Prologue
Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics

Look down, look down Don't look 'em in the eye
The convicts must avoid eye contact and acknowledge their low status or face the consequences.

You're here until you die
The convicts are sentenced to a life of imprisonment without any hope of release.

The sun is strong It's hot as hell below
Life inside the prison is unbearable and inhumane with extreme temperatures.

Look down, look down there's twenty years to go.
The convicts have a long sentence ahead of them and must endure a life of hardship for two decades.

I've done no wrong Sweet Jesus, here my prayer
One of the convicts believes he's innocent and prays to God for help.

Sweet Jesus doesn't care
The idea that God or religion can help them is futile, and they must rely on themselves solely.

I know she'll wait I know that she'll be true
One of the convicts is hopeful that his loved one will wait for him and be loyal.

They've all forgotten you
The world outside the prison walls has moved on, and they are no longer remembered or cared for.

When I get free You won't see me 'Ere for dust
If they ever escape or get released, they'll be gone and never return to this life.

How long, O Lord Before you let me die?
The convicts are in such misery that they pray for death to be free of their suffering.

You'll always be a slave Look down, look down You're standing in your grave.
The convicts are trapped in their social position and are metaphorically dead, as they have no life or future outside these walls.

No! It means you get Your yellow ticket-of-leave You are a thief.
The release is conditional, and Jean Valjean's criminal status isn't absolved, as he is still considered a thief.

I stole a loaf of bread. You robbed a house. I broke a window pane. My sister's child was close to death And we were starving.
Jean Valjean gives an account of his crimes and frames them as acts of desperation to survive rather than acts of malice.

You will starve again Unless you learn the meaning of the law.
Javert warns Jean Valjean that unless he abides by the law, he'll face the same fate.

I know the meaning of those 19 years A slave of the law.
Jean Valjean understands the cruel and unusual punishment he received in prison and how it enslaved him.

Five years for what you did The rest because you tried to run Yes, 24601.
Javert outlines the reason behind Jean Valjean's sentence and his infamy as inmate #24601.

My name is Jean Valjean. And I am Javert Do not forget my name Do not forget me 24601
Jean Valjean and Javert introduce themselves to each other, and Javert warns Jean Valjean never to forget him and his prisoner number.

Freedom is mine. The earth is still. I feel the wind. I breathe again. And the skies clear. The earth is waking. Drink from the pool. How clean the taste. Never forget the years, the waste. Nor forgive them For what they've done. They are the guilty- everyone. The day begins... And now let's see What this new world, Will do for me!
Jean Valjean expresses his joy and liberation upon his escape and reflects on the injustice he suffered, vowing never to forget it.

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 his employ and pays him accordingly, indicating his fear and prejudice towards ex-convicts.

You broke the law It's there for people to see Why should you get the same As honest men like me?
A laborer confronts Jean Valjean about his criminal past and questions why he should receive the same treatment or pay as him.

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 experiences the discrimination and prejudice ex-convicts face in society and how their criminal past labels them for life.

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 shows kindness and mercy towards Jean Valjean by offering him shelter and food, despite her inn being full.

You leave my house! Or feel the weight of my rod. We're law-abiding people here Thanks be to God.
The innkeeper, however, is prejudiced and cruel to Jean Valjean and threatens him with violence despite running a Christian establishment.

And now I know how freedom feels The jailer always at your heels It is the law! This piece of paper in my hand It makes me cursed throughout the land It is the law! Like a curse I walk the street, The dirt beneath their feet...
Jean Valjean reflects on how his freedom comes at a cost, as he is under constant surveillance and how his criminal record follows him everywhere he goes.

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 'til morning. Rest from pain, and rest from wrong.
The bishop invites Jean Valjean into his home and offers him hospitality, compassion, and grace.

He let me eat my fill. I had the lion's share. This silver in my hand Costs 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 betrays the bishop's kindness and steals from him, running away with the silver given to him as a gift.

Tell his reverence your story. Let us see if he's impressed. You were lodging here last night. You were the honest Bishop's guest. And than out of Christian goodness. When he learned about your plight You maintain he made a present of this silver
Two constables apprehend Jean Valjean after stealing from the bishop and question him about his stay with the bishop and the silver he stole.

That is right. But my friend you left so early Surely something slipped your mind. You forgot I gave these also. Would you leave the best behind? So, Messieurs, you may release him For this man has spoken true. I commend you for your duty And God's blessings go with you. (to VALJEAN)But remember this, my brother See in this some higher plan. You must use this precious silver To become an honest man. By the witness of the martyrs By the Passion and the Blood God has raised you out of darkness I have bought your soul for God!
The bishop lies to the constables and covers up Jean Valjean's crime, demonstrating forgiveness, mercy, and redemption, giving Jean Valjean a new start in life.