About the song
Introducing “Khe Sanh” by Cold Chisel!
“Khe Sanh” is an iconic rock song that has resonated with audiences since its release in 1978. Recorded by the Australian rock band Cold Chisel, this powerful track is known for its gritty lyrics, raw energy, and unforgettable melody.
Written by the band’s frontman Jimmy Barnes and pianist Don Walker, “Khe Sanh” is featured on Cold Chisel’s self-titled debut album. The song’s poignant lyrics tell the story of a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran struggling to adjust to life after returning home, capturing the zeitgeist of the era and touching a chord with listeners around the world.
Upon its release, “Khe Sanh” became an instant classic, topping the charts in Australia and earning widespread critical acclaim. It has since become one of Cold Chisel’s most beloved songs, solidifying its status as a quintessential anthem of Australian rock music.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Khe Sanh” has remained a favorite among fans of all ages, its raw emotion and powerful storytelling resonating with listeners across generations. The song’s timeless appeal has earned it a permanent place on radio playlists and in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Cold Chisel or discovering “Khe Sanh” for the first time, let the band’s electrifying performance and Barnes’ soulful vocals take you on a journey through the highs and lows of life. Join Cold Chisel as they explore the depths of human experience with “Khe Sanh”!
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Lyrics
I left my heart to the sappers ’round Khe Sanh
And I sold my soul with my cigarettes to the blackmarket man
I’ve had the Vietnam cold turkey
From the ocean to the Silver City
And it’s only other vets could understand
‘Bout the long forgotten dockside guarantees
How there were no V-day heroes in 1973
How we sailed into Sydney Harbour
I saw an old friend but I couldn’t kiss her
And she was lined, and I was home to the lucky land
She was like so many more from that time on
Their lives were all so empty, until they found their chosen one
And their legs were often open
But their minds were always closed
And their hearts were held in fast suburban chains
And the legal pads were yellow, hours long, paypackets lean
And the telex writers clattered where the gunships once had been
And car parks make me jumpy
And I never stopped the dreams
Or the growing need for speed and novacaine
So I worked across the country from end to end
I tried to find a place to settle down
Where my mixed up life could mend
Held a job on an oil-rig
Flying choppers when I could
But the nightlife nearly drove me ’round the bend
And I travelled ’round the world from year to year
And each one found me aimless, one more year the worse for wear
And I’ve been back to South East Asia
You know the answer sure ain’t there
But I’m drifting north, to check things out again
(Take it David)
Well the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone
And only seven flying hours, and I’ll be landing in Hong Kong
And there ain’t nothing like the kisses
From a jaded Chinese princess
I’m gonna hit some Hong Kong mattress all night long
Well the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone
You know the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone
And it’s a-really got me worried
I’m goin’ nowhere and I’m in a hurry
You know the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone (here we go)
Well the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone (yeah yeah)
You know the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone
Lord, it’s a-really got me worried
I’m goin’ nowhere and I’m in a hurry
You know the last plane out of Sydney’s almost gone
David Blake on harmonica