The Attack
David Burt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You at the barricade listen to this
No one is coming to help you to fight
You're on your own
You have no friends
Give up your guns - or die!
Enjolras
They will see the people rise!
Students
Damn their warnings, damn their lies
They will see the people rise!
The above lyrics are from the song "The Attack" in David Burt's musical Les Misérables. The scene depicts the moment where the army officer threatens the student revolutionaries who are occupying the barricade in Paris. In his speech, the officer informs the students that no one will come to their aid and that they are fighting a losing battle. He then demands that they surrender their weapons, or face certain death. Enjolras and the other students respond by denouncing the officer's warnings and lies, and declaring that they will rise up against the oppressive regime.
The lyrics convey a strong sense of defiance against authority, and a willingness to fight for what is believed to be right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The students are portrayed as brave and determined, willing to risk their lives for the cause of freedom and justice. The officer represents the corrupt system that the students are fighting against, and his words are seen as empty threats that will not deter them from their mission.
Overall, "The Attack" is a powerful song that captures the spirit of rebellion and revolution, and shows the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
You at the barricade listen to this
Pay attention to what I am about to say
No one is coming to help you to fight
You cannot rely on external assistance
You're on your own
You are alone and unsupported
You have no friends
You have no allies or supporters
Give up your guns - or die!
Surrender your weapons or face deadly consequences
Damn their warnings, damn their lies
Reject the propaganda and misinformation being spread against you
They will see the people rise!
The oppressed will unite and fight for their rights and freedoms
Damn their warnings, damn their lies
Reject the propaganda and misinformation being spread against you
They will see the people rise!
The oppressed will unite and fight for their rights and freedoms
Contributed by Isabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.