Valjean's Confession Lyrics - Les Miserables

JEAN VALJEAN 

Not another word my son, 

There's something now that must be done 

You've spoken from the heart 

And I must do the same 

There is a story, sir 

Of slavery and shame 

That you alone must know. 

I never told Cosette 

She had enough of tears 

She's never known the truth 

Of the story you must hear 

Of years ago. 

There lived a man named Jean Valjean 

He stole some bread to save his sister's son 

For nineteen winters served his time 

In sweat he washed away his crime 

Years ago 

He broke parole and lived a life apart 

How could he tell Cosette and break her heart? 

It's for Cosette that this must be faced 

If he is caught she is disgraced 

The time is come to journey on 

And from this day he must be gone 

Who am I? 

Who am I? 

MARIUS 

You're Jean Valjean. 

What can I do 

That will turn you from this? 

Monsieur, you cannot leave 

Whatever I tell my beloved Cosette 

She will never believe! 

JEAN VALJEAN 

Make her believe 

I have gone on a journey 

A long way away 

Tell her my heart was too full for farewells 

It is better this way 

Promise me, M'sieur, Cosette will never know. 

MARIUS 

I give my word. 

JEAN VALJEAN 

... what I have spoken, why I must go. 

MARIUS. 

For the sake of Cosette, it must be so.