at FcBook where this was referred to, a comment asked why is it called 'I was only 19'.
is this a failure of Australian History/Politics teaching in our secondary schools? How young is too young to know about the birthdays conscription ballot? I wish I would not weep whenever I try to record my memory of farewelling, at Kingsford Smith aerodrome (a tin shed in 1969) a conscripted friend onto one of those QANTAS midnight flights to Vietnam. They all had to check in at 7pm and there was nothing to do but drink for 5 hours, with howling wives, girlfriends, and mothers. Somewhere since, a Hostie on one of those awful boardings must have described the mood after take-off. I couldn't read it of course. I call it The American War.
Tutoring a class of 'youngies' was enlightening for me this week. They had to do a presentation on protest songs and their history. So far three students have chosen that song, two of which chose The Herd version. I am too young myself to remember, indeed would not writing this now if my father had copped the wrong marble, but these students all found out the reason for the refrain 'I was only nineteen'. Yes it is goosey. thanks for putting it up.
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Thanks. Timely and as heartbreaking as when it was first released.
ReplyDeleteI love this song Pav.
ReplyDeleteThis still gives me goosebumps. Lest we forget.
ReplyDeleteat FcBook where this was referred to, a comment asked why is it called 'I was only 19'.
ReplyDeleteis this a failure of Australian History/Politics teaching in our secondary schools?
How young is too young to know about the birthdays conscription ballot?
I wish I would not weep whenever I try to record my memory of farewelling, at Kingsford Smith aerodrome (a tin shed in 1969) a conscripted friend onto one of those QANTAS midnight flights to Vietnam.
They all had to check in at 7pm and there was nothing to do but drink for 5 hours, with howling wives, girlfriends, and mothers.
Somewhere since, a Hostie on one of those awful boardings must have described the mood after take-off.
I couldn't read it of course.
I call it The American War.
Quite apart from the fact that 'I was only 19' is a line from the chorus. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteBut do not underestimate how many of them think nothing important happened before 1985. Anything before 1985 is not "relevant".
Tutoring a class of 'youngies' was enlightening for me this week. They had to do a presentation on protest songs and their history. So far three students have chosen that song, two of which chose The Herd version.
ReplyDeleteI am too young myself to remember, indeed would not writing this now if my father had copped the wrong marble, but these students all found out the reason for the refrain 'I was only nineteen'.
Yes it is goosey. thanks for putting it up.