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| "Prologue: Work Song" | |
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"Overture" |
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"Prologue: Work Song" is part of the Prologue. This takes part in 1815, Toulon. The Convicts, overseen by brutal warders, work in the sun. The song is entitled “Look Down” in the 2012 film.
The lyrics were written by Herbert Kretzmer.
Lyrics[]
Chorus:
(All humming)
Look down! Look down!
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down! Look down!
You’re here until you die
1st convict:
The sun is strong
It's hot as hell below!
Chorus:
Look down! Look down!
There's twenty years to go
2nd convict:
I've done no wrong
Sweet Jesus, hear my prayer
Chorus:
Look down! Look down!
Sweet Jesus doesn't care
3rd convict:
I know she'll wait
I know that she'll be true
Chorus:
Look down! Look down!
They've all forgotten you
4th Convict:
When I get free
You won't see me here for dust!
Chorus:
Look down! Look down!
Don’t look 'em in the eye
5th Convict:
How long, Dear Lord
Before you let me die?
Chorus:
Look down! Look down!
You'll always be a slave
Look down! Look down!
You're standing in your grave
Javert:
Now bring me prisoner 24601
Your time is up and your parole's begun
You know what that means
Valjean:
Yes, It means I'm free
Javert:
No
It means you get your yellow ticket-of-leave
You are a thief
Valjean:
I stole a loaf of bread
Javert:
You robbed a house
Valjean:
I broke a window pane
My sister's child was close to death
And we were starving
Javert:
You will starve again
Unless you learn the meaning of the law!
Valjean:
I know the meaning
Of those nineteen years
A slave of the law
Javert:
Five years for what you did
The rest because you tried to run
Yes, 24601
Valjean:
My name is Jean Valjean!
Javert:
And I'm Javert!
Do not forget my name
Do not forget me, 24601
Chorus:
Look down! Look down!
You'll always be a slave
Look down! Look down!
You're standing in your grave
2012 film lyrics[]
Some lyrics were changed in the 2012 film.
"The sun is strong, it's hot as hell below!" is now "No God above, and Hell alone below!"
Valjean and Javert in the 2012 film
Javert and Valjean's meeting is also changed:
Javert
Now, Prisoner 24601, your time is up and your parole's begun!
You know what that means?
Valjean
Yes, it means I'm free!
Javert
No!
Follow to the letter your itinerary.
This badge of shame you'll wear until you die.
It warns you're a dangerous man.
Valjean
I stole a loaf of bread!
My sister's child was close to death,
And we were starving!
Javert
You will starve again,
Unless you learn the meaning of the law.
Valjean
I know the meaning of those 19 years,
A slave of the law!
Javert
Five years for what you did!
The rest because you tried to run.
Yes, 24601.
Valjean
My name is Jean Valjean!
Javert
And I'm Javert!
Do not forget my name!
Do not forget me, 24601...
Changes between versions[]
In the original version the third convict had an extra line which was followed by a rebuke from his fellows.
3rd convict
I killed a man, he tried to steal my wife
Chorus
Look down, look down, she wasn't worth your life.
This was cut during the initial run of previews at the Barbican Centre.
Trivia[]
- In the Original French Concept Album, the song, along with the entire Prologue sequence, does not appear.
- In the Parisian Revival version the song is titled "Le bagne : pitié, pitié" which means: "The prison: Mercy! Mercy!"
- In the Spanish proudction this song is called "Pròlogo: Piedad, piedad" which means: "Prologue: Piety, piety"
- In the Polish version the track is known as "Uwertura: Schyl kark" which means: "Overture: Bend your head"
- In the 2012 film version: "The sun is strong, it's hot as hell below!" is now "No God above, and Hell alone below!" is not sung. This line is also not in the movie as well:"You robbed a house!" "I broke a window pane."
- This song is often known as Look Down, although this song is the true song. However, this song is often referred to as "Look Down", or "Paris:1832".
- The novel mentioned that Jean Valjean had amnesia, although in this song he mentioned his name, possibly to introduce the name of the character itself.
Videos[]
Teatr Muzyczny ROMA- Uwertura Schyl Kark (Musical "Les Miserables")
Les Misérables - Look Down