Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
Man, what a song! On my second listen as I type this.

Just a tremendous write! And the fact you did it when you were only 20 ... pretty deep stuff.

Love the production on this too, the way you start with just the acoustic and then slowly build intensity by adding in the additional instruments with the drums not coming in until the last chorus, and then that last hanging chord ....

I'm glad you decided to post this, it's an song that should be heard.


Dave - thanks for such a fine review... thanks for mentioning the last chord... a "good ending" can often be one of the little things that keep a song in your head for a little longer. I was hoping that would do that...


Originally Posted By: rayc
FJ,
You ACED IT.
In Australia we has a "hit single" in about 84 which essayed some of the things you covered. We were at a stage where we could talk about Vietnam by then - ignore the evil politics of the war and focus on the human story. If you get a chance to look up I Was Only 19 (a walk in the light green) by Redgum you may like it. Is has a different impact to your song but different is always good. Your song has incredible impact and is sung/performed perfectly for the topic, time and purpose. Well done.
I Was only 19 - Redgum
Oh, it was a hit again a couple of years ago - but as a cover by a hip hop band - odd but that's OK.
A mate & I wrote our own - but from the perspective of observing the evacuation...
It doesn't have the impact of yours and, as is usual for me, has too many words and not enough emotion - YOU get the balance right.
Solong Shuffle - Pygmy Beat



ray - I had not heard that before (I Was Only 19 ) - thanks for the link. It is heavier and more dramatic that this! Wow. I enjoyed hearing yours, too. Nice driving rhythm from the guitars. And Terry' flute is really nice... Thanks for stopping by...