The dance
Original London Cast Lyrics
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see little princess, I was right
you are the first to score tonight
you caught that sergeant by the nose
you stay with him until he goes
call him Chris
he'll like that
that marine
wants his beer
ENGINEER
you said you needed a job
you said you'd turn a trick
you'd better prove it, and quick!
KIM
my name is Kim
KIM
I like you Chris
ENGINEER
what's going on?
you don't like her?
CHRIS
oh, yes I do
KIM
I like him too
ENGINEER
take her away
KIM
take me away
don't say a word
just come with me
The song "The Dance" from the Original London Cast of Miss Saigon is a tense interaction between the Engineer, Kim, and Chris. The Engineer, a suave-looking man, is trying to ensure that Kim secures the much-needed job by using her charm and wiles. He tells her that she is the first one to score that night by catching the sergeant's attention. Kim is not comfortable with the situation and just wants to get Chris's beer. But the Engineer pushes her to complete her job by staying with Chris until he leaves. He tells her to call Chris by his name, which he knows Chris will like.
Amidst the tension, Chris starts to like Kim, which creates more conflict between him and the Engineer. Kim confesses to Chris that she likes him, and Chris reciprocates. However, the Engineer interrupts and takes Kim away, indicating that she has accomplished her job.
The song portrays the Engineer as manipulative and cunning, which is evident in his dialogues. He is portrayed as a person who always gets what he wants, but at the cost of others. Kim is caught in between, trying to accomplish her job but also being drawn to Chris's kindness. Chris is conflicted but ultimately wants to share his feelings for Kim.
Line by Line Meaning
see little princess, I was right
The Engineer is pleased with himself for having predicted that Kim would quickly find work as a prostitute.
you are the first to score tonight
Kim has already secured a client for the evening, making her the first among the bar girls to do so.
you caught that sergeant by the nose
Kim has successfully seduced a marine who holds a higher rank than her previous clients.
you stay with him until he goes
Kim is expected to keep the client entertained until he has finished his drink and leaves the bar.
call him Chris
The marine's name is Chris, and the Engineer instructs Kim to refer to him as such.
that marine wants his beer
Chris has requested another drink, and it is Kim's responsibility to ensure that he receives it.
you said you needed a job
The Engineer recalls that Kim had recently expressed a desire to work as a prostitute in order to support herself and her family.
you said you'd turn a trick
Kim had promised that she would be able to earn money as a prostitute, despite her lack of experience in the field.
you'd better prove it, and quick!
The Engineer is warning Kim that she must deliver on her promise to find a client quickly, or else she will not be paid for the evening.
my name is Kim
Kim introduces herself to Chris, establishing a personal connection between them.
I like you Chris
Kim expresses her attraction to Chris and her desire to continue spending time with him.
what's going on? you don't like her?
The Engineer questions Chris's sudden change in attitude towards Kim, whom he had previously seemed to be enjoying spending time with.
oh, yes I do
Chris insists that he does like Kim, despite any rumors or insinuations to the contrary.
take her away
The Engineer orders one of the other bar girls to remove Kim and Chris from the bar so that they can continue their evening together elsewhere.
take me away, don't say a word, just come with me
Kim makes it clear to Chris that she is eager to spend time with him privately, and she urges him to follow her without hesitation.
Contributed by Julia N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.