prologue
Original London Cast - Love Never Dies Lyrics

The Prologue is the opening song of the Original London Cast recording of Les Misérables. It is essentially an introduction to the story and sets up the scene for what is to come. The song begins with a group of workers discussing the arrival of a stranger who is seeking shelter. They advise the stranger to go to the Bishop's house where he will be fed and given a place to stay. The stranger goes to the Bishop's house and is welcomed with open arms. The Bishop invites him to dinner where he eats with the Bishop's family and is given his own room to sleep in for the night.

The stranger, however, has other plans. In the middle of the night, he steals the Bishop's silver and flees. The next morning, he is caught by the police and brought back to the Bishop's house where he is accused of theft. The Bishop, however, plays down the severity of the crime and tells the police that he gave the stranger the silver as a gift. He then goes one step further and gives the stranger two silver candlesticks, which he had not stolen, and tells him to use them to become an honest man.

The song is full of religious imagery and symbolism. The Bishop is portrayed as a Christ-like figure who forgives and shows mercy to an undeserving sinner. The stranger represents all those who have been lost and have strayed from the path of righteousness. The Bishop's actions show that it is never too late to turn back to God and to seek redemption.

Overall, the Prologue sets up the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love and compassion. It shows that even the most hardened of hearts can be softened through the kindness of another.