Album Cover Michel Schönberg

Michel Schönberg

Claude

3

At the end of the day you′re another day older

And that's all you can say for the life of the poor

It′s a struggle, it's a war

And there's nothing that anyone′s giving

One more day standing about, what is it for?

One day less to be living.

At the end of the day you′re another day colder

And the shirt on your back doesn't keep out the chill

And the righteous hurry past

They don′t hear the little ones crying

And the plague is coming on fast, ready to kill

One day nearer to dying!

At the end of the day there's another day dawning

And the sun in the morning is waiting to rise

Like the waves crash on the sand

Like a storm that′ll break any second

There's a hunger in the land

There′s a reckoning still to be reckoned and

There's gonna be hell to pay

At the end of the day!

At the end of the day you get nothing for nothing

Sitting flat on your bum doesn't buy any bread

There are children back at home

And the children have got to be fed

And you′re lucky to be in a job

And in a bed!

And we′re counting our blessings!

Have you seen how the foreman is fuming today?

With his terrible breath and his wandering hands?

It's because little Fantine won′t give him his way

Take a look at his trousers, you'll see where he stands!

And the boss, he never knows

That the foreman is always in heat

If Fantine doesn′t look out

Watch how she goes

She'll be out on the street!

At the end of the day it′s another day over

With enough in your pocket to last for a week

Pay the landlord, pay the shop

Keep on grafting as long as you're able

Keep on grafting till you drop

Or it's back to the crumbs off the table

You′ve got to pay your way

At the end of the day!

And what have we here, little innocent sister?

Come on Fantine, let′s have all the news!

Dear Fantine you must send us more money

Your child needs a doctor

There's no time to lose

Give that letter to me

It is none of your business

With a husband at home

And a bit on the side!

Is there anyone here

Who can swear before God

She has nothing to fear?

She has nothing to hide?

Will someone tear these two apart

This is a factory, not a circus!

Now, come on ladies, settle down

I run a business of repute

I am the Mayor of this town

Deal with this foreman,

Be as patient as you can

Yes Monsieur Madeline

I might have known the bitch could bite

I might have known the cat had claws

I might have guessed your little secret

Ah yes, the virtuous Fantine

Who keeps herself so pure and clean

You′d be the cause I had no doubt

Of any trouble hereabout

You play a virgin in the light

But need no urgin' in the night.

She′s been laughing at you

While she's having her men

She′ll be nothing but trouble again and again

You must sack her today

Sack the girl today!

Right my girl. On your way!