The Vietnam Era

Seejay · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 6:41 am

The music is definitely how I remember that time. Ned, I also remember it like it was yesterday. In fact it was yesterday because I was playing all the good stuff on my stereo out in the garage/workshop! Didn't like the Stones much (HA! No pun intended!), because they were just a bit too much into the drug scene.

Loved the Beatles (yes, I know they were into it as well), and if 'Hey Jude' comes on the radio late at night I always sit down to listen to all 14 or so minutes of it, and heaven help anyone who interrupts it.

There are other songs that have become synonymous with Vietnam since. Redgum's 'I was only 19' would have to be the mother of them all for Aussies (and one that causes tears), followed by Jimmy Barnes 'Khe Sanh' - even though no Aussies were there.

Strangely enough, after seeing 'Good Morning Vietnam' with Robin Williams, Satchmo's 'It's a Wonderful World' has become linked as well.

Of course, there's nothing like the sound of a Huey to raise the hairs on the back of your neck..............

Cheers

CJ

Seejay · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 6:48 am

For those that remember, and others that haven't seen it, here are the Lyrics, written and performed by John Schumann, of Redgum.

I WAS ONLY NINETEEN
Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal
(It was 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.

Chorus I:
And Townsville lined the footpath as we marched down to the quay.
This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean.
And there's me in my slouch hat with my SLR and greens.
God help me, I was only nineteen.

From Vung Tau riding Chinooks to the dust at Nui Dat,
I'd been in and out of choppers now for months.
But we made our tents a home. V.B. and pinups on the lockers,
And an Asian orange sunset through the scrub.

Chorus 2:
And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can't get to sleep?
And night time's just a jungle dark and a barking M.16?
And what's this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means?
God help me, I was only nineteen.

A four week operation, when each step can 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 something else.

Chorus 3:
Then someone yelled out "Contact"', and the bloke behind me swore.
We hooked in there for hours, then a God almighty roar.
Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon.
God help me, he was going home in June.

1 can still see Frankie, drinking 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.
'Till the morphine came and killed the bloody row

Chorus 4:
And the Anzac legends didn't mention mud and blood and tears.
And 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 5:
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.

Says it all........

Lou Butcher · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 6:50 am

Christ go away for a weekend with Dimples Sheargold and you guys go berserk.

BC. :drinkers:

I must admit there were some stains that the heavenly hands of Lew Jamisons laundry boys could or would not remove. I often wonder why the rats took a personel dislike to Engineering Sailors swimming in their home. Could never take you any where BC. Wello maybe twice the second time to clean up and apoliges.

Hippy Chippy,
You were right out there.
:rolleyes:

What with flairs and body shirts and now the music. The natives in PNG must had a field day when you were there.
Yes reference to Whitlam he just pull the pin out the Liberal government had already decided to start the pull out. :supz:

ozzie · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 6:54 am

Recently in Caloundra I met and was entertained by Tony Worsley at his own restaurant.
Tony was from Tony Worsley and the Blue Jays and still pumps out a good tune at 62.
A great show and highly recommended.
The steak was excellent and was told the rest of the courses were just as good.
A rock and roll night playing a lot of the old 'uns.
If you are in the area book in and have a great night.
Velvet Waters is the name of the restaurant.

Hippy Chippy · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 7:28 am

Oh... and I forgot...
Little River Band, The Bee Gees, Johnny Farnham, Jackie Weaver, Manfred Mann,
Herman's Hermits, The Dave Clark Five, The Small Faces, Tiny Tim....................... :-({|=

Seejay · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 7:55 am

Lou, congratulations on surviving a weekend with Dimples! :rolleyes:

I hope you had your shots before you went.

Cheers

CJ

p.s. You didn't go on that pooncey little bike of his, did you?

tafmo · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:34 am

Lou Butcher wrote:

Christ go away for a weekend with Dimples Sheargold and you guys go berserk.

Lou,

I take it Dimples is still there - sobering up in a jail cell somewhere after being arrested for drunk and disorderly in a bordello of extremely ill-repute somewhere? :twisted:

Lou Butcher · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:37 am

SeeJay
I have been accused of being related to Dimplex H Sheargold, and I'm afraid to get a DNA test done, just on the off chance he is related.

The old Dimples is not a well camper as his gout is playing up and he is finding it hard to walk. But as a stoker of the "old Class" he still managers to get a beer or two or three.
:drinkers:

I have been a member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club for over 12 years and when moved from the Sommerville area I slung my hammock in with Federal Chapter. I have retired from riding due to ill-health but I still manager to get a rise from Ronald. Someone has to keep his heart rate up.

:butthead:

Beside it gives Judy respite from the old grumpy one.

Lou Butcher · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:42 am

Tafmo.

No to both questions. Judy had him under a good behaviour bond.

:drinkers:

:drinkers

Lou Butcher · **Posted:** Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:49 am

Seejay

As to the Motorcycle, Dimples pussy foots around on his "Harley Look a like" and I choose to indulge in the "Real Thing"

I have owned two Harleys the 1st 1984 Lowrider and the second 1998 Road King. I enjoyed loved both bikes and if I was able to continue to ride I would still own Harleys.

But in the long run its not the make of bike its who rides it is the important thing

:drinkers:

Ride on, Ride free.

The Vietnam Era

Who is online