KIM

you who I cradled in my arms, you

asking as little as you can

little snip of a little man

I know I'd give my life for you



you didn't ask me to be born, you

why should you learn of war or pain

to make sure you're not hurt again

I swear I'd give my life for you



I've tasted love beyond all fear

and you should know it's love that brought you here

and in one perfect night

when the stars burned like new

I knew what I must do



I'll give you a million things I'll never own

I'll give you a world to conquer when you're grown



you will be who you want to be, you

can choose whatever heaven grants

as long as you can have your chance

I swear I'll give my life for you



sometimes I wake up

reaching for him

I feel his shadow brush my head

but there's just moonlight on my bed



was he a ghost? was he a lie

that made my body laugh and cry?

then, by my side, the proof I see:

his little one, gods of the sun, bring him to me!



you will be who you want to be, you

can choose whatever heaven grants

as long as you can have your chance

I swear I'll give my life for you



no one can stop what I must do

I swear I'll give my life for you.



(a CHORUS of VIETNAMESE gathering to leave the country)



FIRST GROUP

no place, no home

no life, no hope

no chance, no change



SECOND GROUP

no regret, no return

no good-bye, no regret

no return, no good-bye



FIRST GROUP

no place, no home

no life, no hope

no chance, no change



SECOND GROUP

no regret, no return

no good-bye, no regret

no return, no good-bye

no regret...



FIRST GROUP

no place, no home

no life, no hope

no chance, no change

no...



THIRD GROUP

one day, one night

one day, one night

one day, one night

one day...



(the ENGINEER, KIM and TAM join the boat people)





End of act I