Miss Saigon Bui Doi

Peter Polycarpou on Wogan 1989

[@waterwind2266]

The first time I heard Miss Saigon, I was like, "Wow, this sounds a lot like Les Mis." Then I looked at the composer, and I was like, "Oh, that's why."

[@rjgc4409]

The singer himself was in the original cast of Les Miz.

[@Leigori]

It's amazing to me... he doesn't even look like he's singing, just looks like he's giving a speech.

[@margondine]

Impressive performance. He sings it perfectly yet makes you believe he is making a speech.

[@positivelybeautiful1]

I’ve watched Miss Saigon numerous of times. I wished in this scene, the current show does not leave out these actual footage. When you watch the children, then the song means that much more. Miss Saigon, the lyric, the music, the story, and the setting, “Kim’s Nightmare” are that outstanding! Also, I like Peter P’s version very much too.

[@Jon_from_LI]

When I saw the show on Broadway a few years ago, I'm almost positive that the images were displayed during the song.

[@Emmajbowles]

Hands down best version of this song, in my opinion. Sung straight, no vocal gymnastics, no crazy strutting around the stage. Simple, powerful and pure. Love it. Wish I could of seen the original cast they were amazing.

[@juliaglass475]

I totally agree with you. After listning to many different singer's. Wish I knew his name. Can't catch it in the beginning.

[@fantabaz1]

BowBelleBlush I totally agree, this was the version I first saw and made a trip very soon after to see it in the West End. Fantastic voice and emotionally on cue

[@neilforster8206]

i went to see new yr day , sat left front next to pit and stage . got hocked now seen it 5 time . went to london 89 for new yr and fantastic . saw in broadway wasnt as good

[@manchestertart5614]

Peter Polycarpou, who was in the early episodes of Birds of a feather , for the BBC??? Amazing, what he does here! 😢❤️😢❤️

[@LiveMusic1st]

I had the pleasure of seeing the original cast doing this, I saw the latest cast but this was by far the best

[@vamps_rock]

Without a doubt, PP's rendition of this heartbreaking song is THE best ever. And yes there have been many other amazing singers sing this, but Peter is the original and best.

[@danibeck3771]

john Owen Jones is the best

[@vamps_rock]

Too operaticfor my taste

[@thenachoandthecheeze]

This one's really good but my personal favorite is Hugh Maynards preacher-esque rendition of it

[@joefay8412]

Hahaha peepee

[@markrsn]

my god, this performance brings me to tears everytime I watch it.

[@ericcameron425]

Amen brother-me too.

[@valeriemorgan3060]

Same! Although I fully comprehend all of these children are my age now, I still feel the urge to go help those precious souls find their daddies.

[@anonymouspeacefulperson6199]

@@valeriemorgan3060 yes, Val Smith Harte ghost, brings me to my knees Val, and Pauline Quirk84 responsibility! The bui doi men batter me for going for counseling and saying no to terrorism and their associates! Lucy Moore X

[@chloebutler8438]

It makes me sad to hear that a lot of people don't even understand this song.

[@dolphinsandsunsets]

my heart is torn each time i hear this song.

[@sssyyylllvvviiiiaaa]

I watched miss saigon in the netherlands. this song came on and I saw those kids, those kids in the vidoe's were the real kids in vietnam. being the mother of a child from a blond dutch woman and an african father it hit me, what if things ever go bad here, what if there comes a civil war? or if racial hate gets worse. this song means a lot to me because I do realise what can happen. and I hope and pray that it never will....... so far so good. but the world is changing. strange thing was that one of the 2 friends I was with that evening looked at me when the half african little girl in the video showed and it just hit me, she saw my reaction and knew what just happened. she totally understood.

[@melischang]

For those who know the 10th Anniversary concert of Les Mis - Peter Polycarpou is my Philip Quast of Miss Saigon. That's the highest praise I can give.

[@nathanielpaxton4103]

melischang fantasticaly put i love calm wilconson and phillip quast

[@LiveMusic1st]

I know exactly what you mean and heartily agree.

[@KimmyElHornoBimbo]

Peter Polycarpou is in the 10th anniversary of Les Mis!!

[@vianitoledo7439]

Damn I haven't even watched the video, seeing this comment I rlly expect a lot in this performance

[@Lambert1878]

No bigger praise

[@bunnybass77]

I saw Miss Saigon over 20 years ago when I was only a teenager. Even then I was brought to tears by the powerful message this song has. It is the best song in the entire musical. To this day it still gives me goosebumps and makes me cry. I cannot wait for this show to return to the stage.

[@TJOOBI1]

I have never been able to watch or listen to this song, since i first saw it on WOGAN as a little girl, without crying. Peter Polycarpou is so compelling with this song. So incredably powerful. I wish i'd had the chance to see the original cast performance of this show.

[@johnlabus7359]

This is absolutely my favorite song of any musical, ever.

[@josephus72]

I believe that this song is as compelling and beautiful as anything in Les Miserables. While I've known and loved the song for many years now, it affects me so much more now that I have a little girl (who by the way is of mixed race). The shots of the babies in those metal cots is utterly heartbreaking. I keep picturing my own little one in the faces of each of them.

[@1029julia]

Give me a goosebump everytime, he is and still the best john role in miss saigon. He gives justice to this song.bravo!

[@Chuiboo]

Yes, he is!!!

[@wildflwryears]

This is real musical theatre: a message, great singing, great acting, all of which puts a lump in your throat, a song in your head and makes you think about the world.

[@agnusborealis9362]

Great song! The meaning is very deep. Im also a Bui Doi!

[@agnusborealis9362]

Im also a bui doi. But i have forgiven them.

[@sarahfarragher1092]

Such an amazing voice.. So beautiful.. Don't like it when John's mess around with the tune when it's so beautiful to begin with.. He sings it with raw passion and simplicity... Perfection..

[@bojosanjuan4370]

Leaves me teary-eyed everytime I watch this. As they always say, the original is always the best. Peter has a full and powerful voice. Notice the way he opens his mouth-that's proper singing. He was just amazing!

[@katederrick7799]

Yes, I learn a lot from watching him sing. Wonderful artist!

[@bravoryno]

I love this song and listen to it daily. When I watched this video I started crying. Thank you to Peter for making this song and message come alive ❤️

[@LENNY4PRESIDENT]

Just been introduced to Miss Siagon because our choir is learning Bui Doi for an Armistice Day concert in the Glasgow Concert Hall later this year. The emotions are overwhelming. Never thought anything could compare to Les Miz. but this sure does.

[@hillaryjones275]

He sings it so effortlessly. Smacks. Gets me verklempt.

[@lilianapurcell2916]

Absolutely, positively the BEST to ever sing this role. The second iteration of "and BORN in strife" (about 2:36) is so powerful.

[@deguzmanjrrobertom]

Liliana purcell add the "we failed to do".

[@bonnyjishop]

I heard this on the bbc recently, but to see it with the video footage really hit home what a screwed up world we live in. Mans inhumanity to his fellow man, kids being kept in conditions like that is a disgrace

[@dalewindeckerjr.3663]

Honestly, this song is really, really beautiful. But I think the best part of the song, the one part that really brings it together, it the high G#4 during the chorus on the word born. Idk what it is, but the less polished that note is, the better it sounds to me. I think it's the note that really hammers the emotion of the song into me. It makes me feel their pain, because they have to reach. It shows they're working for the song, and the less polished it is, the more emotion I feel. Personally, anyway. And I really like the way this singer does it. He's always been my favorite of all the versions I've seen.

[@erinw4935]

This is the best version I've found on KZbin thus far, and it's all in the acting. A lot of the time this song is performed as a righteous and tired man pleading to an uncaring public, trying to care about what he does. He's wise and is acting as though he has something to impart. In this version, the original version, this is not John trying to teach a lesson. This is an admission of guilt. He feels responsible as well and owns his own culpability. The vocal gymnastics in other versions can start to sound triumphant or even saccharine to me. John is much more composed, embarrassed, and somber in this version, which I feel redeems the earlier John we see much better. With most versions, John can come across as a self-righteous ass in this song. Who is he to take the moral high ground? Here, John has seen the error in his freewheeling ways back in Vietnam, and knows he could very well have his own bui doi somewhere. He is not condemning a separate group, he is blowing the whistle on something he is directly involved in, and by doing so, admitting to a terrible thing he did himself. He isn't proud and he isn't a teacher. He's just here to try and make reparations for something he did. Very beautiful, and a great way to immediately place John on higher ground than Chris at the top of the second act. In the first, Chris is unwilling to participate and has a lot morally on John. Now, it's Chris' turn in the barrel, while we see John's earned emotional maturity.

[@AbstractOddity]

I’m very late to your comment but I wanted to say this is a really insightful take

[@evepolycarpou1169]

I’ll pass on your comments to Peter … just seen them … Thankyou

[@corinne1453]

I have seen a number of versions of this song that I had difficulty swallowing, other than this one... I couldn't put my finger on why, but they feel preachy and disingenuous. You just perfectly articulated why this one is set apart from the others. It's a beautifully heartbreaking piece.

[@elliott4106]

Great analysis. Thanks.

[@paulwebbiweb]

What an insightful analysis. Thank you.

[@heecharmander]

This might be my favorite song from the show. This and I'd Give My Life For You. Beautiful.

[@lorrainecrampton1632]

Peter Polycarpou - what a fantastic singer and actor. I saw him in 1985 in the original cast of "Les Mis" (London) and he was fantastic in that as well.

[@annearmes-reardon1401]

Definitely the best version of this with a beautiful choir

[@avs9126]

To my shame, I only knew Peter Polycarpou as the bloke from Birds of a Feather. I'm happy to put that straight now - I came here via good reviews of his from 'City of Angels' currently at the Donmar Warehouse (so I thought 'can the bloke from Birds of a Feather sing?).Can he ever - powerful song, beautifully delivered & best version seen so far

[@superherom03]

this song got to me when I first heard it as a teenager. 15 years and 3 kids later it just kills me

[@GayaspaintBlogspot]

It brings tears to my eyes every time. I saw this on Broadway in 1991

[@qrod06]

So moving, I can't believe I still end up teary after hearing it. after so many years.

[@leadoffeohippus]

Gosh I love PP's rendition. He has a certain darkness to his voice (it's heavier), that makes the song a lot more powerful. Especially on the "because we know" part.

[@petersab04]

My uncle sang this song and it made me cry now i can't get it out of my head

[@misss9092]

wasn't even born when this was broadcast, but I feel so moved watching this.

[@brianleemorrison]

WOW, ABSOLUTELY sends chills through my body!!!! EXCELLLLLLENT!!!!

[@marclopez7846]

its 2024 and no one can sing Bui Doi like Peter did

[@Jon_from_LI]

Truth

[@kristinereyes4808]

Peter You sound wonderful live. Never had the chance to see this original cast. Though would have LoVed to.

[@sponsorfinder]

This is quite simply the greatest performance by any singer of any song ever.

[@lornaparrett]

MY FAVOURITE MUSICAL EVER - and I've seen quite a few! I was lucky enough to see the very first cast (along with others down the years) but as with Dr Who, the one you see first will always be your favourite. I only ever knew him (& Jonathan Pryce) as an actor - great shock to hear his emotive voice

[@dengslacson]

this song makes you think that war is evil! this is the best version ever!

[@memyselfandpeoples2]

Best version, always come back

[@superduperstar44]

Wow this song is so strikingly amazing! I love when he says "help me dear god" so so beautiful!

[@Arp477]

God - capitalized. ☝🙏⛪😊💒

[@acuison1]

Imagine Americans not knowing that they have half brothers and sisters on the other side of the earth.

[@scottmiller7779]

There is a strong chance I could fall into that category. My father, now deceased, had constant nightmares of his two tours in Vietnam and refused to discuss it at all. So much left unspoken

[@Stickycomix]

I like this a lot more than the version I saw a few days ago. It's more forceful and emotional.

[@musata]

Fantastic voice and performance. What a shame we do this to ourselves.

[@Daniii150]

I cry hard everytime I hear bui doi, I'd give my life for you, the sacred bird, and the finale

[@jonireneez]

what an amazing voice.

[@Kistan12]

This song always make me cry......

[@jacobsaint1874]

Just saw Miss Saigon for the first time and this song had me in tears.

[@ed10908]

FANTASTIC! I cannot thank you enough!

[@NYCER4LIFE]

Wow. Never saw this before. That's a great performance!

[@NavaeraGreenleaf88]

Wow. This song is so touching.

[@AZdudeAZ]

yes, the best version!

[@rotherhams602xq]

@Cavillier1970 i hope so!!!! tht would be awesome!! it was the first musical i saw almost 20 yrs ago n STILL THE BEST IVE EVER SEEN!! this is the best song frm it.. m.

[@wolfoftherain53]

Absolute best song from Miss Saigon.

[@Poddry]

Awesome, best version in my opinion

[@bekkoko]

Makes me cry every time.

[@lvc15978]

it gives me tears watching this

[@leedscab123]

Never seen Miss Saigon, but this song is just awesome.

[@DansHouse2022]

My school did this play last night! This was my favorite part, very touching!

[@rightclique]

yah... got me goosebumps.. very powerful song

[@Funfantastimal]

I almost cried the first time I heard this song.

[@Jon_from_LI]

I always come back to this version to listen to. This lyric alone always gets me: I never thought one day 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.

[@Toveij]

Goosebumps all over my body.

[@keirabrown8045]

This song nearly made me cry

[@ziaveer2252]

You're tough! It DID make me cry

[@sianaemery]

We listened to this in class today :)

[@jingsolimansumoba1328]

Indeed, It is AMAZING!

[@guitarandsingingdude]

its amazing .... this is actually a perfect performance. Like this song couldnt be performed better, even if someone had a better voice, it is perfect, this show needs a bit of grit in your voice and he has it and realy gets the emotion across whilst singing the living hell out of it at the same time! wow ....

[@kisslemons]

love this song i always feel like crying at 2:20 when they hold that little girl's hand

[@ImYourGreatestFan]

Awesome, brilliant, amazing! Thanks for posting this!

[@herbertalustestica]

bravo i love it....

[@caseym5004]

WOW. My friends showed me this video yesterday because my school is probably doing this in the spring, and I don't know this play that well, but this song is like WOW. I had only seen Peter Polycarpou perform in Oklahoma before this, and this is SO MUCH BETTER AND SO AMAZING.

[@cherryride12]

2:23-2:27-best ever then we owe them fathers and a family. that bit always gets me!!

[@broadwaybaby1310]

GOOSEBUMPS!!!!

[@GerardMacapagal]

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 Conceived in hell And born in strife They are the living reminders Of all the good we failed to do That's why I know deep in our hearts 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 It's 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 Conceived 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 Conceived 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

[@archerblake1418]

What a voice!!

[@selenaandnickramazin]

A boys choir at my school did this.. AMAZING!!!

[@themichigander4924]

Maddy Stacey My Band played this in our marching show

[@ladyanastasiabeaverh]

Amazing, perfect

[@patsymillar9447]

Who knew that Chris from birds of a feather had such a good voice wow wee

[@emmaconstantinides6586]

I know right?! Not only amazingly good looking, he has an amazing voice too!! 😍😍❤️❤️

[@jakewr1996]

i love this song it is so sad though

[@kelseyanne08]

I love this song!!! I gotta say though, when I first listened to "I Am Africa" from "The Book of Mormon", it reminded me of this song SO much...

[@elisamason4836]

Miss Saigon is my most cherished musical ever.

[@attore25]

speechless!!!

[@loppomaniquiz]

they are brief reminders of all the good we failed to do... great and challenging song...

[@madamegracious9759]

I got a workshop with him today to work on Les Mis songs. X

[@icomur825]

why'd I watch this during work, I knew I was gonna cry.

[@Jon_from_LI]

I have a handful of showtunes on my playlist, including this. But I don't think I've ever actually deliberately listened to this on my playlist; unless I'm alone.

[@Ambaaahhh]

My high school is doing this. It's pretty fun to be in. Sad too

[@orionblaze000]

Good song

[@annearmes-reardon1401]

Wonderful

[@JoleneOHara]

Perfect!

[@PaulTheillusionist]

Amazing

[@Xbabsllx]

wooow.....

[@lpfan9976]

im working my schools version of this play :D its playing now

[@littlesongbird1]

It is so sad to think of how many over seas baby are probably born every year and the fathers don't do anything to help them!

[@spongebobslushpants1]

so much injustice in the world

[@hjon9119]

July 2024

[@xXaznstar12Xx]

@markrd2003 I'm not sure what your question is but literally bui doi means dust life; it really means something like loose derelict

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

Bụi đời means "dust of life", but it's a Vietnamese term used to describe city vagrants, and to street children or juvenile gangs who are called trẻ bụi đời. It doesn't explicitly refer to Ameriasian children as this show claims(in fact, it's not to far off to claim that they Pretty Much made that meaning up). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%E1%BB%A5i_%C4%91%E1%BB%9Di

[@WasteTime4Passwords]

I liked this when I saw it in Seattle