The First Attack

Lyrics

[VALJEAN, dressed as a soldier, climbs over the barricade.] [JOLY] Here comes a man in uniform What brings you to this place? [VALJEAN] I come here as a volunteer [JOLY] Approach and show your face [PROUVAIRE] You wear an army uniform [VALJEAN] That's why they let me through [JOLY] You've got some years behind you, sir [VALJEAN] There's much that I can do [JOLY] You see that prisoner over there? [GRANTAIRE] A volunteer like you! [COMBEFERRE] A spy who calls himself Javert [GRANTAIRE] He's gonna get it, too [SENTRY #1] They're getting ready to attack! [ENJOLRAS gives the unarmed VALJEAN a gun.] [ENJOLRAS] Take this and use it well But if you shoot us in the back You'll never live to tell [SENTRY #2, spoken] Platoon of sappers advancing towards the barricade! [SENTRY #1, spoken] Troops behind them, fifty men or more! [ENJOLRAS, spoken] Fire! [FEUILLY, spoken] Snipers! [VALJEAN shoots a sniper that is aiming for ENJOLRAS.] [LESGLES] Look how they turn and run! [GRANTAIRE] And so the war was won! [ENJOLRAS] They will be back again Make an attack again [To VALJEAN.] For your presence of mind For the deed you have done I will thank you, Monsieur When our battle is won [VALJEAN] Give me no thanks, Monsieur There's something you can do [ENJOLRAS, spoken] If it is in my power [VALJEAN] Give me the spy Javert Let me take care of him [JAVERT] The law is inside out The world is upside down [ENJOLRAS] Do what you have to do This man belongs to you [To the others.] [ENJOLRAS, spoken] The enemy may be regrouping Hold yourselves in readiness Come, my friends, back to your positions [ENJOLRAS] The night is falling fast [VALJEAN] We meet again [JAVERT] You've hungered for this all your life Take your revenge How right you should kill with a knife! [VALJEAN cuts JAVERT's bonds.] [VALJEAN] You talk too much Your life is safe in my hands [JAVERT] Don't understand [VALJEAN] Get out of here [JAVERT] Valjean, take care I am warning you [VALJEAN] Clear out of here [JAVERT] Once a thief, forever a thief What you want you always steal You would trade your life for mine? Yes, Valjean, you want a deal Shoot me now for all I care! But if you let me go, beware You'll still answer to Javert! [VALJEAN] You are wrong, and always have been wrong I'm a man, no worse than any man You are free, and there are no conditions No bargains or petitions There's nothing that I blame you for You've done your duty, nothing more If I come out of this alive, you'll find me At number fifty-five Rue Plumet No doubt our paths will cross again [VALJEAN, spoken] Go! [JAVERT leaves. VALJEAN fires his gun in the air.] [ENJOLRAS] Courfeyrac, you take the watch They won't attack until it's light Everybody keep the faith For certain as the eagle flies We are not alone The people too must rise [ENJOLRAS, spoken] Marius, rest