The Final Battle
Les Misérables - The Complete Symphonic Recording Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You at the barricade listen to this
The people of Paris sleep in their beds
You have no chance, no chance at all
Why throw your lives away?

Let us die facing our foes
Make them bleed while we can
Make 'em pay through the nose

Make 'em pay for every man!

Let others rise to take our place




Until the earth
Is free!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Les Misérables Cast's song "The Final Battle" capture the intensity and determination of the characters as they face their final confrontation. The barricade serves as a symbol of rebellion and resistance against the oppressive regime in Paris. The lyrics address those who are part of this final battle, urging them to listen and consider the gravity of their situation. The people of Paris, in contrast, are depicted as unaware and comfortable in their beds, oblivious to the struggle taking place.


The lines "You have no chance, no chance at all" convey a sense of hopelessness and futility, suggesting that the odds are stacked against the rebels. However, rather than surrendering or backing down, the lyrics express a willingness to die while facing their enemies. The desire to inflict pain and make their foes pay for the oppression and injustice they have caused is also emphasized.


As the song progresses, it implores others to rise and continue the fight, emphasizing the notion that the battle for freedom and equality should not end with their own lives. The ultimate goal is to create a world where every person is liberated from tyranny. The lyrics evoke a powerful sense of sacrifice and determination, highlighting the unyielding spirit of the characters and their commitment to the cause.


Line by Line Meaning

You at the barricade listen to this
Pay attention, you rebels on the barricade


The people of Paris sleep in their beds
The citizens of Paris are oblivious to our cause


You have no chance, no chance at all
There is no hope for you to succeed


Why throw your lives away?
Why sacrifice your lives for this futile battle?


Let us die facing our foes
Let us meet our enemies head-on in a brave death


Make them bleed while we can
Hurt them as much as we can while we still have the strength


Make 'em pay through the nose
Make them suffer greatly for their actions


Make 'em pay for every man!
Make them bear the consequences for every individual they have harmed


Let others rise to take our place
Allow others to step up and continue our fight


Until the earth
Until the world


Is free!
Achieves freedom




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Herbert Kretzmer, Alain Albert Boublil, Claude Michel Schonberg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions