I Was Only 19 - Redgum Cover (with lyrics)

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Redgum was an Australian folk rock band headed by singer/songwriter/guitarist John Schumann. John wrote this song in consultation with friends - real veterans of the Vietnam War - and it is therefore well accepted among those Australian service personnel who served during the SVN conflict between 1962 and 1973 – so much so, that it is featured in the Vietnam dedication within the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Now this is not the forum to discuss the politics, or even the strategies, employed in this controversial military engagement, but I must say that this song has become something of an anthem, not only to Australian ex-serving personnel, but among veteran communities around the world – also to many of those who at the time genuinely opposed it, even to some who conscientiously objected to it.

As for me, I served as a junior officer in the Australian Army during the period 1967-69, in a Field Signals Unit, and while I was contained to training duties in Melbourne, and unable to join my diggers on tour, I was nevertheless closely involved in the communications network during the turbulent period of the TET Offensive, and the Fire Support Base conflicts (Coral and Balmoral), during 1968. So, I know many of the soldiers who have been characterised in this storyline, and it rings true of their experience.

It’s a real soldier's song, firstly recognising their service, but even more importantly, giving voice to an appeal for support with the Post Traumatic Stress issues which continue to plague so many of them.

So, John Schumann … thank you!

I hope you enjoy my cover of this wonderful song of yours!

Keith Rowe 2023