I Was Only 18
| "I Was Only 18" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Single by Sudden Thoughts | |
| Released | March 2012 |
| Recorded | December 2011 |
| Genre | Syaran folk |
| Length | 4:19 |
| Label | Makedon Records |
I Was Only 18 is the most notable song by the Syaran folk band Sudden Thoughts. The song was released in March 2012 as a single, which hit number one on the Syaran national radio top 40 hits. It was also recorded for the bands live album Dust to Dust which was released in July 2012. Royalties from the song are given to the Zemplen War Veterans Association. In 2016 it was voted number five in a national poll for "Most Significant songs of Syara".
The song is a first-person account of the typical Syaran soldier's experience in the Zemplen War, from training the Scitarian Realm to first hand experience in military operations and combat, and ultimately his return home disillusioned, psychologically scarred and suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
внезапни мисли's lead singer, Velizar Momchilov Yankov, wrote the song based on numerous first hand accounts he had heard from veterans, including his brother Viktor and cousin Anton.
Impact
I Was Only 18 made national headlines shortly after it's release, which garnered significant attention both in the media and music world. The song's motif and themes are often cited as resonating with the Syaran population in the post-war disillusionment that occurred following Syara's defeat in the war. The song earned numerous awards from various Syaran and international music organizations.
Lyrics from the song have been inscribed on various memorials and monuments built to commemorate the war and it's veterans. According to the Zemplen War Veterans Association, the song has been referenced more than 70 times in various inscriptions.
Lyrics glossary
The lyrics include words, terms and place names particular to Syara and Ruvelka.
- Kublovo: basic training center for the Syaran Commonality Armed Forces.
- Ruzha: Syaran nickname for a PH-320 Heavy Machine Gun
- Vreska ptica: Literally "screaming bird", nickname for Ruvelkan fighter jets
- Fantomi: Nickname for Ruvelkan Fusiliers
- Krokodil: Literally crocodile, nickname for Ruvelkan HH1 Attack Helicopter
- Kurilla: Ruvelkan mountain range
- Ramni vrvovi: Literally "flat top", nickname for Ruvelkan tank
- Aszod: Ruvelkan city Syaran forces besieged for 9 months
Personnel
- Velizar Momchilov Yankov - lead vocals, guitar
- Krsto Vasilevski - vocals, violin
- Timotej Kochevski - drums
- Branko Dugandžić - backing vocals, bass guitar