Epilogue
Colm Wilkinson (Valjean) Ruthie Henshall (Fantine) Judy Kuhn (Cosette) Michael Ball (Marius) Lea Sal Lyrics

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Hand on the bridge
Feel the rhythm of the train
Hand on the window
Feel the rhythm of the rain
Hand on your throat
Feel the rhythm of your talk
Hand on your leg
Feel the rhythm of your walk

Hand in the river
Feel the rhythm of the tide
Hand your heart
Feel the rhythm inside
Inside, inside, inside, inside
Hand on the rhythm
Feel the rhythm of the rhyme
Hand on your life
Feel the rhythm of time

Of the city, of the city, of the city, of the city
Of the city, of the city, of the city

Overall Meaning

In the song "Epilogue" from Les Misérables, each verse is dedicated to a different character, highlighting their emotions and the rhythm of their lives.

The first verse is addressed to Colm Wilkinson, who portrays Jean Valjean. "Hand on the bridge" refers to Valjean feeling the vibrations and energy of life passing by, symbolized by the rhythm of a train. "Hand on the window" represents Valjean feeling the rhythm of the rain, connecting him to the natural elements. This signifies his connection to the world around him and his longing for freedom and peace.

The second verse is dedicated to Ruthie Henshall, who plays Fantine, a young woman who faces immense hardships. "Hand on your throat" represents Fantine feeling the rhythm of her voice, her expression of pain and longing. "Hand on your leg" suggests she is feeling the rhythm of her walk, emphasizing her physical and emotional vulnerability. These lines remind us of Fantine's desperation and her struggle to survive.

Judy Kuhn, playing Cosette, is the focus of the third verse. "Hand in the river" symbolizes Cosette feeling the rhythm of the tide, representing her connection to love and her willingness to let her emotions flow freely. "Hand your heart" suggests that she feels the rhythm inside her, indicating her happiness and excitement in finding true love. These lines portray Cosette's transformation and her newfound joy.

Finally, Michael Ball, portraying Marius, is addressed in the final verse. "Hand on the rhythm" signifies Marius feeling the rhythm of the rhyme, representing his poetic and hopeful nature. "Hand on your life" alludes to him feeling the rhythm of time, reflecting his awareness of the fleeting nature of life and his determination to make the most of it. The repetition of "of the city" underscores Marius' connection to the bustling and ever-changing world surrounding him.

Overall, this song serves as a reflection on the characters' experiences and their individual journeys within the larger context of the city and the world. Each line captures their emotions, desires, and perceptions, emphasizing the importance of rhythm in their lives and their connection to the world around them.

Line by Line Meaning

Hand on the bridge
Connecting with stability and support

Feel the rhythm of the train
Sensing the constant movement and progression

Hand on the window
Touching a portal to the outside world

Feel the rhythm of the rain
Experiencing the natural flow and unpredictable nature of life

Hand on your throat
Being aware of the power and expression in your voice

Feel the rhythm of your talk
Recognizing the cadence and impact of your words

Hand on your leg
Feeling the strength and mobility of your physical body

Feel the rhythm of your walk
Embodying grace and purpose in your movements

Hand in the river
Immersing in the flow and interconnectedness of life

Feel the rhythm of the tide
Sensing the ebb and flow of change and transformation

Hand your heart
Connecting with the core of your emotions and compassion