He thinks that man is me!
He knew him at a glance!
That stranger he has found
This man could be my chance
Why should I save his hide
Why should I right this wrong
When I have come so far
And struggled for so long?
If I speak, I am condemned
If I stay silent, I am damned!
I am the master of hundreds of workers
They all look to me
How can I abandon them, how can they live
If I am not free?
If I speak, I am condemned
If I stay silent, I am damned!
Who am I?
Can I condemn this man to slavery
Pretend I do not see his agony
This innocent who bears my face
Who goes to judgement in my place
Who am I?
Can I conceal myself for evermore?
Pretend I'm not the man I was before?
And must my name until I die
Be no more than an alibi?
Must I lie?
How can I ever face my fellow man?
How can I ever face myself again?
My soul belongs to God, I know
I made that bargain long ago
He gave me hope, when hope was gone
He gave me strength to journey on
(He steps in front of the court)
Who am I?
Who am I?
I am Jean Valjean!
(He unbuttons his shirt to reveal the number tattooed to his chest.)
And so Javert, you see it's true,
That man bears no more guilt than you!
Who am I?
24601!