Who Am I

He thinks that man is me
He knew him at a glance
That stranger he has found
This man could be my chance!

Why should I save his hide
Why should I right this wrong
When I have come so far
And struggled for so long?

If I speak, I am condemned
If I stay silent, I am damned!

I am the master of hundreds of workers
They all look to me
Can I abandon them how would they live
If I am not free?

If I speak, I am condemned
If I stay silent, I am damned!

Who am I?

Can I condemn this man to slavery
Pretend I do not feel his agony
This innocent who bears my face
Who goes to judgement in my place

Who am I?

Can I conceal myself for evermore
Pretend I'm not the man I was before
And must my name until I die
Be no more than an alibi?

Must I lie?

How can I ever face my fellow men
How can I ever face myself again
My soul belongs to God, I know
I made that bargain long ago.

He gave me hope when hope was gone
He gave me strength to journey on.

Who am I? Who am I
I am Jean Valjean!

(He unbuttons his shirt to reveal the number tattooed to his chest)

And so Javert, you see it's true
That man bears no more guilt than you
Who am I
24601!