[GIGI]
They are not nice, they're mostly noise
They swear like men, they screw like boys
I know there's nothing in their hearts
But every time I take one in my arms
It starts:
The movie in my mind
The dream they leave behind
A scene I can't erase
And in a strong GI's embrace
Flee this life
Flee this place
The movie plays and plays
The screen before me fills
He takes me to New York
He gives me dollar bills
Our children laugh all day
And eat too much ice cream
And life is like a dream
Dream
The dream I long to find
The movie in my mind
[KIM]
I will not cry, I will not think
I'll do my dance, I'll make them drink
When I make love, it won't be me
And if they hurt me, I'll just close my eyes
[KIM, GIRLS]
And see they are not nice, they're mostly noise
The movie in my mind they kill like men, they die like boys
The dream that fills my head they give their cash, they keep their hearts
A man who will not kill but every night again it starts
[KIM]
Who'll fight for me instead
He'll keep us safe all day
So no one comes at night
To blow the dream away
Dream
The dream I have to find
The movie in my mind
[ALL GIRLS]
And in a strong GI's embrace
Flee this life
Flee this place
[KIM]
A world that's far away
Where life is not unkind
[THUY]
Your're here. It's true
It is as I was told
This man and you
For how much were you sold?
Our vows! Our name!
You squander then on swine
And worse - This shame
Before your family's shrine
[CHIRS]
This girl is mine
[THUY]
Yours?
[CHRIS]
[THUY]
What!
[TOGETHER]
Who are you?
[KIM]
STOP!
[THUY]
What's this I find
You have joined with the blind
And do none of you see what's ahead?
What's this I find?
I see losers and whores
Who will soon be gone or be dead
[CHRIS]
Get out!
[KIM]
You have no right to be here
I'm not a prize you can claim
We were promised at thirteen
The woman I've become
Is not the same
[THUY]
That promise made by your father
I will claim when we win
To break a a vow of your parents
Is worse than a sin
[KIM]
My parents got themselves killed
In the week you changed side
If there were promises
All of them dies when they died
(CHRIS and THUY pull guns. The girls scream)
[GIGI]
He's got a gun!
(GIGI and the GIRLS leave quickly)
[THUY]
Kim, leave this man behind
[KIM]
Go on!
And Shoot!
I will not change my mind
[THUY]
Your are still mine!
[KIM]
Not anymore!
[THUY]
You're mine until we die!
[Chris]
Get out of here!
[THUY]
Saigon will fall
And so will your G.I.
[CHRIS]
She'll leave with me!
[THUY]
You broke your father's word
This is your curse!
[ENGINEER]
Check it out, hey
Yo! Check it out!
Hey you, you want to try my girls, try my girls! ect...
[DOORMEN]
Girls! I got girls!
[DOORMEN]
Gorgeous Girls!
[DOORMEN]
Very nice!
[TOURISTS]
Hey wow! Oh look! We gotta see!
[VENDORS]
Bags, Gucci bags!
[VENDORS]
Cultured pearls
[VENDORS]
Shrimp and rice!
[TOURISTS]
I'm glad my wife's not here with me
[ENGINEER]
What a waste
To pay for my keep
I'm rounding up sheep
To fleece here in Bangkok
I'm disgraced
I cant get ahead
There's nothing as dead
As peace here in Bangkok
Ten cents an hour - And I stand all day
I could sell Kim for ten times my pay
(to some TOURISTS)
If your looking for fun
Original sin?
If you want to put out
Then you gotta come in.
(TOURISTS pass; he tries to make them take his leaflets)
[DOORMEN]
Girls! I got girls!
[DOORMEN]
Gorgeous girls!
[DOORMEN]
Very nice!
[DOORMEN]
Girls!
[ENGINEER]
(to TOURISTS)
Gee, isn't Bangkok really neat?
[DOORMEN]
I got girls!
[ENGINEER]
The things they're selling on the street
[DOORMEN]
Girls!
[ENGINEER]
Fresh dog, if that's what you'd enjoy
[DOORMEN]
Worth the price
[ENGINEER]
A girl, or if you want, a boy
[DOORMEN] and [ENGINEER]
Hey, come to me
First drink is free
[ENGINEER]
(to TWO JAPANESE TOURISTS)
Don't be a lump, you can hump
For a small extra fee
[ENGINEER]
I'm depressed
Fot hustling amours
To Japanese tours
Is no treat in Bangkok
I'm the best
But where's a Marine
With fistfuls of green
I'd cheat him in Bangkok?
Ten cents an hour...
(The CLUB OWNER, the ENGINEER's boss passes)
Evening, Boss.
(The OWNER leaves)
...Screw the Siamese
Look how the're ripping off...refugees
(to another PASSER-BY)
If your looking for fun
Original sin
If you want to put out
Then you gotta come in
[DOORMEN]
Girls!
[ENGINEER]
Hey boys, don't stand around like wimps
[DOORMEN]
I got girls!
[ENGINEER]
Watch out, those guys - They'r really
Pimps
[DOORMEN]
Girls!
[ENGINEER]
You want some thrills, I'll guarantee
Some
[DOORMEN]
Half the price
[ENGINEER]
Tonight, a twosome or a threesome
(unfolding folders of photos)
Look what you'll see!
[ENGINEER]
Hey, that's a joke. Mine blow smoke
For a small extra fee
[VENDORS]
Acid, Marijuana and hash
[DOORMEN]
We'll get you high in a flash
[TOURISTS]
Let's go see what they mean
[VENDORS]
Chicken, lemon grass and bamboo
[TOURISTS]
We want to try something new!
[DOORMEN]
Come do the ping pong routine!
[ENGINEER]
Hey Joe, try taking a little excursion
You'll feel good from a little perversion
[TOURISTS]
OH YEAH!
[ENGINEER]
Massage requiring total immersion
[TOURISTS]
OH WOW!
[ENGINEER]
Some strange positions say me are persian
[TOURISTS]
OH! NO!
Drinks are on me
First girl is free
What can I say? You get me
For a small extra fee
[VENDORS]
Acid, Marijuana and hash
[DOORMEN]
We'll get you high in a flash
[TOURISTS]
Let's go see what they mean
[VENDORS]
Chicken, lemon grass and bamboo
[TOURISTS]
We want to try something new!
[DOORMEN]
[CHRIS]
This money's yours
Please take it all
Hey, you want more?
[KIM]
No, no, I don't want anything
[CHRIS]
Hey, what's wrong with you?
[KIM]
I've not done this before
[CHRIS]
That can't be true!
[KIM]
Why would I lie?
[CHRIS]
All the girls lie!
They just want to get out of here
Maybe you're not like that
But I don't know who you are
[KIM]
Do you want one more tale of a Vietnam girl?
Want to know I was bound to a man I don't love?
Do you want to be told how my village was burned?
Want to hear how my family was blasted away?
How I ran from the rice field and saw them in flames?
How my parents were bodies whose faces were gone?
I have had my fill of pain
I will not look back again
I would rather die
[CHRIS]
Can I see you tonight?
[KIM]
Well, I'll be at the club
Selling "beaucoup amour"
[CHRIS]
No, you won't
How would you like...
[KIM]
How would I like...?
[CHRIS]
How would you like
Living with me?
It feels good like this
So that's how we should be
So would you like?
[KIM]
Yes, I would like!
[CHRIS]
Okay, it's set
No more to say
Screw the Engineer
You're the one good thing
(The ENGINEER, in a peasant clothes,
is brought back to the city from a re-education camp by THUY's soldiers.
THUY instructs him to find KIM in exchange for his freedom)
(The ENGINEER tracks down KIM and leads THUY to her.
Once more, she rejects his love declaring that she's sworn herself
to CHRIS; the enraged THUY, now the people's commissar,
orders his soldiers to attack.
They wreck the room and beat up the ENGINEER)
[ENGINEER]
Are you waiting for them to kill me?
Did you not get what he said?
There's a big screw loose inside you
I will rip it out of your head
That's a mad dog on the rampage
If you think he'll change - save your
Breath
Just say "Yes" - I don't care if you love Him
Princess, life has it all over death!
[KIM]
I have a husband
Real as the sun in the sky
I cannot live with a lie
[THUY]
Do you see now who has power
Do you still think crazy things?
[KIM]
Chris will come to me like the phoenix
and he'll take me off on his wings
[THUY]
You're a traitor to your country
[KIM]
If I am, then let it be
[KIM], [THUY] AND THE [ENGINEER]
I am talking of life or death now
I am talking of staying free
[ENGINEER]
So there it is now - it's time to move on
If you don't need me, I'd rather be gone
Two kids in love don't need strangers around
[THUY]
Just get out
[ENGINEER]
Right! I won't make a sound
(grabs his sack and leaves)
[THUY]
And as for you
Come with me
[KIM]
There is a secret
That you don't know
There is a force here
I never show
You say it's treason
To keep my vow
Season after season
I survived somehow
If you want a reason
I will show you now
(KIM pulls back the curtain and out runs a scared two year old boy.
KIM hugs him.)
Look, Thuy, this is my son
He has kept me alive
Now you see why
I must tell you "No"
[THUY]
No one must ever see
This thing you're showing me
Your bastard fouls our name
[KIM]
My baby's not to blame
For what I've done
[THUY]
You must decide upon
Which side you're really on
You whored to make this kid
[KIM]
That isn't what I did
Don't touch my son
[THUY]
You must see how it is
When you're my wife
Having that child of his
Brands us for life
No alternative!
The child cannot live
(THUY pulls a knife, threatening the boy)
[KIM]
You will not touch him
Don't touch my boy
He's what I live for
He's my only joy
[KIM]
You will not touch
[THUY]
He is my enemy
It's he turns you from me
[KIM]
Don't touch my boy
[THUY]
Erase him from your life
Even your memory
[KIM]
He's what I live for
[THUY]
He's one drop in a flood
Left here to taint our blood
[KIM]
He's my only joy
[THUY]
Our marriage bond was sworn
Forget that he was born
(KIM pulls out a gun)
[THUY]
Of course you have a gun
And now you'll shoot your cousin'
And it's a U.S. gun
[KIM]
Don't touch my
little boy
And do not test
A gun that lost the war
my will
[THUY]
You're the corrupted one Go on and shoot - don't wait
To save your bastard son You must not hesitate
[KIM]
Im warning you,
for him
I'll kill
[KIM]
The earth moves where I stand
I feel the turning of a wheel
I feel nothing in my hand
Not even the feel of steel
You will not take my child...
[THUY]
You don't know how to kill
[KIM]
I have no other choice
What I must do I will
(She shoots THUY - and at the same moment,
the street pageant continues in the street outside)
[CROWD]
This is the hour
This is our land
We found the power
In our brother's hand
And from a storm
Pierced with light
Fierce and white
The lightning came
A bright'ning flame
To end the night
(A gigantic statue of Ho Chin Mihn is raised in the square outside)
One man to heed us -
Each girl, each boy
One voice to lead us
In a song of joy
This is the hour
This is our land
(In the room, KIM stares and THUY's body)
(KIM puts the gun, her family shrine and a few valuables in a sack,
(A street pageant is celebrating the glorious victory
of North Vietnam and the THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF REYNIFICATION)
[FIRST GROUP]
On silent feet it came
Breathing a sheet of flame, it came
Closing it on its rightful prey
Burning a hundred years away
The Morning of the Dragon
Truth up the street
The tiger we were stalking
Walked on paper feet
And in the clear white heat
Of dawn
Was gone
[FIRST GROUP]
From every door they came
These children born of war, they came
[SECOND GROUP]
Victory
[FIRST GROUP]
Sharing a secret word which they
Waited a hudred years to say
[SECOND GROUP]
The morning of
the dragon
All the walls
fell down
[FIRST GROUP]
The Morning of the Dragon
Truth lit up the street
[SECOND GROUP]
Brother greeted brother
In a sudden light
[FIRST GROUP]
The tiger we were stalking
Walked on paper feet
And in the clear white heat of dawn
It's gone
[SECOND GROUP]
And the endless night heat of dawn
Was gone
[THIRD GROUP]
(as groups one and two repeat ON SILENT FEET IT CAME.../ VICTORY...)
May all our children learn
The tide of right will turn
Giants fall, tigers burn
Someday with the dawn
[ENGINEER]
Hey monsieur John, how'd you like to get rich
Go home in style. . .?
[JOHN]
Yeah okay, what's the pitch?
[ENGINEER]
A U.S. visa to help me out
Lend me a bit of your embassy clout
[JOHN]
There isn't a chance pal, you're too well known
Look, what I want is that girl in the dress
[ENGINEER]
You have a good eye
Her name is Kim, she's my new princess
You give her a try?
[JOHN]
It's my friend Chris
Who's the one feeling down
[MARINE]
I ordered a beer!
[ENGINEER]
She'll get him up,
It's her first night in town
But I have to warn you
She don't come cheap
It's got to be twenty for my princess
[JOHN]
Twenty dollars??
[ENGINEER]
She's sort of a virgin, well more or less
For twenty more you get a room and key
For fifty bucks, she's got the whole night free
[MARINES]
No one gives us a buzz
Like the Engineer does
[JOHN approaches CHRIS with Kim]
[JOHN]
Stop drooling white boy
You're losing your cool
You like this jail bait
[CHRIS]
John, open your eyes
This is the end of the line
This whole rotten scene
This little girl, we could be in the sack
For what it costs me to buy a big mac
John, it's time to go back -
You know what I mean
[JOHN]
I'm starting to cry pal
You're so out of touch
The trouble with you is you think too much
Ol' Dr. John knows what you need alright
I've bought you a present
She yours all night
[MARINES]
No one gives you a hit like the Engineer's shit!!
[Across the room, the ENGINEER speaks to KIM.]
[ENGINEER]
See little princess, I was right
You got the biggest score tonight
You caught that sergeant by the nose
You stay with him until he goes
Call him Chris
He'll like that
[KIM]
That marine
Wants his beer
[ENGINEER]
You said you needed a job
You said you'd turn a trick
You'd better prove it, and quick!
[He leads KIM to CHRIS]
[ENGINEER]
[CHRIS]
John, is that you, buddy? Listen to me
Do I sound diff'rent? how else could I be?
Last night I spent a whole lifetime in paradise.
Hey, tell the CO I'm taking all of my leave
We're gonna play house, oh John, it's like Christmas eve
We have sworn we won't see the sun for forty-eight hours
[JOHN at the Embassy, in the midst of chaos: files being]
[packed or burned, typewriters crated, etc.]
[JOHN]
What are you saying? Are you out of your mind?
All leaves are canceled, you could be left behind
Saigon is falling apart, and you'd better be here
Here is the news, since you've been on the moon
Cities in the boondocks are dropping like flies
Wives and civilians will be shipping out soon
Crowds around the Embassy have tears in their eyes
Thieu has resigned, the new regime may not hold
People at the place think we'll send the marines
We are sending nothing from what I've been told
Buddy, are you there? Do you know what this means?
Sure! Time to fall in love!
[CHRIS]
John, listen fast, you did not get this call
You're the one who bought the girl for me after all
"Once you're a friend, you're a friend through and through"
When you are in trouble, then I'll cover for you
[JOHN]
Not this time, the town's too hot
For one Kongai whore
Ol' buddy, I will not get you killed
[CHRIS]
She is no whore, you saw her too
She's really more, like... the April moon
[JOHN]
April fuckin' moon!!
[CHRIS]
She's been hurt, you see
Both her parents died
What else could she be?
[JOHN]
Sweet as that, and she's an orphan too!
How can a guy fight that? You got one day, not two
(In KIM's room she has dressed TAM in his best clothes.
She lights candles at her family shrine, then picks up the photo of her parents.)
[KIM]
From this picture I keep
You, my parents, look out
And you smiles show no scorn
I am happy today
For I know what to do
And my heart is not torn
Spirits know when to fly
When it's time
There's no reson to mourn
For the great sacred bird is reborn
From the ashes he'll rise
And upon his wide wings
I'll watch you from above
I will never be far
But my son, it's your turn
To know your father's love
I know now why I came
To this earth
It's so you find your place
But for that I must leave your embrace
You will be with
Your father now
Give all your love to him
When I am gone
Take one last look at me
Don't forget what you see
For now you must move on
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 will stop what I mjst do
My son, I'll give my life for you
(She kisses TAM, prays before the shrine,
hears people approching, blows out the candles.
She checks to see that it is CHRIS comming.
[CHRIS]
john you were great can I see you alone,
I got to know what you ment on the phone
what is this news you recieved,
you could only tell me
[JOHN]
a lot of groups use my bankcok staff
to process problems on their behalf
we got this in from the embacy
it's not easy to tell you
it's best that you see
[CHRIS]
Kim ... It's about Kim isn't it
only you know hard I had tried to get word
tell me first nothing else tell me did she survive
[JOHN]
you must the report Chris but yes she's alive
[CHRIS]
you don't know john these nightmares the things that i've see
i have seen her face burned seen her shot with my gun
I have chased her through streets and heard nothing but screams
whats wrong, common, there is still something more
[JOHN]
She has a child, you have a son
[CHRIS]
You won't believe me but I dreamed this john
it's in the nightmare when I see saigon
she says john I am married
Is this story for real
[JOHN]
Im only telling you what I've recieved
But our reports can usally be believed
Kims a ball girl in bancok
Pal I know what you feel
[CHRIS]
It's too late
I have a whole new life
I have a wife I love
she can't just dissapare
[JOHN]
Listen guy
I know the shock you have
it isn't always bad
there are solutions here
[CHRIS]
Oh John I never told her
My wife how can I tell her
But John what do I do
I shattered Kim
Now Ellen too
[JOHN]
I have learned the best thing for a couple to do
[CHRIS]
It's time to tell her
[JOHN]
You should both go to bancok
[CHRIS]
I have to tell her
[JOHN]
(I AM NOT SURE OF WHAT HE SAYS)
[CHRIS]
Us both?
[JOHN]
you both should go
[ELLEN]
Hey guys come on
[CHRIS]
Chris
In a place that won't let us feel
In a life where nothing seems real
I have found youI have found you
KimIn a world that's moving too fast
In a world where nothing can last
I will hold you
I will hold you
Chris
Our lives will change, when tomorrow comes
Tonight our hearts drown the distant drums
Chris
And we have music, all rightTearing the night
Both
A song
Played on a solo saxophone
A crazy sound
A lonely sound
A cry that tells usLove goes on and onPlayed on a solo saxophone
It's telling me
To hold you tight
And danceLike it's the last night
Of the world
Chris
On the other side of the earthThere's a place where life still has worth
I will take you
I'll go with you
ChrisYou won't believe all the tings you'll see
I know 'cause you'll see them all with me
Both
If we're together, that's whenWe'll hear it again
A song
A crazy sound
A lonely sound
A cry that tells usLove goes on and onPlayed on a solo saxophone
It's telling me
To hold you tight
And danceLike it's the last night
Of the world
DreamsWere all I ever knew
Chris
DreamsYou won't need when I'm through
Both
Anywhere we may be
I will sing with youA song -
(They dance together on the balcony)
Both
Played on a solo saxophone
So stay with meAnd hold me tight
["Dreamland" is a club filled with American Marines,]
[civilians and south Vietnamese officers. The girls parade]
[around and get the crowd to buy raffle tickets:]
[the winner of the "beauty contest" will be the prize.]
[AMERICANS]
The heat is on in Saigon
The girls are hotter 'n' hell
One of these slits here will be Miss Saigon
God, the tension is high, not to mention the smell
The heat is on in Saigon
Is there a war going on?
Don't ask, I ain't gonna tell
[Two friends, CHRIS and JOHN, are among the Marines. JOHN is with one of the girls]
[ENGINEER]
Ah, Monsieur Chris! Monsieur John!
You've come to win Miss Saigon
[JOHN]
I gotta get my friend laid as a last souvenir
[CHRIS]
I love you, pal, but your bullshit
I've had up to here
[ENGINEER, CHRIS AND JOHN]
The heat is on in Saigon
[JOHN]
But 'til they tell us we're gone
I'm gonna buy you a girl
[CHRIS]
You can buy me a beer
[The girls leave the men and move onto the stage]
[MIMI]
See my bikini, it's just the right size
[YVETTE]
Don't you enjoy how it rides up my thighs?
Look from behind, it'll knock out your eyes
[YVONNE]
I'll show you: my special trophy of war
[MIMI]
For a Marine, I'll show more
[AMERICANS]
You won't get up off the floor
The heat is on in Saigon
Don't tell me I'm reassigned, all that chickenshit sucks
Tonight I'm out of my mind, not to mention ten bucks
[GIGI]
If I'm your pin-up, I'll melt all your brass
Stuck on your wall, with a pin in my ass
If you get me, you will travel first class
I'll show you, we will make magic, cheri
[ENGINEER]
You buy more tickets from me
The winner gets her for free
[CHRIS]
The meat is cheap in Saigon
I used to love getting stoned, waking up with some whore
I don't know why I went dead, it's not fun anymore
[KIM]
I'm seventeen, and I'm new here today
The village I come from seems so far away
All of the girls know much more what to say
But I know
I have a heart like the sea
A million dreams are in me
[CHRIS]
Good Jesus, John, who is she?
[AMERICANS (AND CROWD)]
The Cong is tight'ning the noose
Is it a week or a day or an hour that we got?
Tonight could be our last shot got to put it to use
[The GIRLS come off the stage and mingle with the men.]
[ALL, INCLUDING GIRLS]
Tonight I bet that you and I will get along
Forget about the threat, forget the Viet-Cong
[ALL MEN]
Mimi, Gigi, Yvette or Yvonne
Gonna buy me a beer, and elect Miss Saigon
[The ENGINEER holds the election by holding his hand over]
[each girl's head for applause. When KIM is judged, CHRIS]
[claps loudly, which makes her notice him.]
[ENGINEER]
Yvonne, Yvette, Mimi, Kim, Gigi
[GIGI wins]
[ENGINEER]
Attention, s'il vous plait!
By popular demand
Miss Gigi Van Tranh
Is elected Miss Saigon!
[The ENGINEER puts a cheap tiara on GIGI and a ribbon which says "Miss Saigon".]
[AMERICANS]
The heat is on in Saigon
And things are not going well
But still at midnight, the party goes on
A good-bye party in hell
[ENGINEER]
And now who wins this pussycat?
[The ENGINEER holds a bowl; GIGI picks up a ticket.]
[GIGI]
Number 66!
(KIM overwhelmed at the prospect of finally being reunited with CHRIS,
recalls the horrifying moments when they were seperated during The Fall of Saigon)
[AN OFFICER]
Sorry, Sergeant, we must accelerate
State department says we evacuate
The word is, we must be out
By dawn
[CHRIS]
I have to get my girl!
[ANOTHER OFFICER]
Sorry, Sergent, it's sraight from
Washington
No one leaves the grounds now, not
Anyone
A fast as we load the planes
We're gone
[CHRIS]
(But my girl is in there!)
(A huge CROWD OF VIETNAMESE is pushing at the Embassy gates.)
[A MARINE CAPTAIN]
(to the crowd)
Okay! Keep quiet! Don't shout!
The Ambassador won't leave till
Everyone's out
The choppers're on there way there's
Room for you all
[ANOTHER MARINE]
They're climbing over the wall!
(GET BACK!)
[MORE MARINES]
Get Back! Tell you, don't shout!
The Ambassador won't leave till
Everyone's out
[A MARINE]
(entering)
Th' Ambassador just sent an order to
Freeze
[THE MARINE CAPTAIN]
That's it! No more Vietnamese!
Get in!
[CHRIS]
But my girl's out there!
(In the street outside the Embasst, KIM can't get through the grounds)
[KIM]
I'm the wife of a soldier
Oh please let me through
Help me, who must I pay?
Tell me what I must do
[CHRIS]
(To an OFFICER)
Let me out, I got to
Go back for my bride
[KIM]
Listen someone! My husband
Is waiting inside
[CHRIS]
(telephoning, inside the Embassy yard)
Please Kim, hear the phone!
I can't get there
Please be home
[KIM]
(in the street)
Please Chris, no one sees!
I am lost here
Find me please!
[BOTH]
Please, get me through - I don't care
Don't take my love away, Not now!
[KIM]
Oh Chris,
[CHRIS]
Oh Kim,
[KIM]
I can't get free
[CHRIS]
Please get free
[KIM] [CHRIS]
Still I'm with you I am with you
Wait for Wait for me
[THE MARINE CAPTAIN]
(to CHRIS)
Sorry Sergent, inside the Embassy!
We are pulling out now and there will
No more reprives
[CHRIS]
I got till the old man leaves
(CHRIS is forced inside the Ebassy, whose doors are then barricaded
The VIETNAMESE are now yelling through the Ebassy gates)
[ONE VIETNAMESE]
Take me with you!
Take my children
[ANOTHER]
I have a letter from...!
[ANOTHER]
I helped the C.I.A.!
[CROWD]
They'll kill who they find here!
Don't leave us behind here!
[A VIETNAMESE]
I've a wife who left already
[ANOTHER]
I've an aunt in New York!
[ANOTHER]
I have gold, I can pay!
[CROWD]
There is no one to find here!
They have left us behind here!
(KIM has pushed her way through the gate)
[KIM]
I must get in there - Listen, anyone!
Please tell my husband...look, I have
his gun!
[A VIETNAMESE]
Out of my way, if that's all you've
[CROWD]
If I am here when they come, I'll be shot!
(Inside the compound: MARINES guard the roof
helipad)
[CHRIS]
Let me go John,
I can't leave her
Why in the world should I be saved
Instead of her?
[CROWD]
They'll kill who they find here
Don't leave us behind here!
[JOHN]
It's not you
It's war that's cruel
And if some dreams get smashed
Perhaps it's best they were
[CROWD] and [KIM]
There is no one to find here!
They have left us behind here!
[JOHN]
Wake up, my friend
Your mercy trip has failed
There's nothing you can do,
That ship has sailed
She's not the only one we'll have
Betrayed
[CROWD]
Get to the roof, or els we are betrayed!
(The CROWD tries to vatter down the fences)
[KIM]
(in the yard)
Oh Chris-
I still believe!
The heart of you
Is here with me
My heart, against all odds,
Holds Still
(On the Embassy roof, the last helicopter lands,
CHRIS runs up and down the wall, shouting for KIM.
Finally he is forced to board the helicopter
[At another location, CHRIS and the ENGINEER]
[ENGINEER]
My friend
We had a deal for Kim, but that's on ice
I'm sorry, sergeant, but I've changed the price
I need a visa from your embassy
You get me that, you'll get the girl for free
[CHRIS]
Cut the crap, this money's all I got
I don't give visas out.
Is this a deal or not?
You tell me
[CHRIS draws his revolver and aims at the ENGINEER]
[ENGINEER]
Okay, okay, the money...it will do
Too bad, I had a Rolex watch for you
I'll get my papers in another way
I'll make a rich man of some attache
[CHRIS leaves]
With little shits like him, you take the bucks and run
[A MARINE begins to play the saxophone. CHRIS and KIM start to dance.]
[For a long time they don't speak. Finally:]
[KIM]
My name is Kim
I like you Chris
[CHRIS]
Don't talk like that
[KIM]
What did I say?
[CHRIS]
You shouldn't be here
Get the hell out. . .
[ENGINEER]
What's going on?
You don't like her?
[CHRIS]
Oh, yes I do
[KIM]
I like him too
[ENGINEER]
Take her away
[KIM]
Take me away
Don't say a word
[GIRLS]
One of us girls is moving on
One girl will get out of saigon
[GIGI]
So now who's really Miss Saigon
[GIRLS]
Tv and stereo she gets
And Elvis Presley on cassettes
[KIM and CHRIS enter]
[GIRLS]
Look how he bought her a new dress
You did a job on him I guess
[KIM]
He simply asked me
I said, "yes"
[GIRLS]
Come on, let's bless the new princess
[GIRLS]
Dju vui vay
Yu doi my
Dju vui vay
Vao nyay moy
[KIM]
Will you give me life smile today
Look with favoring eyes on this man
Show your daughter's heart your forgiveness
And send to us
From your home above
Your blessing on our love
[GIRLS, KIM (echoing)]
Dju vui vay -- dju vui vay
Yu doi my -- yu doi my
Dju vui vay -- dju vui vay
Vao nyay moy
[GIRLS]
Dju vui vay
[CHRIS]
It's pretty but what does it mean?
[GIRLS]
Yu doi my
[KIM]
It's what all the girls sing at weddings
[CHRIS looks up, startled]
[GIRLS]
Dju vui vay
[KIM]
They didn't know what else to sing
[GIRLS]
Vao nyay moy
[CHRIS]
It's the prettiest thing that I've ever heard
[Friends arrive carrying beer and a platter of food.]
[The party gathers around the bed, and GIGI leads a toast to KIM.]
[GIGI]
To Miss Saigon!
[GUESTS]
[KIM]
You are sunlight and I moon
Joined by the gods of fortune
Midnight and high noon
Sharing the sky
We have been blessed, you and I
[CHRIS]
You are here like a mystery
I'm from a world that's so different
From all that you are
How in the light of one night
Did we come so far?
[KIM]
Outside day starts to dawn
[CHRIS]
Your moon still floats on high
[KIM]
The birds awake
[CHRIS]
The stars shine too
[KIM]
My hands still shake
[CHRIS]
I reach for you
[BOTH]
And we meet in the sky!
[KIM]
You are sunlight and I moon
Joined here
Bright'ning the sky
With the flame
Of love
[BOTH]
Made of
Sunlight
Kim: Good evening maam
Ellen:Don't turn the bed yet
Kim:I'm not the maid
Ellen: What do you want then?
Kim:
They must written the room number wrong
I am looking for someone named Christopher Scott. 317. Oh I'm sorry...unless
well, you must be,of course your Jon's wife, are you not?
Ellen:
Oh god I see,it had to happen.
You must be Kim, Chris went to find you.
Please come inside, no one will hurt you. I'm Chris's wife...My name is
Ellen
Kim: Tell me you are lying
Ellen: We've been married a year, I'm sorry it's true.
Kim: He said he'd come to get me
Ellen: He said he tried to reach you, but what could he do?
Kim:
Please tell my your not married,
You don't know you can't know what I've done to be here.
Ellen: you don't know how he needed a new start.
Kim: I feel walls im my heart, closing in, I can't breathe, I can't win.
Ellen: As for the child you say it's Chris's.
Kim:
Oh yes madam my son is Chris's.
I had a dream for my sont to belong,
Not to all live his life in the srteet like a rat.
Ellen: We aren't rich, but we'll sholder our load.
Chris and I are totally together on that.
Kim: Then you must take Tam with you.
Ellen: Take a child from his mother, impossibe Kim.
Kim: You will take Tam with you,
then he'll get ehat I wanted for him.
Ellen:
But Kim your child needs you
Chris is married to me we want kids of our own.
Kim: Tam's chance lies with you now, not with you now not with me.
Ellen: No! can't you see? It can't work,it can't be.
Kim:
If you're saying that because you made him change his mind!
Chris must go away and leave me and his son behind!
If you're saying that, because my husband has another wife!
My child has no future,like the dust of life!
He must come tonight to my place!
[JOHN]
I'm not here as a friend
I have a job to do
It's strange to find my work
Should lead me here to you
Chris knows all about you
I have shown him all this
But I think that it's time
You know all about Chris
[KIM]
Please, don't you see that's all I live for?
I have him and nothing more
At night, everything that's not him
Disappears behind my door
[JOHN]
Please, he went crazy when he lost you
Spoke to no one for a year
Then he finally said "I'm home now,
My life has to go on here"
Please, let me finish talking, please
This was three whole years ago
[KIM]
Yes, yes I know
I know how pain can grow
When the rock you hold onto
Is a love miles away, listen:
Please, I already know the story
Take us to the U.S.A.
[JOHN]
When we've finished here, you'll see him
Chris arrived with me today!
[KIM]
Oh Tam! He's here!
He is here, he's so near
We might breathe the same air tonight!
Your father's here
[KIM]
Oh Tam, It's true
My dream was right
You'll see him soon
[JOHN]
I can't tell her like this
I should not be the one
Chris must first see his son
[KIM]
Please
Don't you see we've
been watched over
As we crossed the
wildest seas
[JOHN]
The don't say in these files
There's a woman in love here
What sustained her for miles
[KIM]
Even God wants us
together
Can I end this
journey
Please?
[JOHN]
Chris still knows nothing of
I don't want this
don't want to fight her
What did I do?
I didn't come here
to meet a girl
who loves my husband
Chris has a son
He has to see him
But if he does
She'll be there with him
I came here to help but what do I do?
Now, after this, what can I do?
There are days
There are days when your life clouds over
and the world gets so dark
that all at once you can't tell night from day
There are times
When your heart cries this isn't happening
But the truth is cold and real
and I know the storm
won't go away
Now that I've seen her
There's no way to hide
She is not some fling from long ago
Now that I've seen her
I know why he lied
And I think it was better when I didn't know
In her eyes
In her voice
In the heat that filled the air
part of him still lingered there
I know what pain her life today must be
But if it all comes down to her or me
I won't wait
I swear, I'll fight
Now that I've seen her
She's more than a name
She is not some fling from long ago
Now that I've seen her
I can't stay the same
Who's the man that I've always trusted?
(KIM bursts into the ENGINEER's shack, carrying TAM)
[KIM]
Engineer! Thuy is dead!
He was going to kill my baby and I shot
[ENGINEER]
You did what? Who is that?
You'll be followed! Get him out of here!
Goodbye!
[KIM]
We must leave! Tam and I!
We must set off for America tonight
[ENGINEER]
Oh right! Just like that!
Tell me how, and tell me at it, tell
Me why
[KIM]
I hear the voice of my soldier
Telling me to bring...his son
[ENGINEER]
You're telling me this half-breed brat
Is born the son of a marine?
Let me see his western nose
This bastard is...
The most beautiful sight I've ever seen!
A passport in my hand
My new life can begin
Your brat's American
So they must let us in!
The playground of mankind!
The movie in my mind!
I'm your dear brother from now on
And all our family is gone
Boy, kiss you brand-new uncle Tran
This kid is okay
He is our entree
To the U.S.A
With these two little diamonds to bait
My hooks
I'll book us a cruise - "Boat-people"
Deluxe
Don't worry 'bout the sharks out in the
Mekong bay
The pirates taking us are more scary any
You just stay here and hide
Don't show your face outside
Take care of our little dear
I will go "Engineer"
(He runs out. In the street)
If you want to die in bed
Don't care to much for country
Hit the open sea insead
And float there like a cark
Uncle Ho - Ho! Ho!
(The ENGINEER is making his way furtively through the city.
Soldiers seem to be everywhere)
[ENGINEER]
If you want to die in bed
Follow my example
When you see a cloud ahead
It's time to show your class
Hit the door before
They make a target of your ass
If you want to die in bed
In times of revolution
When the flag they fly is red
Let pride fill up your chest
Meanwhile pack your sack
And take the first boat heading west
(He enters the abandoned backroom of what was one "Dreamland,"
opens a trapdoor in the floor and removes a tiny box. He opens it)
My precious souvenirs
Of all the golden years
Rolex watches in steel
That look practically real
I'll need a little stock
To start me in Bangkok!
If you want to die in bed
Forget about your karma
When your life hangs by a thread
Don't cry about the fates
Grab a stasg of casg
And plan a rest'rant in the States
Let me stop for a bit
This was my greatest hit
Miss Saigon, in her crown
I made queen of the town
I got e'm paying more
For jst another whore
Here I come
U.S.A
Your next champ's
On his way
For men will always be men
Thr rules are the same
For kings or for clerks
Show me francs, or dollars, or yen
I'll set up a game
I know how it works
Why was I born of a race
That thinks only of rice
And hates entrepeneurs?
Me I belong in a place
Where a man sets his price
And you pay, and he's yours
I should be - American!
Where every promise lands
And every buisnessman knows where he
stands
First stop Bangkok then I roam
Cross that ocean white with foam
To the place that's my heart's true home
If you want to die in bed
En route to your nirvana
You gram your chance and plunge
Ahead
And go where people win
Heaven's there - Oh shit
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 hear
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!
FIRST GROUP
No place, no home
No life, no hope
No chance, no change
SECOND GROUP
No regret
No return
No goodbye
THIRD GROUP
One day-
One night-
Last night I watched him sleeping
My body pressed to him
And then he started speaking
The name I heard him speak...was Kim
Yes I know that this was years ago
But when moonlight fills my room I know
You are here...still
I still
I still believe
You will return
I know you will
My heart
Against all odds
Holds still
Yes, still
I still believe
I know as long as I can keep believing
I'll live
I'll live
Love cannot die
You will return...you will return
And I alone know why
ELLEN
Last night I watched you sleeping
Once more the nightmare came
I heard you cry out something
A word that sounded like...a name
And it hurts me more than I can bear
Knowing part of you I'll never share
Never know
But still
I still believe
The time will come
When nothing keeps us apart
My heart, forever more
Holds still
It's all over, I'm here
There is nothing to fear
Chris, what's haunting you?
Won't you let me inside
What you so want to hide?
I need you too!
For still
ELLEN
I will hold you all night
I will make it all right
I still believe
ELLEN
You are safe with me
As long as I
ELLEN
But I wish you would tell
what you don't want to tell
Can keep believing, I'll live
ELLEN
What your hell must be
I'll live
ELLEN
You can sleep now
You will return
ELLEN
You can cry now
And I know why
ELLEN
I'm your wife now
I'm yours
ELLEN
For life
KIM & ELLEN
(The ENGINEER leads CHRIS,
JOHN and ELLEN into a little room where TAM is playing on the bed)
(A gunshot, KIM's body falls out from behind the curtain)
[CHRIS]
KIM! KIM!
(CHRIS picks up KIM and cradles her in his arms)
What have you done, Kim - why?
[KIM]
The Gods have guided you to your son
[CHRIS]
Please don't die!
[KIM]
Hold me one more time
(CHRIS holds her)
How in one night have we come...so far
(In September 1978 JOHN is addressing a conference in Atlanta that CHRIS
and his wife ELLEN are attending at JOHN's request)
[CHOIR]
They're called Bui-Doi
The Dust of life
Concieved in hell
And born is strife
They are the the living reminders
Of all the good we failed to do
We can't forget
Must not forget
That they are all
Our children too
[JOHN]
Like all survivors, I once thought
When I'm home I won't give a damn
But now I know I'm caught
I'll never leave Vietnam
War isn't over when it ends
Some pictures never leave you mind
They are the faces of the children
The ones we left behind
They're called Bui-Doi
The dust of life
Concieved in hell
And born in strife
They are the living reminders
Of all the good we failed to do
We can't forget
Must not forget
That they are all
Our children too
These kids hit walls on every side
They don't belong in any place
Their secret they can't hide
Its printed on their face
I never thought I'd plead
For half-breeds from a land that's torn
But then I saw a camp for children
Whose crime was being born
They're called Bui-Doi
The dust of life
Concieved in hell
And born in strife
We owe them fathers, and a family -
And loving home they never knew
Because we know
Deep in our hearts
That they are all
Our children too
These are souls in need
They need us to give
Someone has to pay
For their chance to life
Help me try
[JOHN] and [CHORUS]
They're called Bui-Doi
The dust of life
Concieved in hell
And born in strife
They are the living reminders
Of all the good we failed to do
That's why we know
Deep in our hearts
That they are all
Our children too
(After the conference, JOHN introduces ELLEN and CHRIS to his co-workers.
CHRIS draws JOHN aside)
[CHRIS]
John, you were great. Can I see you alone
I gotta know what you meant on the phone
What is this news you recieved
You could only tell me
[JOHN]
A lot of groups use my Bangkok staff
To process problems on their behalf
We got this in from the embassy
It's not easy to tell you; It's best that
you see
[CHRIS]
KIM! It's about Kim isn't it?
Only you know how hard I tried to
get word
Tell me first, nothing els, tell me: Did
she survive?
[JOHN]
You must read the report, Chris
But yes, she's alive
[CHRIS]
You don't know, John, these nightmares
The things that I've seen
I have seen her face burned
See her shot with my gun
I have chased her through streets
And heared nothing but screams
What's wrong? Come on.
There's something more
[JOHN]
She has a child
You have a son
(shows CHRIS the report)
[CHRIS]
You won't believe me but I dreamed this
John
It's in the nightmare when I see Saigon
Jesus, John, I am married
Is this story for real?
[JOHN]
I'm only telling you what i recieved
But our reports can usually be believed
Kim's a bar-girl in Bangkok
Pal, I know how you feel
[CHRIS]
It's too late! I have a whole new life
I was in love with Kim, but now I have a
wife
[JOHN]
Listen, Chris, I know the shock you've
There are solutions here, it isn't always
[CHRIS]
Oh John, I never told her
My wife - how can I tell her?
A child - What do I do?
I shattered Kim - Now Ellen too
[CHRIS]
I have to tell her
[JOHN]
I have learned the best thing
For a couple to do
[CHRIS]
I have to tell her
[JOHN]
You should both come to Bangkok
I mean Ellen too
[CHRIS]
Us both?
[JOHN]
You BOTH should go
(ELLEN re-enters)
[ELLEN]
Hey guys, come on
[CHRIS]
But first...
[A Friday night in April 1975.]
[Backstage at an after-hours club in Saigon.]
[Vietnamese bar-girls are getting into costumes.]
[GIRLS]
One of us will be Miss Saigon
[ENGINEER]
I spread the word - it's Miss Saigon
[GIGI]
Who's left to screw who hasn't gone
[ENGINEER]
Shut up! and get your hot pants on
[GIGI]
Each day more GI's disappear
[ENGINEER]
There's still some left and they'll all be here
[ALL GIRLS]
A girl can trust an engineer
[THE ENGINEER brings in a new girl, KIM]
[ENGINEER]
Surprise!
I found this new girl, get her dressed
From the country untouched
[GIGI]
Just give that virgin act a rest
[ALL GIRLS]
"You are my first American"
[they laugh]
[ENGINEER]
Allez! allez! allez!
Why does it take all day?
Get your asses on stage... I'm raising cash tonight
[GIRLS]
Tonight I will be Miss Saigon
[ENGINEER]
They say Saigon has weeks
I say it's time to pack
[GIRLS]
Tonight I will be Miss Saigon
[ENGINEER]
Each day these little buns of theirs are worth less and less
I need a visa fast, and I'm not looking back
[the ENGINEER looks through the door into the club.]
[ENGINEER]
Son of a bitch, they're here!
I can still engineer
It's like the old days, my little gamines
[GIRLS]
Oh sure!
[ENGINEER]
You know who's out here? a gang of marines!
[GIRLS]
They're here?
[ENGINEER]
We'll pick 'em clean that's what this contest's about
[GIRLS]
Yes, sir!
[ENGINEER]
One of these boys might be your ticket out
[turns to KIM]
Why is she in that dress?
Ah! it's my new princess
Ah, yes!
A bride will give the guys a treat
Lower your eyelids and play sweet
Men pay the moon to get fresh meat
Allez! allez! allez!
Get out and do your song!
Don't make the show too long
Voila'! on stage all! welcome to...
