning you, Javert (Dare you talk to me of crime)
I am cautioning you, Javert, for talking to me of crime when you do not understand the full picture.

I'm a stronger man by far (And the price you had to pay
I am a much stronger person than you, and I've paid a high price for my strength.

There is power in me yet (Every man is born in sin)
Despite everything, I still have some power left in me, just as every person is born with sin and weakness.

Every man must choose his way (My race is not yet run!)
Each person must choose their own path in life, and I still have not completed mine.

There is nothing I won't dare I was born inside a jail
There is nothing I won't try to do to fulfill my duty, including risking getting back in jail, which is where I was born.

I was born with scum like you
I grew up among people like you and was considered scum myself at one point.

And this I swear to you tonight
I am making a solemn oath to you tonight.

There is no place for you to hide
You cannot escape or hide from me, Javert, for I will be watching.

Your child will live within my care
I promise to take care of your child and provide her with a good life.

Wherever you may hide away
Even if you try to escape or hide from me, I will still find your child and protect her.

And I will raise her to the light
I will raise your child in a proper way, leading her to a fulfilling and successful life.

I swear to you, I will be there
I am making a promise to you that regardless of what happens, I will protect and care for your child like my own.