Claude-Michel Schönberg
Do You Hear the People Sing
Claude-Michel Schönberg is a French record producer, actor, singer, songwriter, and musical theatre composer.
Based on the five-part novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables the musical tells the story of an attempted revolution in 19th Century France. The musical, with a score by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Alain Boublil, premiered in Paris in 1980. "Do You Hear the People Sing?" or "À la volonté du peuple" ("The people's will" in the original French) is sung twice throughout the musical.
[Enjolras:] Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? It is the music of a people Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart Echoes the beating of the drums There is a life about to start When tomorrow comes! [Combeferre:] Will you join in our crusade? Who will be strong and stand with me? Beyond the barricade Is there a world you long to see? [Courfeyrac:] Then join in the fight That will give you the right to be free! [All:] Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? It is the music of a people Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart Echoes the beating of the drums There is a life about to start When tomorrow comes! [Feuilly:] Will you give all you can give So that our banner may advance Some will fall and some will live Will you stand up and take your chance? The blood of the martyrs Will water the meadows of France! [All:] Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men? It is the music of a people Who will not be slaves again! When the beating of your heart Echoes the beating of the drums There is a life about to start When tomorrow comes