I Was Only 19: John Schumann’s iconic Australian song turns 40

Singer-songwriter and one time Redgum frontman John Schumann is headed to Adelaide for one night only, in celebration of his beloved Vietnam War song hitting middle age.

“Let’s say you have five kids,” singer-songwriter and one time Redgum frontman John Schumann says.

“They’re all different and you love and are equally proud of them all. However, one of them plays in the AFL. And the only kid of yours that anyone outside the family wants to talk about or ask after is the AFL footy player. 19 is my AFL footy player.”

Schumann is talking about I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green), the 1983 Vietnam War song that has become firmly lodged in the Australian psyche. The song, a plea for acceptance and understanding on behalf of returned soldiers told through the eyes of his brother-in-law Mick Storen, is beloved by Vietnam vets and has been adopted as an anthem.

As the acclaimed singer-songwriter prepares to celebrate 19’s 40th birthday with a big show at The Gov (there’s also re-recording with some famous Australian artists dropping soon, but that’s all we can say), he’s quick to point out that he has indeed written other songs.

Lots of them in fact, across four albums with Aussie folk-rock pioneers Redgum and several solo records since.

“19 is my AFL player,” said John Schumann of his song I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green). Picture: Matt Turner

Songs like 1992’s Eyes on Fire, a track he says was dismissed as retro-economics when it was released during Paul Keating’s love affair with the global economy but one that makes much more sense in a post pandemic world with empty shelves and disrupted supply chains.

“We don’t make anything anymore, it all comes from overseas,” he says.

And songs like For the Children, a track he wrote during his final months in Redgum when the incessant touring schedule was taking its toll.

“Our first kid, Matthew, was two and I was getting dragged away on tour by Redgum’s management for three months at a time,” he says.

“For the Children explains why I left the band. Lots of parents and grandparents love that song but I haven’t performed it live since the early 90s.”

John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew will perform at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel on June 24. Picture: Glen Morgan

And then there’s If I Close My Eyes, a protest against plans to build a five-star resort at Wilpena Pound that angered then tourism minister, later Premier, Mike Rann.

“Ask me if I cared then – or care now – what Rann thinks,” Schumann says wryly.

And Graduation Day, a poignant evocation of the toll taken on those who serve on the thin blue line.

“I was an outspoken, left-wing political activist in the 70s and 80s. I’m still a lefty but back in the 1970s, cops were the enemy, perhaps not unreasonably,” Schumann says.

“Maybe I’ve come a fair way along the highway to humanity – with years comes wisdom and understanding. I’ve met policemen and women who are simply inspirational: selfless, courageous and deeply human. It’s hard not to be moved by their stories.”

You can hear these songs and stories – and more – on June 24 at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel. One night only.