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