I was only 19 – English Lyrics

• By: John Schumann

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into the raw honesty of "I Was Only 19" by John Schumann. This powerful Australian folk song offers a deeply personal insight into the experiences of Vietnam War veterans, exploring themes of youth, trauma, and the complex aftermath of conflict. Through its evocative lyrics and heartfelt narrative, you can gain a profound understanding of Australian history and the human cost of war, while also experiencing the unique storytelling power of Australian music.

[English]

Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal

It was a long march from cadets

The sixth battalion was the next to tour, and it was me who drew the card

We did Canungra and Shoalwater before we left

And Townsville lined the footpaths as we marched down to the quay

This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean

And there's me in me slouch hat with me SLR and greens

God help me

I was only 19

...

From Vũng Tàu riding Chinooks to the dust at Nui Dat

I'd been in and out of choppers now for months

And we made our tents a home, V.B. and pinups on the lockers

And an Asian orange sunset through the scrub

And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can't get to sleep?

And nighttime's just a jungle dark and a barking M16?

And what's this rash that comes and goes

Can you tell me what it means?

God help me

I was only 19

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

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 goin' home in June

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

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 19

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 19

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
pass /pæs/ B2	verb - to move past or go beyond something
march /mɑːrtʃ/ B1	verb - to walk steadily with regular steps, often as part of a parade or protest noun - a coordinated walking of a group as part of a parade or ceremony
draw /drɔː/ B2	verb - to pull or take out, especially with force
tour /tʊər/ B1	noun - a journey to visit various places, often as part of a performance or service
line /laɪn/ A2	noun - a straight or curved mark or stroke as a guide, boundary, or outline
march /mɑːrtʃ/ B1	verb - to walk steadily with regular steps, often as part of a parade or protest
strong /strɔŋ/ B2	adjective - having great power, strength, or potency
clean /kliːn/ B2	adjective - free from dirt, impurities, or mess
help /hɛlp/ A2	verb - to assist or aid
only /ˈoʊnli/ A1	adjective - nothing more than
sleep /sliːp/ A2	verb - to rest with your eyes closed and in a state of inactivity