Overture / Work Song - Original Broadway Cast / 1987

Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down
You're here until you die

The sun is strong
It's hot as hell below
Look down, look down
There's twenty years to go

I've done no wrong!
Sweet Jesus, hear my prayer!
Look down look down
Sweet Jesus doesn't care

I know she'll wait
I know that she'll be true!
Look down, look down
They've all forgotten you

When I get free
Ya won't see me
Here for dust!

Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
How long, oh Lord
Before you let me die?

Look down, look down
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down
You're standing in your grave

Now bring me prisoner 24601
Your time is up
And your parole's begun
You know what that means
Yes, it means I'm free
No!
It means you get your yellow ticket-of-leave
You are a thief
I stole a loaf of bread
You robbed a house
I broke a window pane
My sister's child was close to death
And we were starving
You will starve again
Unless you learn the meaning of the law
I know the meaning of those 19 years
A slave of the law

Five years for what you did
The rest because you tried to run
Yes, 24601
My name is Jean Valjean
And I am Javert
Do not forget my name!
Do not forget me
24601