This rousing song concludes the first act in a two-act show (e.g. London 1985) or the second act in a three-act show (e.g. Paris 1980). It is an ensemble piece that includes an extraordinary “counterpoint” musical performance, unifying diverse strands in building a crescendo that intensifies the anticipation for revolution. “Counterpoint” involves a complicated structure that is well-chosen to demonstrate unity despite chaos and confusion on the eve of revolution. It marks a shift in the play’s action from its early stage to the barricades. It involves the entire cast with simultaneous interlacing voices that combine harmonically but carry different points of view, lyrics and melodies, barely skirting cacophony.
All principal players bring their own concerns, perspectives and melodies to the equation. Valjean sees yet another day in the long calvary of his flight from justice. Marius is torn between Cosette and revolution. Cosette fears never seeing Marius again. Éponine laments her inability to have Marius. The Thénardiers see opportunity for gain. Javert licks his chops at the chance to restore order and light. The students hopefully anticipate change. It is a highlight of the entire program and brings the act to a climactic close.
“Demain” (Tomorrow), Paris 1980
In the Paris production in 1980, this song carried the title “Demain” (Tomorrow). In this piece, “Demain” is a specific word that refers to the next day and implies that tomorrow is the conclusive “it” day when things will happen. However, for most parties in the play “tomorrow” represents a recurrent symbol of hope for change, redemption and an improved future. Tomorrow represents change (or not) as a consequence of choices made today, a perception shared by Valjean in the song when he says: “Demain sera pour tous un lendemain” (“tomorrow will be for all the day after”).
Valjean’s robust rhetorical question “Comment faire” (What to Do) in the first line takes center stage. It bookends the first stanza and reverberates throughout the lyrics as a vocal flag for all to consider. Its repetition conveys a pervasive sense of uncertainty and apprehension about what tomorrow will bring and what choices to make today. In a way, this is the core of Les Misérables, which frames the matter of forging personal identity through choices and actions.
Jean Valjean was prisoner #24601 for 19 years in Toulon for stealing bread to feed his sister’s children. Upon parole, he encountered a bishop who convinced him to turn his life around. Nevertheless, Inspector Javert continued to dog his tracks, convinced that man can never change. In the meantime, Valjean made choices that reformed his life. Faced with Javert’s determined pursuit and imminent social revolution, however, he decided to leave France with Cosette. His last good deed is to risk his own life to save Marius. Upon his eventual death, Valjean is greeted by the spirits of Fantine and Éponine, who are parties that made similar sacrificial choices.
There is rhyming throughout the song, which is a significant accomplishment along with a harmonious blending of different voices, different styles and melodies, and even conflicting ambitions within a soaring crescendo.
Maurice Barrier
Maurice Barrier originated the role of Jean Valjean in the 1980 French production at the Palais des Sports.
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Original French Jean Valjean Comment faire Verrai-je un jour la fin de ce calvaire Vivrons-nous libres enfin et sans mystère Sans avoir à trembler sans cesse À chaque alerte, changer d’adresse Comment faire . . . Cosette Demain, je ne le verrai plus Mon sang se glace dans mes veines Jean Valjean Comment faire . . . Marius & Cosette Demain je ne la verrai plus C’est comme la foudre que l’on m’assène Éponine Demain, je perdrai peut-être L’amitié d’un coeur honnête Qui ne peut me donner plus Il aime Cosette, je l’accepte Ensemble: Demain, demain, demain, demain Jean Valjean Comment faire . . . Inspecteur Javert Demain, le crime en vacances Va se croire tout permis Ce grand général qu’on encense Est un prétexte à chienlit Jean Valjean Comment faire . . . Les Thénardiers Demain au cortège C’est nous qu’on soulage Les ventripotents de leur trop plein d’argent De droite ou de gauche Qu’importe le blason Si c’est dans vos poches, pour nous c’est tout bon Les Amis et Gavroche Les Amis: À la volonté du people Gavroche: À la volonté du peuple Les Amis: À la santé du progrès Les Amis: À la santé du progrès Les Amis: Saoûle ton coeur d’un chant rebelle Gavroche: Saoûle ton coeur d’un chant rebelle Les Amis: C’est pour demain, ami Tous: Demain, demain, demain, demain Jean Valjean Comment faire . . . Tous: (chant et contrechant) Jean Valjean Comment faire Cosette a bien grandi ces dernier temps Je sens qu’en elle s’éveille le printemps Il me faut protéger sa vie Demain nous partons loin d’ici Demain sera pour tous un lendemain Qui ne peut pas mentir C’est demain que chancun connaîtra son destin Ensemble demain . . . demain . . . demain. |
Translation Jean Valjean What to do? Will I see one day the end of this calvary? Will we finally live free and without misery? Without having to tremble without cease At each alert, to change addresses What to do? Cosette Tomorrow, I will not see him again My blood freezes in my veins Jean Valjean What to do . . . Marius & Cosette Tomorrow I will not see her again It’s like the the thunderbolt with which they strike me Éponine Tomorrow, I will lose perhaps The friendship of an honest heart Who can give me no more He loves Cosette, I accept it Ensemble: Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow Jean Valjean What to do? Inspector Javert Tomorrow, crime on vacation Is going to think everything goes This general they heap praise on Is a pretext for bedwetters. Jean Valjean What to do . . . The Thénardiers Tomorrow in the procession It’s we who relieve Their potbellies too full of money From right or from the left It doesn’t matter what your coat of arms If it’s in your pockets, for us it’s all good The Friends and Gavroche Friends: To the will of the people Gavroche: To the will of the people Friends: To the health of progress Friends: To the health of progress Friends: Intoxicate your heart with a rebel song Gavroche: Intoxicate your heart with a rebel song Friends: It’s for tomorrow, friend All: Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow Jean Valjean What to do . . . All: (solo and counterpoint) Jean Valjean What to do? Cosette has grown well in recent days I feel that springtime awakens in her I must protect her life Tomorrow we go far from here Tomorrow will be for all a new day That cannot lie It’s tomorrow that each will know his destiny Ensemble Tomorrow . . . tomorrow . . . tomorrow. |
Ce grand général qu’on encense: Javert's reference here is to General Jean Maimilien Lamarque whose death in 1832 sparked the June Rebellion described in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables."
Demain sera pour tous un lendemain: Valjean’s distinction makes a difference. Everyone else is invoking “demain” (tomorrow) as though it were a one-day “deus ex machina.” Taking a longer view, Valjean remarks that actually “demain” will also be for everyone a “lendemain” (the day after and beyond) thereby suggesting consequences from which one’s “destin” (destiny) will spring.
Demain sera pour tous un lendemain: Valjean’s distinction makes a difference. Everyone else is invoking “demain” (tomorrow) as though it were a one-day “deus ex machina.” Taking a longer view, Valjean remarks that actually “demain” will also be for everyone a “lendemain” (the day after and beyond) thereby suggesting consequences from which one’s “destin” (destiny) will spring.
Adaptation: One Day More (London 1985)
In 1985, the song “Demain” acquired the new name “One Day More.” In view of the reigning Strouse/Charnin song "Tomorrow" in the contemporaneous musical play "Annie," a simple translation of "Demain" into "tomorrow" probably would not have worked well. “One Day More” is not only the song's new title but becomes Valjean's assertive refrain throughout the song, replacing “comment faire” (what to do) as the “leitmotif that knits together the otherwise divergent sentiments and voices expressed by other players. The phrase "One Day More" reflects Valjean's own exasperating and endless calvary of fugitive flight but also both expresses and encourages a sense of eager anticipation for everyone and sidesteps the feeling of uncertainty that the French song's "comment faire" ("what to do") imparted. It shifts attention to the one remaining day instead of the next day.
Otherwise, the two songs do not diverge significantly in their meaning or purpose. All the players reveal their personal expectations and aspirations. Valjean must protect both his freedom and Cosette and he plans to leave for England. Marius is torn between Cosette and loyalty to the revolution. Éponine longs for Marius but knows it is impossible. The Thénardiers bring their own jolly little tune to the party looking for chances to exploit the chaos. Javert is poised to pounce. The revolutionaries seek to overturn the regime. It is a vibrant finale.
This excerpt is from the 25th anniversary concert in 2010, with Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean.
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Section One Jean Valjean One day more Another day, another destiny This never-ending road to Calvary These men who seem to know my crime Will surely come a second time One day more Marius & Cosette: I did not live until today Marius & Cosette: How can I live when we are parted? Valjean: One day more Marius & Cosette: Tomorrow you'll be worlds away Marius & Cosette: And yet with you my world has started Éponine, Marius & Cosette Éponine: One more day all on my own Marius & Cosette: Will we ever meet again? Éponine: One more day with him not caring Marius & Cosette: I was born to be with you Éponine : What a life I might have known Marius & Cosette: And I swear I will be true Éponine: But he never saw me there Enjolras: One more day before the storm Marius Do I follow where she goes? Enjolras: At the barricades of freedom Marius: Shall I join my brothers there? Enjolras: When our ranks begin to form Marius Do I stay or do I dare? Enjolras: Will you take your place with me? Ensemble: The time is now Ensemble: The day is here Valjean: One day more Javert: One more day to revolution Javert: We will nip it in the bud Javert: We'll be ready for these schoolboys Javert: They will wet themselves with blood Valjean: one day more |
Section Two Thénardiers: Watch 'em run amuck Thénardiers: Catch 'em as they fall Thénardiers: Never know your luck Thénardiers: When there's a free for all Thénardiers: Here a little dip Thénardiers: There a little touch Thénardiers: Most of them are goners, so they won't miss much Ensemble: One day to a new beginning Ensemble: Raise the flag of freedom high Ensemble: Every man will be a king Ensemble: Every man will be a king (every day) Ensemble: There's a new world for the winning Ensemble: There's a new world to be won Ensemble: Do you hear the people sing? Marius: My place is here Marius: I fight with you Valjean: One day more Javert & Ensemble: We will join these people's heroes Javert & Ensemble: We will follow where they go Javert: We will learn their little secrets Javert: We will know the things they know Valjean: one day more Javert: Tomorrow is the judgment day Ensemble: Tomorrow we'll discover what our God in Heaven has in store Ensemble: One more dawn Ensemble: One more day Ensemble: One day more |
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