I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)
by Redgum
What is “I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)” by Redgum is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Redgum's song 'I Was Only 19' poignantly recounts the trauma and disillusionment experienced by a young Australian soldier who served in the Vietnam War, highlighting the lasting impacts of war on veterans' psychological and physical health.
So… what’s this song really about?
Redgum's 'I Was Only 19' artfully narrates the story of a young Australian conscript drafted into the Vietnam War, a conflict often characterized by its harsh conditions and psychological toll on soldiers. The song details both the intense combat situations and the deep sense of camaraderie among soldiers, juxtaposed against the frightening and life-altering experience of witnessing a friend stepping on a mine. Moreover, it delves into the profound struggles veterans face upon returning home, such as PTSD, nightmares, and an inability to reconcile their wartime experiences with civilian life. These themes collectively paint a vivid picture of the overlooked and long-lasting scars of war, emphasizing how these young men were forever changed by their experiences at such a formative age. The narrative is powerful in raising awareness about the often unspoken and lingering personal costs of military conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the title 'A Walk in the Light Green' in 'I Was Only 19'?
The title refers to the map colors used during the Vietnam War that indicated areas with heavy vegetation, where the likelihood of encountering dangerous situations like ambushes or mines was higher.
Q: Who wrote 'I Was Only 19' and what inspired it?
John Schumann of Redgum wrote 'I Was Only 19', inspired by the real-life experiences of his brother-in-law, who was a Vietnam War veteran.
Lyrics to “I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)”
44 ContributorsI Was Only 19 (A Walk In The Light Green) Lyrics
[Verse 3]
A four-week operation when each step could mean your last one on two legs
It was a war within yourself
But you wouldn't let your mates down 'til they had you dusted off
So you closed your eyes and thought about somethin' else
[Verse 4]
And then someone yelled out "Contact!" and the bloke behind me swore
We hooked in there for hours, then a God-almighty roar
And Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon
God help me
He was going home in June
[Verse 5]
And I can still see Frankie drinkin' tinnies in the Grand Hotel
On a thirty-six hour rec leave in Vung Tau
And I can still hear Frankie lying screaming in the jungle
'Til the morphine came and killed the bloody row
[Verse 6]
And the ANZAC legends didn't mention mud and blood and tears
And the stories that my father told me never seemed quite real
I caught some pieces in my back that I didn't even feel
God help me
I was only nineteen
[Chorus]
And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can't get to sleep?
And why the Channel Seven chopper chills me to my feet?
And what's this rash that comes and goes?
Can you tell me what it means?
God help me
I was only nineteen