Herbert Kretzmer The Confrontation Lyrics

JAVERT
Valjean, at last,
We see each other plain!
'M'sieur le Mayor',
You'll wear a different chain!

VALJEAN
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...

JAVERT
You must think me mad!
I've hunted you across the years.
A man like you can never change.
A man such as you.

VALJEAN [in counter point]
Believe of me what you will
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
You know nothing of my life
All I did was steal some bread
You know nothing of the world
You would sooner see me dead
But not before I see this justice done.
I am warning you, Javert
I'm a stronger man by far
There is power in me yet
My race is not yet run!
I am warning you, Javer
There is nothing I won't dare
If I have to kill you here
I'll do what must be done!

JAVERT [in counter point]
Men like me can never change.
Men like you can never change.
No. 24601
My duty's to the law
You have no rights
Come with me, 24601
Now the wheel has turned around
Jean Valjean is nothing now
Dare you talk to me of crime
And the price you had to pay
Every man is born in sin
Every man must choose his way
You know nothing of Javert
I was born inside a jail
I was born with scum like you
I am from the gutter too.

VALJEAN
And this I swear to you tonight...

JAVERT
There is no place for you to hide.

VALJEAN
Your child will live within my care.

JAVERT
Wherever you may hide away.

VALJEAN
And I will raise her to the light.

VALJEAN & JAVERT
I swear to you, I will be there.