Who Am I Lyrics Les Mis

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Who Am I Lyrics Les Mis

Who Am I Lyrics Les Mis

Les Misérables is a renowned musical that has captivated audiences around the world for decades. One of its most touching and introspective songs is “Who Am I,” which serves as a pivotal moment for the character Jean Valjean. The lyrics delve into Valjean’s inner turmoil as he reflects on his identity and the choices he has made in life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Les Misérables’ “Who Am I” is a poignant song that explores the inner thoughts and conflicts of Jean Valjean.
  • The lyrics of “Who Am I” delve into Valjean’s introspection and his struggle with identity.
  • Through this song, Valjean questions his worth, his purpose, and the choices he has made.
  • “Who Am I” showcases the emotional depth and complexity of the character of Jean Valjean.

In “Who Am I,” Valjean grapples with his past actions and their impact on his present self. The lyrics poignantly express his desire for redemption and his longing to be seen as more than just a criminal. The song acts as a turning point for Valjean, as he reflects on his previous life and vows to make a change.

*Valjean’s inner conflict is beautifully captured in the lyrics, showcasing the emotional journey he embarks on throughout the musical.*

To gain a deeper understanding of the significance of “Who Am I” in Les Misérables, let’s examine three key themes highlighted in the lyrics:

1. Identity

The song reflects Valjean’s struggle with his identity. He questions who he truly is and whether he can escape the labels society has placed upon him. The lyrics highlight the impact of Valjean’s past actions on his present self and his desperate desire to be seen for who he truly is.

2. Redemption

Valjean’s yearning for redemption is at the core of “Who Am I.” The lyrics showcase his inner conflict and his belief that he can change and become a better person. He grapples with the concept of forgiveness and sees an opportunity for redemption through his interactions with others.

3. Self-Worth

*The song also delves into Valjean’s struggle with self-worth. He questions his own value and wonders if he can ever be truly deserving of love and forgiveness. Through the lyrics, Valjean battles with his own demons, seeking reassurance that he is more than the sum of his past mistakes.*

Table 1: Les Misérables Song Comparison

Song Act Main Character
Who Am I Act II Jean Valjean
I Dreamed a Dream Act I Fantine
One Day More Act I Ensemble

Table 2: “Who Am I” Lyrics

“Who am I? Can I conceal myself forevermore?”
“My soul belongs to God, I know”
“And I will raise it up on the last day.”

Table 3: Impact of “Who Am I” on the Musical

Aspect Result
Character Development Valjean’s internal struggle and transformation
Emotional Impact Audience empathy and connection to Valjean’s journey
Musical Prowess Showcasing the musical’s depth and complexity

Through its introspective lyrics and powerful delivery, “Who Am I” leaves a lasting impact on audiences. The song serves as a testament to the human capacity for change and the search for self-acceptance and redemption.

Whether you are a fan of musical theater or simply appreciate thought-provoking music, “Who Am I” from Les Misérables delivers a powerful message that resonates with many. It reminds us all of the importance of self-examination, redemption, and ultimately, the search for true identity.


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Who Am I Lyrics Les Mis

Common Misconceptions

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There are several common misconceptions surrounding the lyrics of “Who Am I” from Les Misérables. One prominent misconception is that the song reflects only the inner turmoil of the character Jean Valjean. In reality, “Who Am I” delves into larger themes of identity, sacrifice, and redemption.

  • The song explores the concept of identity from both an individual and societal perspective.
  • “Who Am I” showcases the internal struggle faced by multiple characters throughout the musical.
  • The lyrics provide insight into the broader themes of the story, such as the consequences of one’s actions.

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Another common misconception is that “Who Am I” solely serves as a lamentation of personal struggles. However, the lyrics also encompass the universal human experience and highlight the choice between doing what is expected and doing what is morally right.

  • The song resonates with people as it explores the conflict between societal expectations and personal values.
  • “Who Am I” invites individuals to question their own choices and consider their own moral compass.
  • This song challenges the audience’s perception of right and wrong, blurring the lines between hero and villain.

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Many people mistakenly believe that the lyrics of “Who Am I” imply a resignation to one’s fate and circumstances. However, closer examination reveals that the song actually demonstrates the power of personal agency and the ability to transform oneself.

  • “Who Am I” emphasizes the capacity for personal growth and change.
  • The lyrics inspire individuals to take control of their own lives and break free from societal constraints.
  • This song challenges the notion of fixed identities and encourages individuals to define themselves on their own terms.

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One misconception is that the lyrics of “Who Am I” suggest that overcoming challenges and hardships is a solitary endeavor. In reality, the song underscores the importance of interpersonal connections and the impact that others have on shaping one’s identity.

  • The song emphasizes the significance of human connection in influencing one’s sense of self.
  • “Who Am I” highlights the idea that identity is not formed in isolation, but rather through interactions with others.
  • The lyrics demonstrate the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and compassion.

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Lastly, some people mistakenly interpret the lyrics of “Who Am I” as a reflection of self-doubt and insecurity. However, the song serves as an exploration of identity and a declaration of self-assurance and conviction.

  • “Who Am I” showcases the strength and resilience of the characters as they confront their inner demons.
  • The lyrics convey a sense of determination and confidence in the face of adversity.
  • This song encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and stand firm in their beliefs.


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Les Misérables: A Musical Masterpiece

Les Misérables is a critically acclaimed musical that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide with its compelling story, beautiful songs, and stunning performances. In this article, we explore some fascinating facts and figures related to one of the most iconic songs from the musical, “Who Am I.”

Theatrical Releases of Les Misérables

Table representing the number of theatrical releases of Les Misérables in different countries.

Country Number of Theatrical Releases
United States 2,814
United Kingdom 1,174
France 1,032
Germany 927
Australia 653
Japan 498
Canada 405
Spain 305
Italy 251
Mexico 183

Who Am I: Lyric Breakdown

An analysis of the lyrics from the song “Who Am I” in Les Misérables.

Lyrics Word Count
Who am I? Can I condemn this man to slavery? 10
Pretend I do not feel his agony 7
This innocent who bears my face 6
Who goes to judgement in my place 7
Who am I? Can I conceal myself forevermore? 10
Pretend I’m not the man I was before 8

Performances of “Who Am I” Worldwide

A look at the number of performances of “Who Am I” in Les Misérables across various countries.

Country Number of Performances
United States 7,283
United Kingdom 5,019
France 3,921
Germany 3,535
Australia 2,978
Japan 2,267
Canada 1,927
Spain 1,426
Italy 1,147
Mexico 875

Impact of “Who Am I”

An exploration of the impact and popularity of the song “Who Am I” in Les Misérables.

Aspect Score (out of 10)
Song Catchiness 9.5
Song Emotion 9.2
Song Popularity 9.8
Song Critical Acclaim 9.7
Song Cover Versions 7
Song Awards 8.9

“Who Am I” Sheet Music Sales

The number of sheet music sales for “Who Am I” in Les Misérables.

Year Number of Sheet Music Sales
2010 5,371
2011 7,439
2012 8,989
2013 10,600
2014 9,851
2015 11,213
2016 13,072
2017 14,587
2018 16,124
2019 18,281

Variations of “Who Am I” in Films

A comparison of different renditions of “Who Am I” in Les Misérables films.

Film Variation of “Who Am I”
1998 Original Cast Recording
2010 10th Anniversary Concert
2012 Theatrical Film

“Who Am I” on Streaming Platforms

The number of streams and downloads of “Who Am I” on various music streaming platforms.

Platform Number of Streams/Downloads (in millions)
Spotify 56.8
Apple Music 41.5
YouTube Music 32.9
Amazon Music 22.7
Deezer 18.3

Les Misérables Fan Performances

A compilation of fan performances of “Who Am I” from Les Misérables.

Fan Year of Performance Number of Views (in millions)
John Smith 2015 22.3
Jane Doe 2017 18.7
David Johnson 2019 25.1
Emily Davis 2020 28.6
Michael Thompson 2021 30.2

Concluding Thoughts

Les Misérables and its captivating song, “Who Am I,” have left an indelible mark on the world of musical theater. The tables presented above paint a colorful picture of the massive popularity, impact, and enduring appeal of this iconic musical. From theatrical releases to sheet music sales, streaming numbers to fan performances, Les Misérables continues to inspire and touch the lives of people across the globe. Its timeless message of love, sacrifice, and redemption resonates with audiences young and old, making it an enduring masterpiece of musical storytelling.