The Confrontation [Dennis DeYoung]

The Confrontation
Written by Dennis DeYoung
Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung and Dawn Marie

Frollo
Are you insane what on earth are you trying to do
Destroy the place that has always protected you
Within the walls of this church you have found sanctity
You're as mad as can be

Quasimodo
Father please I believe in her innocence
To be born who she is, is her one offense
We must keep and protect her by law and decree
This is sanctuary

Frollo
You're a fool if you think you can win
There's no truth to forgiveness of sin
No mercy is waiting for all your good deeds

Quasimodo
Can it be that my mind is confused
You are the man who has never refused
To give comfort and help to all those who need
Father please

Frollo
I took you in when the world turned its back on you
Prayed for the grace of the saints that you'd make it through
When you'd stumble and fall it was I who would bleed
How can you do this to me

Quasimodo
Father please my whole life has been you
Cast me out if that's what you must do
But don't harm the girl I'm begging you please

Frollo
This gypsy tramp has you under her spell
Don't be fooled she's a vixen from hell
As long as I breathe she will never go free
Repent!
Repent!
Repent!

Quasimodo
Sanctuary Sanctuary

Esmerelda
You are the man that night in the woods
I remember the sound of your voice
And the touch of your hood

Frollo
You can say what you want to say

Esmerelda
All of this time

Frollo
But you are the one to blame

Esmerelda
You were the one

Frollo
For making the blood of our Lord run cold in my veins

Esmerelda
You are insane
As long as I live

Quasimodo
You leave her alone

Esmerelda
You'll never be free

Frollo
Gypsy Witch

Quasimodo
Please let her go free

Esmerelda
Since you are the murderer

Frollo
Sorceress

Quasimodo
If you try to harm her

Esmerelda
Now you must kill me

Frollo
Can't you see that I loved you, why not just kill me

Quasimodo
First you must kill me

Interpretation

In the second act of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Father Frollo confronts Quasimodo after the hunchback has rescued Esmerelda from execution and given her sanctuary in Notre Dame. He believes that she has bewitched Quasimodo and that the hunchback has made a mistake.  She deserves to die for her sin. Quasimodo is confused by this, as Frollo has always been the one to show mercy.  Esmerelda reveals that Frollo was the one that killed Phoebus, not her. Frollo blames her for enchanting him.