Work Song
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 are reminded to keep their heads down and not make eye contact with the guards, because their life sentence in prison means they will likely never leave.

The sun is strong It's hot as Hell below.
Life in prison is a harsh, grueling existence with no escape, and the heat only makes it worse.

Look down, look down There's twenty years to go.
The prisoners are reminded of their incredibly long sentences and how much time they have left to serve.

I've done no wrong Sweet Jesus hear my prayer.
A prisoner cries out to God, claiming their innocence and asking for mercy.

Look down, look down Sweet Jesus doesn't care.
The prisoner feels abandoned by God and hopeless in their situation.

I know she'll wait I know that she'll be true.
A prisoner holds onto hope that a loved one will remain faithful to them despite their imprisonment.

Look down, look down They've all forgotten you.
The harsh reality sets in that life goes on outside of prison, and those on the outside will eventually forget about those imprisoned.

When I get free you won't see me Here for dust.
A prisoner resolves to escape and move on from their life of imprisonment as quickly as possible.

How long oh Lord Before you let me die?
A prisoner is so miserable and hopeless that they long for death as a release from their suffering.

You'll always be a slave Look down, look down You're standing in your grave.
The prisoners are reminded that they are slaves to the system of imprisonment, and their sentence is a death sentence.

Now bring me Prisoner 24601 Your time is up And your parole's begun You know what that means.
A prisoner is released on parole, but reminded that they are still under the authority of the prison system.

Yes, it means I'm free.
The prisoner is excited and relieved to finally be released, even if it is just on parole.

No It means you get Your yellow ticket-of-leave You are a thief.
The prisoner is reminded that they are labeled a 'thief' and are only released on parole, not fully free.

I stole a loaf of bread.
The prisoner justifies their actions that led to their imprisonment, revealing a deep-seated sense of injustice.

You robbed a house.
The guard tries to make the prisoner feel guilty for their actions, even though the severity of the crimes are vastly different.

And you will starve again Unless you learn the meaning of the law.
The guard warns the prisoner that they will resort to crime again if they do not learn to follow the law and live within its boundaries.

I know the meaning of these nineteen years A slave of the law.
The prisoner reflects on their long sentence and how it has made them feel powerless and controlled by the law.

Five years for what you did The rest because you tried to run Yes 24601. My name is Jean Valjean.
The guard reminds the prisoner of their sentence and their identity as a criminal, but the prisoner defiantly proclaims their true identity as Jean Valjean.

And I am Javert Do not forget my name Do not forget me 24601.
The guard makes a final warning to the prisoner, reminding them to remember his name and to not forget the consequences of disobeying the law.

Freedom is mine, the earth is still I feel the wind, I breathe again And the sky clears, the world is waiting 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 reflects on the feeling of freedom after being released from prison, but also holds onto bitterness and anger for the years of his life wasted behind bars.

You'll have to go I'll pay you off for the day Collect your bits and pieces there And be on your way.
Jean Valjean is forced to leave a job site, but is offered pay for what he worked and told to move on.

You broke the law It's there for people to see Why should you get the same As honest men like me?
Jean Valjean faces prejudice and discrimination for being labeled a criminal, despite his desire to work and live honestly after being released from prison.

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 my feet.
Jean Valjean realizes that even though he is technically free, the law still haunts him and he is marked as a criminal for life.

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.
Jean Valjean stumbles upon an act of kindness and generosity, offering him a warm bed, food, and drink to revive him after his journey.

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's 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 is given another chance at redemption and trust, but he struggles with temptation and ultimately succumbs to it, stealing from his kind benefactor and running away.