They think that man is me! Without a second 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 will they live if I am not free?
If I speak, they are 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 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 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!
Who am I? Who am I?
I am Jean Valjean!
And so, Your Honour, you see it's true, That man bears no more guilt than you!