Prompt: "A song about death"
Selected by Maeve
"Javert's Suicide"
Javert
Les Misérables: Original Broadway Cast Recording, 1987
You didn't think I'd end this challenge without one more Broadway song, did you? Javert is a tough character in Les Misérables. He is a rule follower, justifying trying to reimprison Valjean his entire life because he broke his parole. Like, let it go my dude, everyone moved on. That being said, Javert's songs are my favorite. "Stars" is the perfect Broadway power ballad, as Stephan pointed out on Day 51. I also agree with his review of Crowe's performance—Joe, make sure you don't use that version! My favorite recorded Javert is Norm Lewis in the 25th Anniversary concert. Unfortunately, I can't find that version anywhere besides YouTube (although YouTube does make it seem like there is a cast recording of that performance?), so the OG cast recording will do.
In this song, Javert is so overwhelmed that his enemy number one had the opportunity to kill him, but instead let him go free. He can't handle this reaction, because he would never do it. He doesn't know how to go on, and therefore, jumps off a bridge. It's a really sad moment, but a beautiful song of reckoning, understanding, frustration, and acceptance.
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