The Ultimate Unrequited Love Ballad
"On My Own" is the defining song for the character Éponine in *Les Misérables*. In Samantha Barks' rendition for the 2012 film, the performance is stripped back and raw. Unlike the stage version which often plays to the "back of the house," Barks' version is intimate, focusing on the pain of solitude before building to a devastating realization.
Singing this successfully isn't just about hitting the notes—it's about stamina. You start in a low, conversational register (F3) and must build intensity gradually until the climactic belt (D5), all while telling a heartbreaking story.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Modification
On the sustained high notes like "I love him" or "I have known," avoid spreading your mouth too wide. Drop your jaw vertically. This creates a richer tone and prevents the sound from becoming shrill or "yelled."
Phase 1: The Soliloquy (0:00 - 1:20)
The song begins in a low, pensive mood. The lines "And now I'm all alone again" and "Nowhere to go" sit low in the chest voice. The challenge here is clarity.
The Trap: Many singers lose energy here because the pitch is low. Keep your breath support active even when singing quietly. Think of this section as speaking on pitch rather than "singing" in a grand style. Use a bit of breathiness to convey loneliness, but keep the pitch centered.
Phase 2: The Build (1:20 - 2:15)
As Éponine begins to imagine Marius, the key modulates and the melody lifts. On lines like "And when I lose myself, I lose it all," you need to start mixing. This shouldn't be a full belt yet.
- Resonance: Move the sound from your chest into your "mask" (the front of your face/nose area).
- Dynamics: Start increasing the volume, but save your biggest breath for the bridge.
Phase 3: The Climax (2:15 - End)
The bridge ("I love him, but only on my own") is the emotional peak. The final belt on "I love him" hits a powerful D5. This requires full body engagement.
To nail this note, plant your feet firmly. As you ascend to the D5, think of the sound going down into the floor to ground yourself. This prevents your larynx from rising and choking off the note. Finish the song by pulling back the volume instantly for a vulnerable ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest belted note is a D5 on the line "I love him." Some versions may opt for a C5 depending on the key, but Samantha Barks hits the D5.
Absolutely. This is a classic Mezzo/Alto song because the verses sit quite low (F3). If the D5 belt is too high, you can transpose it down -1 or -2 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app.
The phrases in the chorus are long. Plan your breaths. Don't wait until you are empty to breathe; take quick "sip" breaths at punctuation marks in the lyrics.
