Lion of Saigon

The Project

In 2016, during my first visit to the grave of my friend Viet Dzung, I made a commitment to do a project.  The project would include a tribute to my friend, our friendship and his life's work prior to his early passing.  The "project" remained an idea for several years.

The Song

I spent a year writing and recording a song to begin the project.  I created a studio version of it, which I shared with a only a handful of people.  In true perfectionist style, I was never really satisfied with the recording.  And so it sat, the song and the project…

Finally I decided two things 1. I'm never going to be completely satisfied with my creations and 2. the content is more important than the delivery.  So I recorded a stripped down version with only my voice and my guitar yesterday.

The video is is below and song lyrics are beneith the video.

What to Expect

December 20, 2023 marks 10 years since the passing of my friend.  I decided to give the "the project" some structure, and to complete it this year.
This project, called "The Remains of The Day", will consist of at least 10 installments or posts, one for each year he's been gone.  Posts will contain photos, memories of our friendship, the Nguyen family, songs we wrote, poems, souvenirs of a friendship and our two lives.

Get Notified

I would be honored if you decide to come along for the journey.   If you subscribe to this blog, I'll notify you anytime I post an update.  Meantime, have a look around.  I'll be adding regular content to this new blog space, the sole purpose of which is uplifting people.  Please feel free share the link with any of your friends who might enjoy it.

Lion of Saigon - lyrics

Jungles burning, cities fell

Children wailing, saw that hell

Peaceful garden, now growing weeds

Empty promise, born of greed

Silent thunder, of muted screams

Two generations' borrowed dreams

A thousand candles  lit by one

A million hearts turned toward the sun

You were the lighthouse on a stormy coast

You were the laughter in our darkened souls

You were the lion protecting the sheep

But now you're the brother for whom we weep

But will we remember and carry on?

We will remember, and carry on!

Yes we will remember, our Lion of Saigon

Takers take, haters hate

Lovers leave, while others wait

Freedom sings forgotten songs

The Homeland beckons ever on

Brother, Father, daily bread

You've seen the tears we've shed

A homeland free of fear and pain

Hidden in our hearts, remains

You were the lighthouse on a stormy coast

You were the laughter in our darkened souls

You were the lion protecting the sheep

But now you're the brother for whom we weep

But will we remember and carry on?

Yes, we will remember, we carry on!

We will remember, our Lion of Saigon

~ Verlen Larsen - copyright 2017

#lionofsaigon #vietdzung #humanrights