Miss Saigon Bui Doi

[@stevenbruening9908]

I am a bui-doi as is my sister. I left Saigon on April 10th of 1975 - 20 days before the Fall of Saigon. This song hits me hard and hits my adoptive mother even harder - she had to walk out of the Theatre when they started doing this piece.

[@mirandabeesleybarboza8106]

Steven Bruening I just finished watching the musical and it really touched me. I really hope you and your sister have lived a very good life. ❤️

[@SanRafaelSwell]

You are our American brother.

[@carolinewhitaker967]

Absolutely Steven! 👍

[@carolinewhitaker967]

Sorry to here that Stephen, I had rape after fertility treatment! Unfortunately, not like the the US marines on this video, I was abandoned by every sperm donor! I pray for help every day for security, for love, for motivation!

[@Lambert1878]

Steven, I'm a lad from England. I can never imagine what you an your sister have gone through. But I hope yous are doing well. But this is my favourite song from this musical

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@agnusborealis9362]

Im a bui doi. I used to question why i have to endure & suffer for the life i did not choose. I was never ashamed of it but people shamed me. God gave this life for a reason, so i embraced it.

[@stockwellsantley6606]

I am so sorry xxxx

[@bingovegas4867]

Can you please explain what that term bui doi means?

[@agnusborealis9362]

@@bingovegas4867it means the neglected, abandoned, destitute children in Vietnam. Example Children with Vietnamese mothers and abandoned by their American soldier fathers are called bui-dois

[@kevin8712]

May He bless you and heal your pain.

[@brianeduardo1234]

He acts this so well - you really believe he is giving a speech - it is heart wrenching

[@rexlbumbum]

By far the best rendition of this song. Peter Polycarpou combined the vocal talent with his incredible voice acting!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@SlappaDeBassMon]

I was involved in a production of MIss Saigon in New Zealand, and this was by far my favourite song to sing. On final night, the whole male choir sung like we have never sung before, it was unforgettable.

[@jasonedmunds2299]

I met Peter Polycarpou when I was doing Les Misérables Schools Edition nearly 15 years ago. He came and gave us vocals training. He is an inspiration!

[@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

[@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.

[@Leigori]

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

[@johnlabus7359]

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

[@video198712]

I remember when I saw the musical, Miss Saigon back in 1999 when I was in New York City with my parents and i loved it. When this song and scene came on, I was crying my eyes out

[@TJOOBI1]

i remember when this Wogan episode aired and being really moved by this song. I was only at school at the time but couldn't get it out of my head. The performance is still brilliant, even after so many years.

[@starmanz]

Absolutely breath-taking. No-one will ever sing this better than Polycarpou. Ever.

[@jinroh516]

James Meehan Hugh Maynard's version is awesome too

[@Ava-mw5yn]

jinroh516 yeah

[@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.

[@MyTopC]

Saw Peter in the Original show, he is to me the best, never fails to make me cry. No one else sings this with so much feeling. The show was amazing, the cast were amazing & yes I cried.

[@margondine]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@JammyBallerina29]

I feel so incredibly lucky to have seen him perform this in May 2012 at the Royal Albert Hall - he is still just as powerful with so much passion and depth to his voice and performance. Amazing performer and heartbreaking song.

[@Ricaxa]

This version is so full of the passion and rage of the abandonment of so many innocent children. Really powerful.

[@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

[@nonchalant5315]

I love the way they sung this song, without effort. Their faces weren't contorted in pain to reach the notes.. it was flawless.. best version I have ever heard

[@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 ❤️

[@LeiSalazar]

Beautiful, strong voice! Gave me goosebumps!👏🏼

[@technicala3159]

Love this song and this version is the best I've heard seen Miss Saigon many times

[@heecharmander]

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

[@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.

[@kjag23]

hearing performances like this really truly humble me. I was three when this was performed and I just learned this song a couple of months ago as a performer. It truly is amazing to in a way through a performance see the history of this song and this great musical

[@Danvon2000]

Best version of this song, Peter is amazing! such a unique voice, suits the song wonderfully...

[@jeffreyb.7700]

A fabulous performance...this song rips me apart every time I hear it!

[@becciemarshall6791]

Peter Polycarpou is just Amazing. I didn't know he could sing and was blown away when I heard his version of Bui Doi. Can't stop listening to him. The power and the feeling that goes into every note that he sings, is memorising. Wish I had seen him in Les Mis..........😊

[@waynedev1621]

I saw him in 'Saigon' 5 Times! Still My Fav! Saw him in 'Phantom' was excellent but still not one of My Favs! Seen him in 'Les Miz' as the 'Thenardier' One of the Best! Only better I have seen is 'Barry James' & 'Alun Armstrong!'x

[@MrAccount3]

did you ever see Martin Smith in Phantom?

[@lilianapurcell2916]

I am so incredibly jealous. I can't breathe when I hear him sing this.

[@ladyjennyanytime5195]

THE definitive performance of Bui doi in my opinion. It this performance that made me want to go and see miss saigon

[@blake4604]

I think this song is the only one that I’ve actually sobbed to in the theatre. It took only seconds of this recording for the tears to fall. The video footage just makes it more impactful.

[@TheJanker81]

Peter Polycarpou has been, is, and always will be, pure magic!

[@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.

[@tennisandcello5]

I love this. I have always liked john and adored his voice in miss saigon and was always curious as to how he looked. This was the first time i saw him and it is amazing!! Thank goodness for the wogan show!!

[@davidnash8586]

I did not know Peter Polycarpou or this song even existed ! And now words fail to express the magnificence of him and this song !

[@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.

[@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..

[@misss9092]

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

[@Jetset906]

This song has moved me in a way....there are just no words. All i can say is BRAVO!

[@agnusborealis9362]

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

[@agnusborealis9362]

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

[@Jon_from_LI]

An amazing rendition of this song. I had only just seen Miss Saigon a few days ago and never heard the song before. Just listening to the lyrics (paired up with the accompanying video of the children in the background) just brought out the waterworks from me. I don't think I've ever had that kind of reaction at a show before; especially from a male ensemble.

[@brianleemorrison]

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

[@BethanKatie]

This is such an amazing song. Someone in my theatre society is singing this in my last ever concert and it almost reduces me to tears every time because it sounds sooo beautiful. Such a nice song. :) x

[@jennifercarberry6487]

This is incredible, so beautiful and touching

[@petersab04]

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

[@annearmes-reardon1401]

Definitely the best version of this with a beautiful choir

[@rolask8er]

thanks for uploading i think this a true and honest song that touches even the rustiest of hearts. "god bless the children who live in shame god bless the kids who have no meaning but a name"

[@hillaryjones275]

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

[@superduperstar44]

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

[@Arp477]

God - capitalized. ☝🙏⛪😊💒

[@sponsorfinder]

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

[@qrod06]

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

[@GayaspaintBlogspot]

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

[@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

[@jackiepatten66]

I was lucky enough to see the recording of this Wogan show.

[@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

[@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".

[@samuelsy1305]

Beautiful...solo and the chorus execellent!

[@hiroshisuzuki3306]

Thank this singer for his heattful and powerful sound, and we must not forget the past.

[@superherom03]

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

[@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

[@memyselfandpeoples2]

Best version, always come back

[@sharondeshotels3677]

Still the best version of this song. Peter Polycarpou made me cry.

[@mrsainelittle]

super powerful performance! this song always gives me goose bumps x

[@kisslemons]

who would dislike this? come on people i would like to hear whats wrong with this its only the best most wonderful emotional song ever! I'm sorry but if you disliked this you have no soul

[@silentfades]

thank you so very much for posting this marc in nyc

[@dengslacson]

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

[@ed10908]

FANTASTIC! I cannot thank you enough!

[@sixstringedthing]

The most powerful song from Miss Saigon, it says more about the aftermath of the Vietnam war than the entire plot of the musical, The adult roles described their struggle to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives... the Bui Doi never even had one. What a shame that this powerful message has done little or nothing to moderate US imperialism in the years since.

[@jacobsaint1874]

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

[@markrsn]

This song always brings me to tears.

[@kristinereyes4808]

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

[@AngelCintiaRockgirl]

Keeping it original like this, the way I saw it in 1999, the way it was when it started out, is the best way to keep it.

[@trainjustleft]

Thank you for that. People still don't know what the hell happened over there.

[@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.

[@iansycamore2749]

I saw this live and went two other times this is the best and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house bought me to tears

[@DansHouse2022]

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

[@MrMoore77]

This is STILL the best version of 'Bui Doi' of all of the Johns I've heard....

[@iago71]

Saw this the opening weekend and about a million times over its run. I absolutely love it. They dont make em like this any more......

[@neoaustin69]

I only heard this song for the first time last month at a friends concert the more i hear it the more i love it

[@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

[@Froce712]

One of the most powerful songs from a musical I've ever heard.

[@NYCER4LIFE]

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

[@jonireneez]

what an amazing voice.

[@mojackotwo]

oh my god it reach to my heart,,love it so much

[@ImYourGreatestFan]

Awesome, brilliant, amazing! Thanks for posting this!

[@kimmyswimmy]

what a fantastic performance!!

[@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.

[@jimmyessex]

He visited our school when we were putting on Les Mis and was a little bit high and mighty but very very helpful! So thanks a bunch Peter Polycarpark

[@jackybbe90]

beautiful... especially the end. lovely arrangement

[@Daniii150]

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

[@NavaeraGreenleaf88]

Wow. This song is so touching.