Claude-Michel Schönberg
Who Am I?
[VALJEAN]
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
Can I abandon them, how would 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 feel his agony?
This innocent who wears 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 men?
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
[Valjean appears in front of the court.]
Who am I? Who am I?
I'm 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!