☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell of a farewell and express hope for a better future.
- Valjean, a central character, is on the brink of death and hands his adoptive daughter Cosette a paper containing truths about her origins.
- Deceased characters appear and ask Valjean to accompany them to heaven, emphasizing the message of eternal love and divine presence.
- A choir and ensemble represent a vision of a just and free world, calling for solidarity and readiness to fight.
- The song lyrics symbolize the upcoming revolution and a new, better day.
Interpretation
The song is a farewell song and expresses hope for a better future. Valjean, a former prisoner, is on the brink of death. He hands Cosette, his adopted daughter, a paper containing the truth about her origins and the loving people in her life. Valjean sees his death as redemption and asks God for forgiveness for his sins. Fantine and Éponine, two deceased characters, appear and invite Valjean to join them in heaven. They emphasize that true love is eternal and that loving someone shows the face of God. The chorus and ensemble represent a vision of a just and free world. They call for solidarity and readiness to fight to make this dream a reality. They hear the distant drums of the revolution and see a new day dawning that will bring a better future.