Confrontation Lyrics - Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast) - Alain Boublil

[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 counterpoint)] 

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 Javert 

There is nothing I won't dare 

If I have to kill you here 

I'll do what must be done! 

[JAVERT (in counterpoint)] 

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 breaks a chair and threatens Javert with the broken piece. Turns to Fantine] 

[VALJEAN] 

[To Fantine] And this I swear to you tonight 

[JAVERT] 

[To Valjean] 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 AND JAVERT] 

I swear to you, I will be there!