Herbert Kretzmer Javert's Suicide Lyrics

Valjean
It's you, Javert!
I knew you wouldn't wait too long.
The faithful servant at his post once more.
This man's done no wrong
and he needs a doctor's care.

Javert
I warned you I would not give in!
I won't be swayed!

Valjean
Another hour yet!
And then I'm yours,
and all our debts are paid.

Javert
The man of mercy comes again,
and talks of justice!

Valjean
Now time is running short.
Down, Javert, he's standing in his grave.
Do you wait, Javert, there is a life to save.

Javert [starting while Valjean sings his last line]
Take him, before I change my mind!
I will be waiting, 24601!

[Javert walks the deserted streets until he comes to a bridge over the river Seine.]

Javert
Who is this man?
What sort of devil is he?
To have me caught in a trap
And choose to let me go free?
It was his hour at last
To put a seal on my fate
Wipe out the past
And wash me clean off the slate!
All it would take
Was a flick of his knife
Vengeance was his
And he gave me back my life!
d___ed if I'll live in the debt of a thief!
d___ed if I'll yield at the end of the chase.
I am the Law and the Law is not mocked
I'll spit his pity right back in his face
There is nothing on earth that we share
It is either Valjean or Javert!

How can I now allow this man
To hold dominion over me?
This desperate man whom I have hunted
He gave me my life, he gave me freedom.
I should have perished by his hand!
It was his right.
It was my right to die as well
Instead I live, but live in hell!
And my thoughts fly apart
Can this man be believed?
Shall his sins be forgiven?
Shall his crimes be reprieved?
And must I now begin to doubt
Who never doubted all these years?
My heart is stone and still it trembles
The world I have known is lost in shadow.
Is he from heaven or from hell?
And does he know
That granting me my life today
This man has killed me even so?
I am reaching, but I fall
And the stars are black and cold.
As I stare into the void
Of a world that cannot hold
I'll escape now from the world
From the world of Jean Valjean
There is nowhere I can turn
There is no way to go on.....

[He throws himself into the river.]