On My Own

The song 'On My Own' from the musical 'Les Misérables' is a poignant ballad that captures the essence of unrequited love and the pain of solitude. The character who sings this song, Éponine, is deeply in love with Marius, who does not return her feelings. The lyrics poetically describe her experience of walking through the streets of Paris, imagining that Marius is with her, providing comfort and companionship. However, the stark reality is that she is alone, and her love is one-sided.

As Éponine describes the city around her, the rain and the lights take on a romantic quality in her mind, symbolizing the beauty of the world as she sees it through the lens of her love for Marius. Yet, she acknowledges that this is all a fantasy, and in reality, Marius is oblivious to her affection. The line 'And although I know that he is blind' metaphorically suggests that Marius is blind to her love, not physically unable to see. Éponine's internal struggle is evident as she grapples with the knowledge that her love will never be reciprocated.

The song's conclusion is a heartbreaking acceptance of her situation. Éponine realizes that without her, Marius's world will continue unchanged, filled with happiness that she has never known. The repetition of 'I love him' emphasizes her unwavering feelings, despite the pain they bring her. 'On My Own' is a powerful expression of the loneliness and despair that can accompany love when it is not returned, and it resonates with anyone who has ever experienced such a longing.