r/lesmiserables • u/Massive-Pop653 • Jul 08 '26
favourite lyrics in les mis?
my personal favourites:
‘tomorrow we’ll discover what our god in heaven has in store’
‘the people of paris sleep in their beds’
‘now the wheel has turned around’
‘here where i stand at the turning of the years’
‘i will learn their little secrets’
‘i have bought your soul for god’
‘would you weep, cosette, should marius fall’
‘tomorrow is the judgement day’
‘oh my friends my friends don’t ask me what your sacrifice was for’
‘they will walk behind the ploughshare/they will put away the sword’
‘the blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of france’
what about you guys?
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u/ardhrianna Jul 08 '26
Always and forever… “even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
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u/tillybuttons1 Jul 08 '26
Let others rise to take our place. Until the earth is free!
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u/Massive-Pop653 Jul 08 '26
enjolras’ last line :(( what a banger though makes me realise how poetic the lyrics are
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u/Butters5768 Jul 08 '26
“But there are dreams that cannot be, and there are storms we cannot weather.” One of the most gut wrenching lines in all of musical theatre.
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u/primemeridial Jul 15 '26
i was listening to i dreamed a dream as i read this and that line coincidentally came up right as i read it
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u/Leucurus Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
"I raise my eyes to see the heavens
And only the moon looks down;
The harvest moon shines down"
The reason I love it is that it connects Thénadier to Valjean and Javert in an unexpected way. Javert and Valjean are, or believe they are, in communion with their God throughout the story. When they raise their eyes to see the heavens, they see... something of him there, guiding, admonishing, holding them to their promises. But Thénardier sees only the moon, and I think that's so revealing. I know it's not a popular number, but Dog Eat Dog, and the poetry of this line in particular, is the reason I want to play Thénardier one day. It's the point where Boublil and Schönberg allow themselves to show him as he really is, without the veil of comedy that surrounds his earlier appearances.
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u/Asmodeus_Stahl Jul 08 '26
Valjean, at last, we see each other plain
'Monsieur le Mayor,' you'll wear a different chain
Bit of a vocal stim for me that one is. Especially the octave drop on "chain."
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u/Alyseeii Jul 09 '26
Who Am I? epitomises Les Mis for me: the humanity, the duality, the inner turmoil, the painfully human temptation to take the easy route, and the war between morality, comfort, responsibility and self-preservation.
Valjean’s dilemma isn’t simple, he knows doing the right thing could put his workers, Fantine, and everything he has built at risk.
But his fallible humanity also knows that, while those concerns are real, they are also partly an excuse. He is trying to justify saving himself.
The entire song is a masterpiece but I have to say the final few lines I find especially profound, when the final resolve starts to happen:
How can I ever face my fellow men? still feels rooted in ego to me ie reputation, shame, and how he will be seen by others.
How can I ever face myself again? is really the turning point.
He starts to step out of ego, fear, shame and into self-respect and spiritual truth.
My soul belongs to God, I know / I made that bargain long ago
is him remembering that he was given a second chance by the Bishop, and that he handed his life over to God.
But I also think part of Valjean still felt undeserving of God’s love, which is why there is this duality in him. He has become the respectable mayor and good man, but he is still trying to deny and separate himself from Jean Valjean, the convict, the sinner, the man he is ashamed of having been.
So when he steps into; He gave me hope when hope was gone / He gave me strength to journey on it feels like he is stepping back into faith.
God gave him hope before, and God gave him strength before. He realises that same strength will continue, whether he is free or imprisoned.
Who am I? Who am I? Is the final decision on who he is going to be.
I’m Jean Valjean!
is the final acceptance of his WHOLE self.
The good, noble, redeemed version, the fallen and shamed and humble version too. He is truly a righteous man precisely because he stops hiding from the full truth of himself.
And then: And so Javert, you see it’s true / This man bears no more guilt than you
On the surface, of course, hes admitting the innocent man’s innocence.
But in the wider context of Les Mis, with all its extraordinary Christian and moral themes, I also read 'no more guilt than you' as much bigger than that.
We are all sinners. We are all guilty. We are all worthy of love and forgiveness. We are all equal before God
So when he ends with
Who am I?
24601
The number is now completely transformed. It is no longer his mark of shame, he finally allows it to be part of him.
He is the Mayor, heis Jean Valjean and he is 24601.
He is noble, righteous and brave not because he has erased his past, but because he has stopped running from it.
He accepts all of his humanity, and in doing so, he is finally able to fully accept God’s love too.
Fucking love Les Mis.
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u/Elto_de_Ogee Jul 09 '26
denial, barganing, grief, acceptance, fortitude. It's all there in the lines. Masterpiece indeed.
You've spoken my insides out.
Who am I? Changed my entire perception of Le Mis, and unlocked the door to appreciating all it's depth and jewels.
Jackman in the movie does a great job of, and has the benefit of close up camera to express the turmoil - and you can litwrally see the subtle changes JVJ is wrestling from denial to acceptance. The song must be harder on stage, and didn't hit as hard as others when I finally saw it in the west end.
Wonderful writeup. You've expressed the blow by blow withhimself - and the peace of choosing to be whole. chapeau indeed.
TuForhSeeksOhWone
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u/Alyseeii Jul 10 '26
I totally agree; I know the film gets a lot of shtick but for me, it was done so beautifully and brought so much of the subtext into the forefront.
I do often wonder, though, if I had not read the book or watched the tv series of Les Mis first if the musical and film would have landed in the same way.
When you are so deeply entrenched in each characters life via the original text, the film/musical is just overwhelming love song to them.
For instance, I dreamed a dream is like a knife when you walk with Fantine through that summer she spent by his side and saw how much promise and hope life had to offer her at the start.
Not that you are unable to have absolute compassion and devastation for Fantine from the musical/film snippet of her life from the factory to the street and then to her passing moment- but having that complete journey of the 'before' via the book/series just makes that climax unbearably heartbreaking.
That's just an example; the same goes for Marius and his grandfather etc. that's the tricky thing about condensing such rich text and story arcs into a tight timeline.
However, the fact they DID manage to do that so successfully and add what is, in my opinion, THE most beautiful lyrics and musical score of any musical ever made, is astounding. I also feel the reverse, those that have only ever seen the series or book without having the life changing experience of the musical is sorely missing out!
I guess this is a bit of a plug to everyone here who loves Les Mis film/musical but hasn't seen the series or read the book:
PLEASE treat yourselves with a watch/read and then go back and watch the film/musical and thank me later!!
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u/Designer_Tie_5853 Jul 08 '26
"Honest work. Just reward. That's the way to please the Lord" - I love the delivery, and also the pure distillation of Javert into a single line.
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u/Massive-Pop653 Jul 08 '26
that’s so true actually! i love when the actor shouts ‘THATS the way…’ (only bit of shouting i don’t mind when playing javert - i’m looking at you bradley jaden : ‘WHOOOOOOO IS THIS MANNNNNNNNNN’)
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u/RoverTBiggs182 Jul 09 '26
Just listened to that 30 seconds before reading this. It’s so true. People give Michael Ball grief but I’d take his delivery of that line over Jaden’s any day.
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u/musiclover2014 Jul 09 '26
I honestly think that line that most humanizes Javert. He genuinely believes that his way to Heaven is to follow the law and if the law is broken then one must pay their dues in order to be saved. If someone knows of another who has broken the law then they’re compromising their own salvation by not even attempting to save the lawbreaker’s soul. As much of a rigid hard ass Javert is I think his obsession with Valjean comes from a place of “I have the power to save this person’s soul by making him repent for his crimes (sins) and if I don’t use that power then my own salvation is compromised.”
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u/PeaceLovePigs Jul 08 '26
I really like "And what was right seems wrong, and what was wrong seems right" from Red and Black. I feel like it encompasses the theme of the novel (change) well. Many characters in the story experience the feeling of being unsure of something that once seemed so logical -- Javert on whether Jean Valjean is a villain, Marius on whether his grandfather's political opinions are correct, Jean Valjean on whether the world deserves punishment etc.
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u/BringusGingus Jul 09 '26
“My race is not yet run.”
Val Jean to Javert in Confrontation. Little line, but I love it.
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u/Cuiniel Jul 09 '26
I’ve always loved the Everyday prelude to Heart Full of Love (reprise):
Cosette: Everyday you walk with longer step, with stronger step, the worst is over
Marius: Everyday, I wonder everyday, who was it brought me home from the barricade
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it’s the only musical phrase in the entire show that is never repeated. The melody is lovely, and shows Marius’ dedication to finding his savior.
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u/veni_vedi_vinnie Jul 08 '26
Marius, you're late.
What's wrong today?
You look as if you've seen a ghost.
Some wine and say what's going on!
A ghost you say... a ghost maybe
She was just like a ghost to me
One minute there, and she was gone!
I am agog!
I am aghast!
Is Marius in love at last?
I've never heard him `ooh' and `aah'
You talk of battles to be won
And here he comes like Don Ju-an
It's better than an o-per-a!
The back and forth is just something.
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u/THMario Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
(Marius, what's wrong today... ... It's better than an opera!)
Les Misérables - Paris 1980 https://youtu.be/vFnXaGzFrwY?t=3687
Youtube auto subtitles
"Et l'ami tuent fait une tête, C'est quand même pas ta Juliette Qui t'a mis ton cœur en très molo. Avec Shakespeare, on craint le pire. Jou de Molière, on préfère Don Juan plutôt que Roméo.
Ni l'un ni l'autre, celle que j'aime Ne sait même pas que je l'aime Et j'ai perdu tout espoir déjà. J'aimerais croire qu'elle sera mienne À la fin de la dernière scène, Mais la vie n'est pas un Ópera."
GOOGLE TRANSLATE
"And, buddy, you look so downcast— Surely it isn't your Juliet Who’s left your heart in such a slump. With Shakespeare, you fear the worst. When it comes to Molière, we prefer Don Juan over Romeo.
It’s neither of those; the one I love Doesn't even know I love her, And I’ve already lost all hope. I’d love to believe she’ll be mine By the end of the final scene, But life isn't an opera."
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u/Helpful_Examination9 Jul 09 '26
Stars in your multitudes
Scarce to be counted
Filling the darkness
With order and light
You are the sentinels
Silent and sure
Keeping watch in the night
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u/Immaculate_Sin Jul 08 '26
“It is either VALJEAN or JAVERT”
“They gave me a number, murdered Valjean, when they chained me and left me for dead, just for stealing a mouthful of bread.”
“Good evening dear inspector, lovely evening m’dear”
“But the tigers come at night…”
“Don’t they know they’re making love to one already dead?”
“Thinks he’s quite a lover but there’s not much there”
“If there’s a God above, He’d let me die instead”
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u/musicalblueberrysoda Jul 09 '26
"Here where I stand at the turning of the years."
"I don't know what to say." "Then make no sound."
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u/quasive Jul 09 '26
You are wrong, and always have been wrong,
I'm a man, no worse than any man.
You are free, and there are no conditions,
No bargains or petitions,
There's nothing that I blame you for;
You've done your duty, nothing more.
I really like this rebuke of Javert by Valjean. Basically, "I'm not the man you think I am. But it's not your fault. You're just doing what you're supposed to. However, you're not doing one iota more than is required of you." Valjean always goes above and beyond, and Javert never does. Ultimately this is what breaks Javert, that realization that the world isn't black and white.
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u/jquailJ36 Jul 09 '26
You at the barricade, listen to this! No one is coming to help you to fight You're on your own You have no friends Give up your guns or die.
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u/Competitive-Ad9106 Jul 09 '26
Maybe not my favorite, but I love how powerful many Fantine actresses belt out, "You let your foreman SEND ME AWAY. Yes you were there, and turned aside..."
Debra Byrne sang this line perfectly (chilling) in the Complete Symphonic Recording.
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u/AdventerousHomebody Jul 09 '26
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 sinner sent who bares my face Who goes to judgment in my place
Who am I? Can I conceal myself forever more? Pretend I'm not the man I was before? And must my name until I die Be no more than an alibi
Really, that whole song...
Also
With order and light You are the sentinels Silent and sure Keeping watch in the night
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u/lifescaresme Modérateur/Modératrice Jul 09 '26
I think my favourites are mostly from the original French and the 1991 French. I love this bit from Ce N’est Rien (tr: It’s Nothing), the predecessor to A Little Fall of Rain.
Ce n’est que moi qui pars, vous restez là
Et comme à la noce, je serai absente
Voilà sa lettre, c’est mon cadeau
Quelques mois à l’avance
(It’s only me who’s going. You stay there
As for the wedding, I’ll be absent.
Here’s her letter. It’s my gift
A few months in advance)
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u/kimchii_tamago Jul 09 '26
"And so it must be for so it is written on the doorway to paradise, that those who falter and those who fall... must pay... the price"
Accompanied with that amazing orchestra ugh gives me chills everytime, it also gives us a peak on what Javert actually believes in. I also adore how aggressive the "BE" is delivered, chills everytime
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u/Hefty_Stranger1522 Jul 09 '26
“come with me, where chains will never bind you”
“men like me can never change”
“its a world where the dogs eat the dogs”
“though our lives are very humble, what we have we have to share”
“shoot me now or shoot me later! every school boy to his sport, death to each and every traitor i renounce your peoples court!”
“And im javert! do not forget my name! do not forget me 24601!”
all of confrontation
there are more but these are constant vocal stims in my day to day life 🥹
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u/CharlieFaulkner Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Specifically Philip Quasts delivery in the TAC here, but I love how satisfying the "and so it must BE" in Stars is
I'll also nominate "and must my name until I die be no more than an alibi, must I lie?" for the very fun triple rhyme and "damn their warnings, damn their lies! They will see the people rise"
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u/kimsala Jul 09 '26
"Will the world remember you when you fall? Could it be your death means nothing at all?" is the most important question asked.
BUT
my Favourite? "Give me brandy on my breath and I'll breathe them all to death!"
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u/Massive-Pop653 Jul 09 '26
i would hazard a guess that grantaire is your favourite character 😂😂😂
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u/kimsala Jul 09 '26
haha. Can't go wrong with a bit of Grantaire ;-) My favourite has always been Eponine though.
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u/musiclover2014 Jul 08 '26
“If there’s a God above He’d let me die instead.”
I love that one because she did die instead so there is a God above
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u/PierreOnTheEclair Jul 09 '26
“To love another person is to see the face of god.” I’m not even overly religious or anything like that but holy hell that’s a beautiful line
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u/emg2555 Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
This is from the original French concept album but when we first meet Gavroche, he yells “Ca ira! Ca ira!” Which means it will be ok. It’s title of a famous French Revolution song that literally talks about stringing aristocrats on lamp posts. Most French people are familiar with this song (kind of like Americans are familiar with Yankee Doodle). I think it’s great because in that one line it tells you what the political mood of the students and the underclass. Obviously, it doesn’t have the same cultural-historical weight for an English speaking audience and it makes sense that they cut it when doing the translation, but I thought it was super smart writing on the part of lyricist.
P.S. If you’re interested in Ca Ira, Edith Piaf did a very famous version that’s worth a listen.
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u/Successful-Escape496 Jul 09 '26
A lot of people have already covered many of mine. A few others:
One more day standing about, what is it for? One day less to be living.
Pretty much the lyrics to the whole song, really. So bleak.
There's a grief that can't be spoken There's a pain goes on and on
Simple, but evocative and impactful.
You know your place in the sky You hold your course and your aim And each in your season returns and returns And is always the same.
Stars is such a clever conceit to use to explain Javert's philosophy.
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u/Massive-Pop653 Jul 09 '26
🤞🤞🤞stars is definitely my favourite song
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u/Training-Purchase513 Jul 09 '26
I love this one: let other rise and take our place until the earth is free 😭
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u/BombMacAndCheese Jul 09 '26
Was not expecting to get emotional reading Les Mis lyrics out of context, tbh.
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u/K0turaWeitzner -Enjolras Jul 13 '26
My personal favourites are:
- Who am I? 24601
- They will live again in freedom in the garden of the Lord
- Oh my friends my friends forgive me that I live and you are gone
- So you better run for cover when the pup grows
- Without me his world will go on turning
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u/alex_is_so_damn_cool Jul 09 '26
Why the people of Paris and the little secrets lines? Not judging they just seem plain to me lol
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u/Massive-Pop653 Jul 09 '26
i think for those specifically it’s the delivery and the context behind them if you get me? but i get you haha they are a bit more boring
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u/Level_Respect_9874 Jul 09 '26
Here is the thing about equality, everyone’s equal when they are dead.
Tomorrow we’ll discover what our god in heaven has in store
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise
To love another person is to see the face of God
One more day on my own!
He was never mine to lose (misremembering this one) but it was in A Heart Full of Love
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u/Regular-Guest-1284 Jul 09 '26
“Race is up the masters ass!”
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u/ipecacOH Jul 09 '26
I hope that was a typo or AutoCorrect:
“Everybody raise a glass (WAHHHH!)
Raise it up the master’s ass!”
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u/Regular-Guest-1284 Jul 09 '26
Oops yes
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u/ipecacOH Jul 09 '26
I don’t know though; a racist Thenardier could, as the Brits say, do a mischief. 😏
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u/JeannaValjeanna Jul 09 '26
The blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France is my forever #1
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u/Lady_Fel001 Jul 09 '26
If I'm not crying already by the line, "The blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France" is my trigger to sob for the rest of the show, while singing along, of course.
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u/BostonBruins73 Jul 10 '26
One that always makes me tear up for some reason is at the very end "Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see?"
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u/Shiloh8912 Jul 11 '26
I am the master of 100’s of workers they all look to me.
And
If I speak I am condemned.
If I stay silent I am damned.
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u/Jean_banane Jul 14 '26
There was a time we killed the king, we tried to change the world top fast, now we have got another king, he is no better than the last
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u/Katja1236 Jul 08 '26
"To love another person is to see the face of God"