"Look Down" is a song featured in the 2012 musical drama film, Les Misérables. The song is performed by the characters who are convicts in the opening scene of the film, with Hugh Jackman's character, Jean Valjean, being one of the primary voices. The scene depicts the harsh conditions of the prisoners as they toil under the watchful eye of Javert, played by Russell Crowe. This song sets the tone for the struggles and themes of redemption that are central to the story of Les Misérables. The lyrics reflect the despair of the convicts and introduce the audience to the character of Jean Valjean and his journey towards transformation and redemption.
Lyrics[]
Valjean and Convicts:
Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down
You're here until you die
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 show 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 am Javert
Do not forget my name!
Do not forget me
24601
Convicts:
Look down, look down
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down
You're standing in your grave
Valjean:
Freedom at last
How strange it is
Never forget the years, the waste
Nor forgive them for what they've done
They are the guilty, every one
The days begins, now let's see
What this new world will do for me
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
