Khe Sanh by Cold Chisel
“Khe Sanh” by Cold Chisel is one of the most iconic Australian rock songs. It was released in 1978 and has since become an anthem that touches on the experiences of Vietnam War veterans and the challenges they faced upon returning home. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning:
Setting: “Khe Sanh” is named after a district in Vietnam, which was the site of a major battle during the Vietnam War. The song isn’t strictly about the battle itself but uses it as a backdrop to delve into the broader experiences of a returned serviceman.
Post-War Trauma: The lyrics tell the story of a Vietnam War veteran who has returned to Australia. He struggles to readjust to civilian life and feels alienated from society. This mirrors the experiences of many veterans who felt out of place upon returning home, with some battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues.
Search for Purpose: The protagonist moves from place to place (like Hong Kong, Saigon, and even Amsterdam) seeking purpose and an escape from his past. Despite these travels, he can’t seem to find peace or a true sense of belonging.
Relationships: The song touches on the protagonist’s relationships and how his experiences in the war have left him emotionally distant. The line “I can’t get you out of my mind” can be interpreted in multiple ways – it might refer to a specific person, traumatic memories from the war, or Australia itself.
Societal Commentary: Beyond the personal story, “Khe Sanh” also comments on how society treated returning Vietnam War veterans. Many were met with hostility or indifference, adding to their feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Musical Elements: The song’s somber tone and poignant lyrics are contrasted with its catchy, upbeat rock melody, creating a juxtaposition that mirrors the protagonist’s internal conflict and external facade.
Overall, “Khe Sanh” paints a vivid picture of the difficulties faced by Vietnam War veterans in Australia and elsewhere. The song resonates deeply with many listeners because of its heartfelt portrayal of the human cost of war and the complexities of reintegration into society afterward.
Facts about “Khe Sanh”
“Khe Sanh” by Cold Chisel is not only a standout track in the band’s discography but also holds a significant place in Australian rock history.
Release and Initial Reception: “Khe Sanh” was released in 1978 as Cold Chisel’s first single. Despite its popularity now, the song was not a major chart hit when it was initially released.
Banned by the ABC: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) originally banned the song from being played on radio due to its explicit content and references to drugs and sex. Despite this, the song gained popularity and became a classic.
Songwriting: The song was written by Don Walker, the band’s keyboardist and primary songwriter. Walker’s lyrics for “Khe Sanh” are renowned for their narrative depth and storytelling.
Musical Influence: The piano intro of “Khe Sanh” is instantly recognizable and was influenced by the Jerry Lee Lewis song “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.”
Legacy: In various polls and surveys over the years, “Khe Sanh” has frequently been voted one of the best Australian songs of all time.
Cultural Impact: The song has become an anthem for Australian Vietnam veterans. Many see it as a representation of the struggles they faced upon returning from the war.
Re-Release: Cold Chisel re-released “Khe Sanh” in 2011 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of their debut self-titled album. It charted again, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Sports Connection: The song has also been adopted by some sports teams and fans as an anthem, further cementing its place in Australian culture.
Recognition: In 2001, the Australian Performing Right Association (APRA) ranked “Khe Sanh” as one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time.
