Tình ca của người mất trí
Trịnh Công SơnSingable translation by Rich Fuller in 1972 | |
BALLAD OF AN INSANE PERSON | LOVESONG OF A DERANGED WOMAN |
I had a loved one, who died at the battle of Plei-me I had a loved one, at War Zone D Died at the battle of Dong Xoai, died outside of Ha Noi Died in haste alongside the border | Oh, where is my love? Lost at Plei Me. Oh where is my love? In War Zone D, lost at Dong Xoai. Died in Ha Noi, hurriedly, on frontier hills. |
I had a loved one, who died at the battle of Chu-prong I had a loved one, his corpse drifted on the river Died amid the golden fields, died in the darkest jungle Died all alone, his body burned like charcoal | Oh where is my love? Lost at Chu Prong. Oh where is my love? Face-down in a field, floats down a stream. In forest deep, cold and dead, lies burnt to an ash. |
I want to love you, love Viet Nam On a windy day, I’ll softly whisper I’ll summon your name, the name Viet Nam The voice of the yellow-skinned people brings us closer | O! I love, love you, love Viet Nam. When storm winds blow, my lips softly call: Call your name, and Viet Nam, so close, In one family tongue. |
I want to love you, love Viet Nam A new day, my ears so used to hearing bullets and mines I’ll cover my lips with my hands From here, I’ll forget all human voices | O! I love, love you, love Viet Nam. My youthful ears long knew the thunder of war. Oh, these useless arms and lips of mine: I can’t speak human tongues. |
I had a loved one, who died at the battle of A-Sao I had a loved one, who died all curled up Died in a ravine, died at the foot of a bridge Died in anguish without a shirt on his back | Oh where is my love? Lost at Asau. Oh where is my love? Lies twisted up, died on a pass, Died ‘neath a bridge, humbly, His body bare. |
I had a loved one, who died at the battle of Ba-sia I had a loved one, who died just yesterday evening He died without warning, died without promises No hatred, died as if he was dreaming. | Oh where is my love? Lost at Ba Gia. Oh where is my love? Died just last night, so suddenly. No warning first. His loving heart eternally stilled (2 X) |