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Lyr Req: Viet mother sending her child to USA

24 Sep 13 - 03:40 PM (#3560931)
Subject: Lyr Req: Viet mother sending her child to USA
From: GUEST,Ghislaine

Hello, I'm Ghislaine Maza.
I'm searching for the words to a song that has haunted me for years: a Vietnamese mother is sending away her small son by an American soldier to the USA.
The song is probably circa 1979 boat people era - which is also the singer/songwriter era, I believe.
I'm almost certain the woman who sang it was Judy Small, but it's not on any of her albums. The lyrics seem reminiscent of some of Eric Bogle's.
The only lyrics I can recall are about the mother wiping her tears with a handkerchief which she then gives to the child.
The only lyrics I can remember verbatim: "...for mine [tears] she used her hand, 'They won't refuse you in your father's land.' "
It's a beautiful, understated little song and I will be grateful if someone can help to find the words and maybe the music.
Sincerely,
Ghislaine