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The Vietnam War is slowly fading into history. The 20 -year struggle between South Vietnam and its American, Australian an New Zealand allies against the communist North Vietnamese is remembered today through films, songs and poetry. Films such as Platoon and songs such as The Real Thing written by Russell Morris and I Was Only Nineteen written by John Schuman and performed by the band Red Gum are examples of this remembrance. Elected lines: When each step can mean your last one, On two legs: it was a war within yourself But you wouldnt let your mates down till they had you dusted off Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon.
God help me, he was going home in June I Was Only Nineteen By Red Gum This song was written in the seventies, by a man called John Schuman and performed by him in a band called Red Gum. It immediately became a national hit, especially among the Vietnam Veterans. It is still performed today whenever Vietnam Veterans get together for a concert. This song isnt so much a protest song, but more so a song of the effects of war. This song in fact glorifies the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam wars as it alerts us to the physical and emotional struggles that people involved in war. I WAS ONLY NINETEEN Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal (1 t 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 Shoal water 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 theres 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, Id 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 cant get to sleep? And night times just a jungle dark and a barking M. 16? And whats 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 wouldnt 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 tennis 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 didnt 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 didnt even feel. God help me, I was only nineteen.
Chorus 5: And can you tell me, doctor, why I still cant get to sleep? And why the Channel Seven chopper chills me to my feet? And whats this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means? God help me, I was only nineteen. MEANINGS: This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean. Before the war, the men are high spirited, happy and willing to serve their own country.
Why I still cant get to sleep The Vietnam Veterans still have nightmares about what they had to put others through and what they themselves were ordered to do. As many were captured many, still dream of the events. Channel seven chopper chills me to my feet The horrors and fear of the enemy and the helicopters that they used to bomb one another. Also the images aroused by the channel 7 chopper of the aftermath of a bomb.
Night times just a jungle deep and a barking M. 16 The men had to contend with the prospect of imminent death from an enemy they really, if ever glimpsed. The thick jungle terrain they had to fight in and that hid the enemy. Rash that comes and goes Agent Orange that was used to kill off the jungle to make paths for the troops, is still a constant reminder of the wars events. When each step can mean your last one, On two legs: it was a war within yourself An emotional battle of wars horrors.
But you wouldnt let your mates down till they had you dusted off No matter what they had to deal with during in war the soldiers felt that they had to serve their country and make them proud. Also to be strong for their mates and disappointment them or leave them in their time of need. Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon. God help me, he was going home in June Along with the personal tragedy, the war also brought national humiliation. While America was proving it was the worlds most technologically advanced nation by putting men on the moon, it was also loosing a war against a primitive third world country. The Anzac legends didnt mention mud and blood and tears.
The stories that my father told me never seemed quite real Real Thing By Russell Morris Come and see the real thing come and see the real thing come and see Theres a meaning there but the meaning there, does it really mean a thing Come and see the real thing come and see the real thing come and see I am the real thing Trying hard to understand the villain that youll see in me MEANINGS: Come and see the real thing come and see the real thing come and see Saying to people before you begin judging if a war is just, understand all that goes on within one. Dont ignore the hard facts of the brutality of war, what we get shown on TV is only minor and therefore come and see the real thing. Theres a meaning there but the meaning there, does it really mean a thing Is there any real reason for war or is it to establish dominance I am the real thing That what is and what he will show you is the truth. Trying hard to understand the villain that youll see in me War brings out the best and worst in people. Having difficulty seeing themselves beforehand causing death, destruction and spreading fear among the enemy.
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Research essay sample on Vietnam Veterans M 16
