I WAS ONLY NINETEEN (A WALK IN THE LIGHT GREEN) Australia Vietnam Veterans

[Sunni Man]

Epic Records, 1983 (Originally written in the 1970's).

I WAS ONLY NINETEEN became a national hit in Australia, especially among Veterans, almost immediately. The single reached #1 on the Australian charts for two weeks in 1983, and the album stayed in the top #40's for four months. Schumann wrote the song based on the experiences he heard from veterans, especially, Mick Soren and Frankie Hunt. It is still performed today whenever Vietnam Veterans get together for a concert. All royalties from sales are donated to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. It is in the Australian Performing Right Association's Top 30 Australian Songs of All Times.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJMgPOY-M44]VIETNAM WAR - I WAS ONLY 19 - John Schumann, Redgum, Epic Records, 1983 - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Mad Scientist]

"War is when old guys send the young ones out to protect their stuff".

George Carlin.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8JlTIo--CQ]19 - Paul Hardcastle (1985) - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Sunni Man]

Many people are not aware of Australia's heavy involvement in the Vietnam War.

Approximately 60,000 Australians served in the war; 521 were killed and more than 3,000 were wounded.

 

[Oldguy]

And then, there was this one. "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda," written and performed by Eric Bogle, a Scottish immigrant to the Land of Oz. Though it's about ANZAC troops committed to Gallipoli during WWI, it's commonly associated with Vietnam. It was released in 1971, while ANZAC forces were still in-country and speaks of the futility of war.


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG48Ftsr3OI]Eric Bogle - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda - YouTube[/ame]

Though Bogle himself never served (so far as I know), he's captured it perfectly.

 

[whitehall]

An Aussie folk group called Redgum. None of the group ever served in the military and the song is based on the imagination of the lead guitarist.

 

[regent]

My rembrance of the Australians was near Buna, New Guinea. There was a contingent stationed near us and on some days a company or so would come marching down one of our streets. All of them seemed over six foot two, ruddy faced, with their slouch hats perfectly set, singing Waltzing Matilida. We hated to admit it but they were impressive, and worst of all, all in step.
It was a sight I'll never forget and I was glad they were on our side.