Oz Songs: War Reflections
Ah, the bloody business of war – something we say we’ll never forget, but of course, we bloody well do. Two Aussie anthems, “I Was Only 19” and “Compulsory Hero,” lay bare the grim realities of sending our young men off to fight. These songs aren’t just tunes; they’re stark reminders, haunting echoes of battles past, and the human cost etched into our collective memory. Yet, despite our pledge of "lest we forget," we stumble, we falter, and the horrors slip through the cracks of our busy lives. Both songs, in their raw and poignant storytelling, hold a mirror to our tendency to remember only when it’s convenient. They force us to confront the uncomfortable truth: that the sacrifices of war are too easily overshadowed by the mundane, even as we proclaim we’ll never forget.
First off, you've picked two Aussie classics that could make a statue cry and have more depth than your average reality TV star's personality, so let's break these down with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
I Was Only 19 by Redgum, released in 1983, is a song that punches you in the gut with its raw emotional power. It's a first-person account of the Vietnam War, told from the perspective of a young Australian conscript. This song isn't just music; it's a fucking history lesson and a PTSD session rolled into one. The lyrics detail the physical and psychological scars left on soldiers, the senselessness of war, and the impact on those who return home. It's a haunting reminder that war is hell, and it spares no one, not even the listener.
Now, throw your ears around Compulsory Hero by 1927, released in 1988, and you've got another beast of a song. This track is more polished, with a pop-rock vibe that could sneak into your playlist like a thief in the night. But don't let that fool you; the lyrics are just as loaded. It's about the compulsory conscription for the Vietnam War as well, focusing on the forced heroism of young men sent to fight. The song critiques the notion of forced bravery and the loss of innocence, wrapped up in a catchy melody that'll stick in your head like gum on your shoe.
Comparing the two, I Was Only 19 feels like a punch in the face with its vivid imagery and storytelling. It's direct, personal, and doesn't shy away from the horrors of war. The acoustic style, combined with spoken word elements, makes it feel like you're sitting down with a veteran hearing their story firsthand. It's raw, it's real, and it's fucking heartbreaking.
Compulsory Hero, on the other hand, serves its critique with a side of synths and a catchy beat. It's a bit more abstract, focusing on the broader concept of conscription and the societal expectations placed on these young men. The song's pop-rock arrangement makes it accessible, but that doesn't dilute its message. It's like getting lectured by someone who's so charming you don't realize you're being educated until it's too late.
Both songs are masterpieces in their own right, reflecting the Australian perspective on the Vietnam War and the conscription that fueled it. They're like two sides of the same coin – one scratches at the surface with a melody that could charm birds from trees, and the other digs deep with a story that could make those same birds weep. Both are necessary, both are brilliant, and both deserve a spot on your playlist, right between "Songs to Cry to" and "Aussie Legends."
So, there you go. Two songs, both alike in dignity, in fair Australia where we lay our scene, showing us the complexities of war and the toll it takes on the human spirit. Now go give them a listen and prepare to feel things you didn't sign up for.