Remembering Vietnam: The Impact of "I Was Only 19" by Redgum

 Have you ever heard of the song "I was only 19"?

"I Was Only 19" by Adelaide band Redgum, is a poignant anthem that vividly captures the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. Released in 1983, the song resonated deeply with a nation grappling with the aftermath of the conflict and the toll it took on its young soldiers.

The song's lyrics, narrated from the perspective of a young digger, paint a haunting picture of the physical and psychological scars left by war. From the sweltering jungles of Vietnam to the nightmares that follow, the song depicts the harsh realities faced by soldiers who were often barely more than teenagers when they were thrust into the brutality of combat.

One of the most striking aspects of "I Was Only 19" is its raw honesty. It doesn't romanticize war but instead exposes its brutal truths—the fear, the loss, and the trauma that lingers long after the guns fall silent. The line "God help me, I was only nineteen" encapsulates the sentiment of a generation of young men who were sent to war and forever changed by it.

The impact of "I Was Only 19" on Australian society cannot be overstated. It became an anthem for veterans, their families, and all those affected by the Vietnam War. The song sparked conversations about the toll of war on mental health, leading to greater awareness and support for veterans suffering from PTSD and other war-related trauma.

"I Was Only 19" contributed to a broader cultural shift in Australia, where the Vietnam War went from a divisive and often ignored chapter in history to a subject of reflection and remembrance. It encouraged a more nuanced understanding of the war's impact and the sacrifices made by those who served.

Find out more about the story of the song here.

The song was also used in the movie Danger Close, the Battle of Long Tan. Check it out here.