The Confrontation

Valjean, at last We see each other plain Monsieur le Maire You'll wear a different chain Before you say another word, Javert Before you chain me up like a slave again Listen to me, there is something I must do This woman leaves behind a suffering child There is none but me who can intercede In mercy's name, three days are all I need Then I'll return, I pledge my word Then I'll return You must think me mad I've hunted you across the years Men like you can never change A man such as you (Men like me can never change) believe of me what you will (Men like me can never change) there is a duty that I've sworn to do (No 24601) you know nothing of my life (My duty's to the law, you have no rights) all I did was steal some bread, you know nothing of the world (Come with me 24601) you would sooner see me dead (Now the wheel has turned around) but not before I see this justice (Jean Valjean is nothing now) done (Dare you talk to me of crime) I am warning you Javert (And the price you had to pay) I'm a stronger man by far (Every man is born in sin) there is power in me yet (Every man must choose his way) my race is not yet run You know nothing of Javert (I am warning you, Javert) I was born inside a jail (there is nothing I won't dare) I was born with scum like you (if I have to kill you here) I am from the gutter too (I'll do what must be done) And this I swear to you tonight There is no place for you to hide (your child will live within my care) Wherever you may hide away And I will raise her to the light I swear to you I will be there