Ballad Of A Woman Who Had Lost Her Mind

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

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 

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

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

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

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.

translated by Tran Duy Tinh