How Can I Ever Face Myself Again

April 21, 2022 Post a Comment

Won't you say? Will you tell?

Warning! Look downwardly to view spoilers.

"Who Am I?--The Trial"

Information
Composer	Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyricist	Herbert Kretzmer
Performers	Jean Valjean
Vocal Order
Previous	"The Delinquent Cart" (stage musical) "Javert's Apology" (2012 moving-picture show)
Next	"Come to Me / Fantine'south Death"

"Who Am I?" takes place in 1823, Montreuil-sur-Mer. After Javert informs Monsieur Madeleine (Jean Valjean in disguise) nigh Champmathieu, the man who he believes is Valjean, will go to trial and apologizes to Monsieur Madeleine for beleiving that he is, in fact, the said captive and even asked him to press charges against him. Valjean decides to turn himself in to save the man who was mistaken for him past Javert. It is sung by Jean Valjean.

The lyrics were written past Herbert Kretzmer.

Lyrics [ ]

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

Why should I salve his hide?
Why should I right this incorrect
When I have come and 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 costless?

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

Who am I?
Tin I condemn this human to slavery
Pretend I practise 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'1000 not the man I was before?
And must my proper name until I die
Exist no more than an excuse?

Must I lie?
How can I ever face up my fellow men?
How can I ever confront myself again?
My soul belongs to God, I know
I fabricated that bargain long ago

He gave me promise when hope was gone
He gave me strength to journeying on

[He appears in forepart of the court]

Who am I? Who am I?
I'thousand Jean Valjean!

[He unbuttons his shirt to reveal the number tattooed to his breast]

So Javert, y'all see it'south true
That man bears no more guilt than you!
Who am I?
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Trivia [ ]

The vocal is known as "Comment faire?" in the 1991 Paris revival, which translates roughly to "What To Practice?"
"¿Quién soy yo? " in the Castilian production, which translates directly to "Who Am I?"
"Wer bin ich" in the German language production and "Wie ben ik?" in the Dutch product.
"Who am I" is titled "Kim mam być?" (Who I am supposed to be?) in the Polish Roma Theater product.
A very minor alter occurs in the 1988 symphonic soundtrack. Instead of referring to Champmathieu equally "this innocent who bears my face up," he speaks of him as "this innocent who wears my face."
The 25th ceremony concert changes a few lyrics. "He thinks that man is me/He knew him at a glance" is changed to "He thought that man was me/Without a 2nd glance." That item modify is also present in some other performances of the musical since approximately the late 1990s. Also, "If I speak, I am condemned" is changed to "If I speak, they are condemned."
A few scenes and lyrics are changed in the 2012 pic: Valjean appears in court subsequently "I'm Jean Valjean!".
"And so Javert, yous see it'due south true" is changed to: "So Your Honor, you see it'due south true.
Valjean doesn't remove his shirt in the picture.