"At the End of the Day" is a powerful ensemble piece featured in the 2012 musical drama film, Les Misérables. The song portrays the struggles and hardships of the working-class people in 19th-century France. It is a reflection of the daily toil and the constant battle against poverty and injustice faced by the characters. The song is notable for its energetic chorus and the interplay between the different voices, representing the collective suffering and resilience of the people.
Lyrics[]
All:
At the end of the day you're another day older
And that's all you can say for the life of the poor
It's a struggle, it's a war
And there's nothing that anyone's giving
One more day standing about, what is it for?
One day less to be living
At the end of the day you're another day colder
And the shirt on your back doesn't keep out the chill
And the righteous hurry past
They don't hear the little ones crying
And the plague is coming on fast, ready to kill
One day nearer to dying!
At the end of the day there's another day dawning
And the sun in the morning is waiting to rise
Like the waves crash on the sand
Like a storm that'll break any second
There's a hunger in the land
There's a reckoning still to be reckoned and
There's gonna be h--- to pay
At the end of the day!
Foreman:
At the end of the day you get nothing for nothing
Sitting flat on your bum doesn't buy any bread
See pop shows near Raleigh
Get tickets as low as $39
Factory Girls:
There are children back at home
And the children have got to be fed
And you're lucky to be in a job
Foreman:
And in a bed!
Factory Girl:
And we're counting our blessings!
Have you seen how the Foreman is fuming today?
With his terrible breath and his wandering hands?
It's because little Fantine won't give him his way
Take a look at his trousers, you'll see where he stands!
And the boss, he never knows
That the Foreman is always on heat
If Fantine doesn't look out
Watch how she goes
She'll be out on the street!
At the end of the day it's another day over
With enough in your pocket to last for a week
Pay the landlord, pay the shop
Keep on working as long as you're able
Keep on working till you drop
Or it's back to the crumbs off the table
You've got to pay your way
At the end of the day!
And what have we here, little innocent sister?
Come on Fantine, let's have all the news!
"Dear Fantine you must send us more money
Your child needs a doctor
There's no time to lose"
Fantine:
Give that letter to me
It is none of your business
With a husband at home
And a bit on the side!
Is there anyone here
Who can swear before God
She has nothing to fear?
She has nothing to hide?
Valjean:
What is this fighting all about?
Someone tear these two apart
This is a factory, not a circus!
Come on ladies, settle down
I am the Mayor of this town
I run a business of repute
Deal with this, Foreman
Be as patient as you can
Foreman:
Yes, Monsieur Madeline
I might have known the b---- could bite
I might have known the cat had claws
I might have guessed your little secret
Ah yes, the virtuous Fantine
Who keeps herself so pure and clean
You'd be the cause I had no doubt
Of any trouble hereabout
You play a virgin in the light
But need no urgin' in the night
Factory Girls:
She's been laughing at you
While she's having her men
She'll be nothing but trouble again and again
You must sack her today
Sack the girl today!
France • Paris • Montfermeil • Digne • Montreuil-sur-Mer • Convent of the Petit-Picpus • Rue Plumet • Café Musain • Barricade of the Rue de la Chanvrerie • Sewers of Paris
Songs
Look Down • The Bishop • Valjean's Soliloquy • At the End of the Day • I Dreamed a Dream • The Confrontation • Castle on a Cloud • Master of the House • The Bargain • Suddenly • The Convent • Stars • Paris • The Robbery/Javert's Intervention • In My Life • A Heart Full of Love • The Attack on the Rue Plumet • One Day More • On My Own • The Letter • The Night Of Anguish • The First Attack • Drink with Me • Bring Him Home • The Final Battle • The Sewers • Javert's Suicide • Turning • Empty Chairs at Empty Tables • Valjean's Confession • Do You Hear the People Sing? • Epilogue
