Javert's Intervention Lyrics - Les Miserables

[Javert and constables break up the fight. 

Valjean picks himself up and looks for Cosette, who is with Marius.] 

Javert 

Another brawl in the square 

Another stink in the air! 

Was there a witness to this? 

Well, let him speak to Javert! 

M'sieur, the streets are not safe, 

But let these vermin beware 

We'll see that justice is done! 

Look upon this fine collection 

Crawled from underneath a stone 

This swarm of worms and maggots 

Could have picked you to the bone! 

I know this man over here 

I know his name and his trade 

And on your witness, M'sieur, 

We'll see him suitably paid. 

[Valjean and Cosette have disappeared.] 

But where's the gentleman gone? 

And why on earth did he run? 

Thenardier 

You will have a job to catch him 

He's the one you should arrest 

No more bourgeois when you scratch him 

Than that brand upon his chest! 

[The constables search for Valjean.] 

Javert 

Could it be he's some old jailbird 

That the tide now washes in 

Heard my name and started running 

Had the brand upon his skin 

And the girl who stood beside him 

When I turned they both had gone 

Could he be the man I've hunted? 

Could it be he's Jean Valjean? 

Thenardier 

In the absence of a victim, 

Dear Inspector, may I go? 

And remember when you've nicked him, 

It was me who told you so! 

Javert 

Let the old man keep on running 

I will run him off his feet! 

Everyone about your business 

Clear this garbage off the street!