Meaning and Impact of "At the End of the Day" by the Original Broadway Cast of Les Misérables
Song Credits:
- Featuring Artist(s): Not Applicable
- Producer(s): Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg
- Composer: Claude-Michel Schönberg
- Writer: Herbert Kretzmer
- Release Date: 1987
- Musical Instruments: Orchestra
- Label: Not Specified
- Musical Genre: Musical Theatre
- Album: Les Misérables (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
- Track #: 4
- Language(s): English
- Mood: Somber, Reflective
Song Meaning
'At the End of the Day' serves as an introduction to the hardships faced by the impoverished characters in Les Misérables. The song highlights the relentless struggles of the working class, emphasizing the monotonous and grueling nature of their existence. The lyrics shed light on the disparity between the rich and the poor, illustrating how the affluent remain indifferent to the suffering of the less fortunate. This number sets the tone for the musical, establishing themes of social injustice and the yearning for change.
The song "One Day More" by Victor Hugo and Claude-Michel Schönberg highlights the pointlessness and hardship faced by laborers, who often struggle to find necessities of life. The song is resonant with the song "One Day More," which discusses the pointlessness and invariable hardship that each day brings. The theme throughout the show is that the public who ignore suffering are complicit as the government causes systemic injustice. The failed revolution is partially due to the failure of "the people to rise," as Enjolras was confident they would. The song takes place after the famous French Revolution (1789-1792), but the government has changed four times since then. First, France was considered a republic, ruled by the National Convention, the French Directoire, and Napoleon I, acting as First Consul. Napoleon then declared himself emperor and France his empire. After the country had plunged into an unsuccessful war with Russia, Napoleon abdicated to Louis XVIII. Napoleon later retook the throne, but only for a short time before being forced to abdicate again. Since the song takes place in 1823, 30 years of turmoil, distrust, and corruption have seeded the ground for future revolutions. The women observe that the foreman is aroused by Fantine, using the idiom "see where he stands" to play on the idiom. The Thénardiers have sent a letter to Fantine asking her for money for Cosette, claiming that the child is expensive and needs a doctor, whereas in reality, Cosette is in good health but is mistreated. Valjean, the mayor and business owner, reinvents himself into a wealthy businessman and mayor, owned by Monsieur Madeleine (Valjean). The workers start a rumor that Fantine may be a prostitute, but she is forced to take on that profession after losing her factory job. Fantine gets fired because she is initially thought to be a prostitute, but because she has a child out of wedlock, she becomes a prostitute. "Quand un Jour est Passé" and "Am Ende vom Tag" in French, Spanish, German, Polish, Dutch, and Estonian productions of "When a Day is Over" • Original Broadway version and tenth-anniversary concert: Lines "And the boss, he never knows/That the foreman is always on heat/If Fantine doesn't look out, watch how she goes!" cut. • 2012 movie: Lyrics slightly changed; Valjean sings "I am the Mayor of this town/I run a business of repute." • Symphonic soundtrack: Lyrics changed; letter to Fantine changed; "Cosette needs a doctor... there's no time to lose..." • 2012 movie: Fantine calls out to Valjean while the Foreman tries to kick her out.Verse 1
The opening lines depict the workers' daily toil, where each day brings them closer to death without any significant improvement in their circumstances. The imagery of aging and the futility of their labor is evident as they question the purpose of their existence. The mention of "one day less to be living" encapsulates their grim reality.
Chorus
The chorus emphasizes the physical hardships endured by the workers, highlighting how inadequate clothing fails to protect them from the cold. It also touches upon societal neglect, with the "righteous" hurrying past without acknowledging the cries of the oppressed. The approaching winter symbolizes the impending hardships that lie ahead.
Verse 2
This verse delves into the emotional toll of poverty, where the workers express their dissatisfaction with their lot in life. The reference to "children back at home" and the necessity to provide for them adds a layer of responsibility and urgency to their struggles. The foreman's oppressive nature further exacerbates their plight, creating a hostile work environment.
Bridge
The bridge introduces a subplot involving Fantine, a factory worker who becomes the subject of gossip and judgment. The other workers speculate about her personal life, leading to her eventual dismissal. This segment highlights the lack of solidarity among the oppressed and the propensity to scapegoat those who are vulnerable.
Outro
The song concludes with the workers reflecting on their fleeting earnings and the constant cycle of labor. Despite their efforts, they remain trapped in a system that offers little respite, underscoring the themes of exploitation and systemic injustice.
Similar Songs with Social Commentary
- 'Look Down' by Les Misérables Original London Cast: This song parallels 'At the End of the Day' by portraying the grim existence of the lower class. It emphasizes the perpetual struggle and the societal neglect faced by the impoverished. The repetition of "look down" serves as a call to acknowledge the suffering beneath the surface of society.
- 'Red and Black' by Les Misérables Original London Cast: While focusing on the revolutionary zeal of the students, this number also touches upon the socioeconomic disparities that fuel their activism. The passionate delivery and fervent ideals presented mirror the sentiments of the workers in 'At the End of the Day'.
- 'Stars' by Les Misérables Original London Cast: Javert's soliloquy reflects his unwavering belief in justice and order, contrasting with the chaotic world of the oppressed. The song provides insight into the moral complexities of the characters, offering a nuanced perspective on law and morality.
Questions and Answers
- What inspired the creation of 'At the End of the Day'?
- The song was crafted to depict the harsh realities of the working class in 19th-century France, aiming to evoke empathy and awareness among audiences regarding social injustices. It sets the stage for the narrative by introducing the struggles that drive the characters' actions throughout the musical.
- How does 'At the End of the Day' relate to the overall narrative of Les Misérables?
- 'At the End of the Day' serves as an exposé of the socioeconomic conditions that catalyze the events of the story. It provides context for the characters' motivations, illustrating how systemic oppression leads to personal and collective