La cour des miracles

The song 'La cour des miracles' from the musical 'Notre Dame De Paris' paints a vivid picture of a community of outcasts living on the fringes of society. The lyrics, sung by Clopin and the chorus of the excluded, emphasize the unity and camaraderie among those who have been marginalized. They describe themselves as brothers in both joy and misery, rejecting conventional notions of heaven and hell. This community, referred to as the 'Court of Miracles,' is a place where societal norms are upended, and the blood and wine share the same color, symbolizing the equality and shared fate of its inhabitants.

The 'Court of Miracles' is depicted as a haven for those who have been cast out by society, including beggars, thieves, and gypsies. The lyrics highlight the absence of religion and nationality, suggesting that these outcasts have created their own identity and culture, free from the constraints of mainstream society. The imagery of 'worms in the rotten belly of the earth' conveys a sense of decay and abandonment, yet also a sense of resilience and survival. The song repeatedly emphasizes that everyone in this community is 'gibier de potence' (destined for the gallows), underscoring their shared fate and the harsh reality of their existence.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of the poet Gringoire, who faces execution for intruding into this secretive world. However, he is offered a chance at salvation through marriage to Esmeralda, a beautiful and compassionate member of the community. This subplot adds a layer of romance and hope to the otherwise grim depiction of the 'Court of Miracles.' The song concludes with a reiteration of the themes of unity and shared destiny, as the outcasts continue to dance and sing together, defying the societal norms that have condemned them.