The Confrontation

Valjean, at last
We see each other plain
Monsieur le Maire
You'll wear a different chain

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
That I'll return

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

(Men like me can never change) Believe of me what you will
(Men like me can never change) There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
(No) You know nothing of my life
(24601) All I did was steal some bread
(My duty's to the law, you have no rights) You know nothing of the world
(Come with me 24601) You would sooner see me dead
(Now the wheel has turned around) But not before I see this justice done
(Jean Valjean is nothing now)
(Dare you talk to me of crime) I am warning you Javert
(And the price you had to pay) I'm a stronger man by far
(Every man is born in sin) There is power in me yet
(Every man must choose his way) My race is not yet run

You know nothing of Javert
I was born inside a jail
I was born with scum like you
I am from the gutter too