"Valjean's Soliloquy" is a poignant song featured in the 2012 musical drama film, Les Misérables. The song is performed by Hugh Jackman in the role of Jean Valjean, the protagonist of the story. This soliloquy takes place after Valjean is shown mercy by a bishop, which prompts him to reflect on his past and contemplate his future. He ultimately decides to break his parole and start a new life under a new identity, marking a pivotal moment in his character's development and the narrative of the film.
Lyrics[]
What have I done, sweet Jesus?
What have I done?
Become a thief in the night
Become a dog on the run
Have I fallen so far and is the hour so late?
That nothing remains, but the cry of my hate
The cries in the dark that nobody hears
Here where I stand at the turning of the years
If there's another way to go
I missed it 20 long years ago
My life was a war
That could never be won
They gave me a number
And they murdered Valjean
When they chained me and left me for dead
Just for stealing a mouthful of bread
Yet why did I allow this man
To touch my soul and teach me love?
He treated me like any other
He gave me his trust, he called me brother
My life he claims for God above
Can such things be?
For I had come to hate the world
This world that always hated me
Take an eye for an eye
Turn your heart into stone
This is all I have lived for
This is all I have known
One word from him and I'd be back
Beneath the lash, upon the rack
Instead he offers me my freedom
I feel my shame inside me like a knife
He told me that I have a soul
How does he know
What spirit comes to move my life?
Is there another way to go?
I am reaching, but I fall
And the night is closing in
As I stare into the void
To the whirlpool of my sin
I'll escape now from that world
From the world of Jean Valjean
Jean Valjean is nothing now
Another story must begin
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
