Your definitive guide to the Les Misérables songs

It’s the longest-running West End musical of all time. And it has one of the longest scores in musical theatre. The iconic Les Misérables is famed for its heartbreak, action, and incredible numbers.

Now playing at the Sondheim Theatre, how well do you know the Les Misérables songs?

Join us on the epic tale of one man’s journey to redemption as we venture through the 50 incredible tunes from the show.

What are the Les Misérables songs?

Below is a list of the Les Misérables songs in order with a short description. As the musical is sung through you can treat this as a synopsis of the grand tale.

Les Misérables Songs: Prologue

Work Song (Look Down)

Opening the show with brass and deep choral notes is Work Song, also known as Look Down. It shows Jean Valjean and his fellow prisoners undertaking hard labour, which forms part of their punishment. The convicts highlight their hardships and the harshness of their guards.

On Parole

As part of the opening number, we hear of Jean Valjean’s upcoming parole and his relief. We also witness Javert’s animosity toward the prisoner.

Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven

It’s followed by an explanation of Valjean’s crimes and harsh punishment for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving family. He also expresses his hope following his release.

The ex-convict is met with prejudice and disgust by the citizens he meets. But he’s offered food and shelter by a Bishop. Bitter and desperate, Valjean steals the silverware he had just used to eat and flees. He’s apprehended and the Bishop is questioned but supports Valjean and says it was a gift.

Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)

Filled with guilt, Valjean decides to change his ways and become a good man.

Les Misérables Songs: Act I

At The End Of The Day

Introducing motifs used throughout the rest of the show, we hear At The End Of The Day.

During the fast-paced ensemble piece, we learn that Valjean now runs a factory. During the song, we hear the issues faced by the workers, including a problematic foreman. We’re also introduced to Fantine who is disliked by her co-workers. When Valjean enters the riotous scene, Fantine is blamed and fired.

I Dreamed A Dream

Broken and desperate, Fantine reflects on her dreams and the man that abandoned her. It’s not only one of the most famous Les Miserables songs, but one of the most celebrated in musical theatre history.

Lovely Ladies

Unemployed and unable to fend for her daughter, Fantine tries to sell her possessions before becoming a lady of the night, which leads to her eventual illness.

Fantine's Arrest

When she’s met with a violent client, Fantine fights back and is arrested by Javert. Valjean passes but doesn’t stand up for her.

The Runaway Cart/Valjean Found

In an act of heroism, Valjean saves a man from a runaway cart. His action is witnessed by Javert who starts to suspect that it’s the prisoner he’s been pursuing over the years.

Who Am I?

In a case of mistaken identity, another man is arrested for breaking Valjean’s parole. Learning from previous misdeeds, Valjean confesses to being the true Prisoner 24601.

Fantine's Death (Come To Me)

Valjean then visits Fantine in the hospital. He takes responsibility for his actions and vows to take care of her daughter.

Confrontation

The infamous duet is one of the highest-tension Les Miserables songs. As Javert tries to take Valjean into custody, Valjean begs to allow him to fulfil his promise to Fantine. The pair struggle and Valjean escapes.

Castle On A Cloud

The inspiration for the most well-known image in musical theatre, Castle On A Cloud is sung by the young Cosette (Fantine’s daughter). But the beautiful Les Miserables song is interrupted by the grotesque Thénardiers - Cosette’s guardians.

Master of The House

The mean, but comedic Thénardiers are introduced with this lighthearted song that reveals the couple’s duplicitous nature.

The Bargain/Thernadier's Waltz of Treachery

After Valjean and Cosette meet, he approaches the Thernadiers and bargains with them. He pays them for Cosette and they leave for Paris.

Look Down

Nine years later, Valjean and Cosette are in Paris and we hear from the revolutionaries and learn of the hardships felt. Here, we meet Marius, Enjolras, and Gavroche.

The Robbery

While Thenardiers try to con some visitors, they recognise Valjean and Cosette. The pair avoid potential disaster as Javert arrives on the scene.

Stars

After another escape by Valjean, Javert vows to continue his pursuit.

Eponine's Errand

Meanwhile, Marius asks Eponine (the Thenardiers’ daughter) to help him find Cosette.

The ABC Cafe/Red and Black

In a small café, Enjolras prepares a group of students to join the revolution. But Marius is distracted by his attraction to Cosette.

Do You Hear The People Sing?

Possibly the most rallying of Les Miserables songs, Do You Hear The People Sing is a stand-out number. The inspiring chant brings the people of Paris together in preparation for the revolution.

In My Life

In the safety of her home, Cosette reflects on her meeting with Marius and her fast feelings.

A Heart Full of Love

When the pair meet again and confess their feelings for each other; they’re watched by Eponine who laments her own feelings for the charming Marius.

The Attack on Rue Plumet

Thenardier and his gang siege Valjean’s house but are stopped when Cosette screams to alert her father.

One Day More

The Act I finale is often regarded as one of the best songs in musical theatre. The perfect blend of all the main Les Miserables songs, One Day More reminds the audience of all the characters' stories and motives. It’s a gigantic and powerful piece.

Les Misérables Songs: Act II

Building The Barricade

Javert disguises himself as a rebel. While the students build a barricade, Javert volunteers to “spy” on the troops. Marius discovers that Eponine is disguised as a boy to join the fight and sends her to give it to Cosette. Instead, she gives it to Valjean.

On My Own

Realising Marius’s affections will never be hers, Eponine wanders the rainy streets and reflects on her unrequited feelings.

At The Barricade

The army arrives at the barricade and demands the students surrender.

Javert's Arrival

The “spy” Javert returns and tells the students that the army will not attack them during the night.

Little People

The young Gavroche recognises Javert as a policeman and exposes him as a spy to the government.

A Little Fall of Rain (Eponine's Death)

Eponine returns to the barricade and meets with Marius. However, it’s revealed that she was shot while crossing the barricade. And though she doesn’t feel pain, she passes away in the arms of Marius.

Night of Anguish

After her death, the students mourn her and bid to seek revenge. Valjean arrives and crosses the battle lines dressed as a soldier with the hopes of saving Marius for Cosette.

The First Attack

After meeting Enjolras, Valjean asks to be Javert’s captor and executioner. But when the pair are alone, Valjean frees him. Javert threatens Valjean, but the ex-prisoner says there is no condition on his release and holds no grudges.

Drink With Me

Preparing for the battle ahead the students drink together and acknowledge their potential death.

Bring Him Home

This emotional male solo is often performed by actors to show off their singing chops. One of the Les Miserables songs that has a life outside the show, Bring Him Home is a heartfelt prayer to God to protect Marius. Showing his true selfless nature, Valjean offers his life in return for the young rebels.

Dawn of Anguish

As dawn approaches, Enjolras realises the Parisians will not join them, but they choose to fight despite the odds.

The Second Attack (Gavroche's Death)

When the young Gavrouche is killed, the students and rebels fight even harder.

The Final Battle

Despite being warned, the rebels continue to fight until everyone but Valjean and a gravely injured Marius are dead.

Dog Eats Dog

After Valjean carries Marius to the sewers he collapses. Thenardier arrives to loot dead bodies. When he takes Marius’s ring, Valjean wakes up and Thenardier flees.

Javert's Soliloquy

After Valjean shows compassion, Javert is torn between the law and his morals. Lost and guilty, he commits suicide.

Turning

In the fallout, the women mourn the deaths of the rebels.

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

Alive but wounded, Marius is guilt-stricken for surviving the battle that has killed so many of his friends and fellow rebels.

A Heart Full of Love (Reprise)

Cosette arrives and comforts him. Valjean realises Cosette no longer requires his guardianship and his promise is fulfilled. He gives the pair his blessing.

Valjean's Confession

Unaware that Javert is no longer a threat, Valjean confesses his past to Marius and decides to leave so he is no longer a threat to Cosette. He makes Marius promise he’ll never tell Cosette of his true identity.

The Wedding

We jump a few months to Cosette and Marius’s wedding.

Beggars At The Feast/Master of The House (Reprise)

The Thenardiers arrive uninvited and attempt to blackmail Marius. They tell him Valjean is a murderer and he was seen carrying a corpse in the sewers and provides Marius’s ring as evidence. It dawns on Marius that Valjean is his saviour and he punches Thenardier in the face.

Les Misérables Songs: Epilogue

Valjean's Death

As Valjean awaits death, he sees the spirit of Fantine who tells him she forgives him and he’ll soon join her with God. Valjean thanks God for allowing him to live long enough to see Cosette and Marius before passing.

Finale – Do You Hear The People Sing? (Reprise)

As Valjean dies, the ghosts of Fantine and Eponine join him along with those who died at the barricade and they all sing the rousing Do You Hear The People Sing.