Pavlovian response to salivate thinking of downing 12 beers at the local pub on a Friday night with Cold Chisel, Skyhooks, Mental as Anything, Split Enz and Men at Work playing in the background ~ at the Jindalee Hotel Brisbane Oz.
@@iandenney776 Come on, don't forget the Mansfield Tavern on that side of town. If you were like me, you would have puked-up in all of them... But you said you didn't drink in those days...? What changed your mind?
This song shed a light on the pain and treatment of Vietnam vets in Australia, Its about a Vet that was in the jungles of Vietnam fighting and killing, then next day, back in sydney trying to live a normal life. It changed the attitude of Australians to The Vietnam Vets. and I will bet that anyone in America that went there could relate immediately to this song. Pity you didnt get it. Socially important song, The ban was "The legs are often open" line
@@Eskay1206 Banning it made it more popular, as you would expect we hate authority. Would have been both things combined, I was only 14 at the time and remember a kid at school bringing it to school on a tape recorder and listening at lunch time. Been a fan ever since.
@@eoinociarain7986 GenY what the fuck, I was at the largs pier hotel in the 70's before they were famous, dickhead, born in 63 you fucking tosser, I see we possibly share country of origin, to be surrre
As an Aussie living in America, the best way I can describe this song to Americans, is it’s like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” People being used by as pawns to fight wars for their country, but then the country doesn’t take care of them. Obviously both songs reference the Vietnam war, so there is that similarity also. I think the lyrics in Khe Sahn are a bit deeper and articulate, but both songs seem to come from the same place.
It's also more personal, a search for meaning and belonging rather than "huh everything sucks now" and - at least to me - a sense of hope, or at least determination, on the narrator's part
Mr Renaissance Man ,SIr, I think to put this into perspective for you, think of how Americans feel about their veterans, their pride in the USA, etc. Multiply that by 100 times and then hold it in. Just hold that feeling of pride, respect, gratefulness, love and empathy as tight as you can to your heart. You see, in the USA you folks release all of that in big, showy parades, lots of talking, etc. In Australia, we don't do that. We hold our thoughts and feelings close to heart. These emotions are released in things like music, such as the song Khe Sanh. Cold Chisel was a band that captured the Aussie spirit in many aspects of our lives, Khe Sanh is just one of their songs that does this. But because it is about the Aussies in the Vietnam war it carries a special significance to us. So while the USA has it's big fanfares and puts itself on the world stage as the great saviour of democracy, never forget that there are lots of countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the UK who do exactly the same thing but with less bravado, less self promotion, and with a lot more compassion. God save all people who have fought and died to secure freedom and democracy for others.
330kV 330kV I know your not trying to say it but you make it sound like Americans don’t mean what we do for our vets but we really do and we hold these big parades to basically apologize especially for the Vietnam vets
Thomas Evers it’s more that we as a people recognise that we as a country failed our Vietnam Veterans when they returned. They were the first war heroes to return by air and not by sea. They had no time to decompress together as soldiers who had been through hell together. They got transplanted back into society like war would have no effect on them. We, as a country, let them down and many didn’t cope. They fought for peace and came home ravaged by war.
Well Thx. I have a few proud Aussies that are subscribed to my channel that gave me these songs. I'll cont to let him know to give me more that way I can do my for you in the down under.
Don't forget our New Zealand brothers. They got our Australian dads, uncles and grandads out of the shit in Vietnam, with their heavy artillery. Much love to our cousin's.
we love this song in Australia xx, thankyou A lot of vietnam vets were treated badly when they returned from war, and had nowhere really to turn, so many sank into depression and thought of finding a way out
Been waiting for this one! It’s Anzac Day in Australia tomorrow, & my Dad was a Vietnam Veteran. His father died a POW in World War II. This song makes me think of them both, so thank you Ty for this special reaction.
I cry every time I hear this song, I also stand and cover my heart. Your father and grandfather are in my thoughts Michelle. I spent the day with local vets last Vietnam veterans day, listening to their stories and sharing their pain, my son from Air force Cadets assisted the ceremony and I hope he learnt a lot. (i am trying to guide him away from military, but he will make his own choices, and I will be proud either way). God bless.
Australia has a music genre Called Pub Rock. It is is straight up, no complicated Blues Rock. That's why you hear the Alabama Blues Pub Rock gets it name for tough suburban bars (called Pubs here) where it was played.
Exactly! Pub rock genre was huge Acca Dacca & INXS were pub rock bands that went big & sold out for America. Cold Chisel stayed true to Straya mate! I love all our pub rocks bands like Icehouse & Gangajang!!
ANZAC Day tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand. It is a day to remember those who gave their lives and served for our countries, my late father being one of them. This song reminds me of him and also growing up as a teenager in rural Australia in the '70's. The local AM station in Wagga played it back then and I have loved it ever since. Cold Chisel were one of the greatest bands to ever come out of Australia. The song was banned because of the "legs are often open" line and drug references. Australia was, and still is very conservative.
@@maritanwyzam665 That's not true, if anything ANZAC DAY is held as sacred by more of our young ones than ever before. Last ANZAC DAY was exceptionally sacred because we couldn't gather however I won't ever forget going out onto the front kerb, thinking we might be alone, to see every home with family out the front, many in their PJs all holding candles in the dark and echo of the bugle call all up the street from the mobile phones, the minutes silence, I spoke to neighbours that day I'd only ever seen passing, it was probably the most memorable ANZAC Dawn Service I've ever attended.
The USA in the 1960s had loads and loads of protest songs. And rightfully so, there were many issues which needed light to be shined on them. That's the context this song should be listened to. Indeed, many American veterans are aware of the military significance of Khe Sanh. This song fits the classic 'protest song' mould - although it's worth noting the lyrics touch on issues which go a bit deeper than a typical protest song. 'Khe Sanh' exposes the problems many young men had fitting back into Australian society after doing compulsory service in the Vietnam War. They returned to a country full of anti-Vietnam War animosity, and incorrectly, a lot of animosity was aimed at the young men themselves. You could argue the American audience who would most appreciate this song are American Vitenam veterans themselves.
It was a huge hit right at the time that the Vietnam vets were basically going underground from the public rejection. The same reaction as was happening in the US. US Viet vets would know what he was talking about. I think it is known by so many Aussies because it kept the public's attention to face up to ridiculousness of the rejection of the Vets that just did there job in a war that was a disaster. It ultimately probably did as much to bring healing and allow Aussies to claim their vets with pride as any other single thing if not more. Brilliant song. It also speaks to lostness and hopelessness which is a human experience. It's been said already but the sexual innuendo and the drug references were what got it banned in the first place.
Actually, it wasn't a huge hit in 1978 because it got banned on the radio because of the lyrics. It only became popular years later because chisel got big and they always played it live, then the radio stations started playing it and it still gets played on the radio today
Don Walker (keyboardist for Chisel, writer of this song and the majority of Chisel songs) is one of the most underrated songwriters (both musically and lyrically) on the planet. A very cool guy, also very opinionated and ever apologizes for what he writes.
Certainly more Australians are 'word perfect' on this song than any other. The story of a Vietnam vet struggling to adjust to civilian life. Was banned from radio for 'legs are always open' and 'hit some Hong Kong mattress all night long'. Interestingly, for non-Australian listeners, the Battle of Khe Sanh is also mentioned in Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA - 'I had a brother at Khe Sanh'. Not sure where songwriter Don Walker got his info, but there were no Australian troops involved in that battle.
In 1978 I was born. But the song is all about the Vietnam War and the returning soldiers who were treated like that hadn't gone to war. It took a about 10 years before they would be acknowledged as serving soldiers. it was a long battle to get to rectified.
Andrew Graham It took longer than 10yrs, for these soldiers to be recognised. They were largely looked down upon for being involved in the Vietnam War. When they were disembarking on their return to Australia, some had pigs blood thrown at them by activists. So many suffered PTSD, but were never helped. I know the divorce & suicide rates are high for these vets. My Dad served 12 months in Vietnam in the 60’s. I was just a child that didn’t know who he was when he came home. In his heart, he felt the Welcome Home Parade, held in Sydney in 1987, was finally their recognition. It helped my Dad immensely to attend that parade. 1978 was the year I finished high school.
@@michellelittle9184 Okay I stand corrected. My grandmother was also served as a nurse in the RAAF. She was one of the contingent sent into the Japan when it was safe to do so. One of her brothers was killed in the Battle of the Somme. I know people were badly effected by the impact and I have read Bomber by Tony Bower-Miles. I believe my own father only just missed out being conscripted. 10 years was a guess, and I cannot find when they actually first marched in the ANZAC Parade. I have seen 1987 and 1992 as years listed for when some changes occurred. But since I didn't know, I had to guess. What I knew was the reception was pretty much frozen cold. I want say that's not on in my book. They should have been acknowledged much earlier on, that much is certain. Thanks for the correction.
Andrew Graham Considering you were born in 1978, when the Vietnam War was over, your knowledge is very good! I know my Dad marched in the 1987 parade. He went by bus from Central Qld. I recorded the march as it was broadcast, & actually spotted my Dad! He ended up being filmed in a news story that night as well, which I also recorded!
@@michellelittle9184 Well I only hope he found a way through, I know many didn't, which is partly why I had to be careful with what I said. It was thought through though. I can't even attempt to fathom how a person goes through PTSD without becoming a different person. But I can say that living with hidden medical conditions such as epilepsy and aspgergers syndrome as I do, I would hope that people would show a little more respect in their correction. When we were moving from Sydney to Brisbane we found a duffle bag in the roof, so the guy we purchased the house off must have served too. Also one of the older guys from my Church was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He is really interesting to talk to and has written book called Beneath Blades. I haven't managed to read it, but it took a little while to read the Bomber book.
Andrew Graham I have much respect for your Grandmother - those nurses were legendary. I too live with hidden medical issues Andrew, so I have much empathy for you. My Dad had problems from PTSD after Vietnam, among them was startle reflex. You couldn’t walk into the same room as him, without him jumping. He couldn’t stand the sound of choppers anymore, & never flew again after Vietnam. He was never the same man. I loved & respected him all the same.
When this song is played inevitable late at a wedding. Nearly the whole party gravitates to the dance floor. A circle is loosely created as everyone is usually very drunk. Everyone screams out the lyrics word for word. Everyone with there arms around someone else.
One of my best friends married an American a couple of years ago and this song made an appearance. Definitely not wrong about the very drunk, we were all throwing back straight Bundy.
Oh, I thought this was just us , definitely the exact scene at my sons wedding in Canada. All the aussies on the floor, arms around each other belting it out full pelt
Vietnam hit our small country hard...we then spent the next 30 years helping them re-build what all the outsiders had destroyed...Australia actually lies in deep dark south asia..love it, we are lucky.
When this song comes on we sing it - no ifs or buts - even those who were born way after the war was over. (Also a great song by Cold Chisel “when the war is over“)
I was 18 when this song came out. It is important as it made the young acutely aware of the plight of the guys who fought in Vietnam. Their sacrifice was ignored in society and many, to this day, are struggling with the trauma they saw and experienced. The music industry was one of the catalysts that got them recognised politically, socially and surprisingly by the RSL, which is an organisation created to assist returned servicemen. It was being viewed as the unnecessary war that shouldn't have been fought and was very unpopular. Plus, we lost. Therefore the soldiers were all but shunned.
Chisel! It was obviously banned for references to sex and drug use. It's about Vietnam vets having difficulty adjusting to civillian life after their war experiences. I thought that was obvious. The song refers to drug use, aimlessness, maladjustment, restlessness, using sex as a substitute for real connections with others, etc.
If your wondering what the Australian music scene was all about back in the 70/80's etc... Have a read it may give you a insight into Aussie Pub Music Culture through the 70's & the 90's ... back then in the 70's, 80, early 90's pub culture was alive and well, it's changed over the years, around the same time a ABC TV show launched called "Countdown" Ian (Molly) Meldrum hosted this, his another kind of Aussie legend in his own right, this set the scene for rock/ music/artist to be loud and out there in our lounge rooms. We grew up on it! “There was a unique set of circumstances, not just musical but socio-economic and political, that really created the environment in which pub rock flourished." ://www.loudmag.com.au/features/rise-fall-pub-rock-live-music-australia-1976-1995/
seaster2493 - I was a true Aussie child/teen of the 70’s and 80’s. Countdown was my staple every Sunday at 6pm. We’d watch Molly bumble through interviews (affectionately, cause hey, it’s Molly!) and tell us to “do yourself a favour” and buy Queen’s/Chisel’s/Skyhooks or whoever’s album that he was lauding that week. On a different tangent, my old boss was Jimmy Barnes’ neighbour in Elizabeth, South Australia (suburb of Adelaide for non-Aussies) back in the day. He tells an hilarious story of how he and his brother used to sit in their back yard and listen to him practicing with his band - they called themselves “Orange”. But, as typical Aussie “bastard” kids, my boss and his brother used to throw oranges, picked off their orange tree and throw them at the band and yell out insults and “You suck!” then laugh and run away! (I wonder if that’s why the band name was changed from “Orange”. If I ever meet Jimmy Barnes again (met him once years and years ago before I knew this story), I’ll ask him if he remembers his ratbag neighbours’ kids throwing oranges at him and his band!!
It was the Vietnam War....he was a soldier affected by the war....Most Aussie soldiers were conscripts and there were huge anti-war protests going on....many of the soldiers returning were treated badly by the public....lost soldier, suffering from war wanted to go back and make sense of what was happening....drugs, prostitutes, poor decisions, a horrible war.....The battle of Khe Sanh was the bloodiest in Vietnam it was a siege that lasted 77 days and in many ways turned popular opinion against what America and it allies including Australia were doing and people were sick of the war that had been going on for way too long........The song became foklore in Australia....
the song was banned because it is a protest song about the way the people of our country treated the returned soldiers from Vietnam, something our country should be ashamed of they were doing their job
This and flame trees are aussie pub classics. If you want to find an aussie in a pub, simply play one of these 2 songs and you will find em. Hope you enjoy mate
It was about a returned veteran, that had PTSD. He was addicted to Speed and Novocaine; probably alcohol. Couldn't get a job or even settle in one place. Reference to ' hitting some Hong Kong mattress all night long' about brothels. It has everything: sex drugs, and rock'n'roll. Written out in a single afternoon and then played that evening live. The lead singer, Jimmy Barnes, has some great pipes and belts out with great volume and as soft as a whisper.
Historically, Australian returning Vietnam-vets were treated very badly during and after the Vietnam War. Literally being called "baby-killers", and spat on in the streets. They found it hard to get work, or treatment for their mental injuries. Even some former veterans from other wars, acted disgracefully towards Vietnam veterans. The Australian Government formally apologised to these soldiers in August of 2006 - almost four decades late. Khe Sanh, then, is a song about an Australian Vietnam veteran with post-combat PTSD, back home in a country which had all but discarded him. He's searching for a way to mend his broken life, and ends up going back to South East Asia, where his personal demons live.
Our veitnam vets were treated terribly. It’s the shame of our amazing country. He really sang to them and I only pray my grandchildren will never know such horrors of my grandfather in World War Two and the Vietnam vets xoxox
Cold Chisel is an Australian from the late 1970s & 1980s. VERY popular in Australia however never made it in USA or Europe dispite fans like the Madden brothers, Joel n Benji
It's essentially about how the men who went to vietnam went to war and when they came back, they weren't given the heroes welcome and couldn't fit back into society.
This song and I was only 19 are pretty much the two biggest songs about PTSD, Vietnam and the disgust we have with how our government treats the veterans. It took until I started working with people who had served and began to understand the facts of life only a Combat Veteran knows properly. I have never served, I love and respect the men and women who do and hate with every fibre of my being the people who send them to war but don't think about the cost to those they send.
its a blues song that is representitive of that era in australia.. its about young men who got drawn into a globalist war who were returning to their home country afterwards and experiencing alienation
Khe Sahn a Marine military base in South Vietnam which was besieged by the North Vietnamese Army. Surprised you have not heard of it. Song is about the plight of Vietnam Vets who have fought in a pointless colonial war and have all the trauma of any soldier but none of the sense of purpose that a D Day Vet might feel
Hey mate. It's already been said. A song about a soldier returning home to a different place and as a different person when he left to fight in Vietnam. He can't find his peace or normality in Australia (working various jobs) so heads back to Asia for some r&r.
Americans who are Vietnam vets (or children of vets) , would or should know Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war. It wasn’t just the USA. But so many lives were lost. Anzacs day is tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand 💜💜
Remember this is about 5 years after the Vets returned , Next to the Germans Australia lost more men per head than ant other nation in WW1 , the returned shell shocked and damaged but the nation gathered around and tried to help them . WW@ Vets were also treated well , Korean vets not much different . BUT Vietnam vets were treated very badly , Drugs were everywhere and as the song said women's legs were often open but their minds were closed . Its about how hard it his to adapt when you return ,,, Please do something for YOU US vets , 1 vet commits suicide every hour of every day , I"m an Aussie but Ive dug deep Over US $15,000 this year to help US Veterans .
It was pointing out how badly our Vietnam vets were treated. it was a very VERY unpopular war and unfortunately that was taken out on the veterans. This is about a soldier being unable to adjust, and being unsupported in his return to Australian civilian life.
"Their legs were often open but their minds were always closed" basically the local girls were easy as far as servicemen went. (Legs often open)... but they didn't understand what the guys coming home had been through, thus (their minds were closed.)
This was one song always requested at discos since the late 70’s even to this day 2021. Cold Chisel is a legendary group who’s front man was Jimmy Barnes and he is a Aussie Icon. It was about those who returned from Vietnam , it sounds jumbled but the it was talking about how these poor servicemen came home so mixed up that they had no support and they were searching for rhyme and reason. Us Aussies cherish this song and it is like an anthem but not our national one.🇦🇺🦋🙏😢🌻
You should also listen and reacto to "I was only 19" by Redgum. Make sure it's the original. It's another Australian Vietnam War song that really nails it. Very different too.
its about a returning vietnam vet and dealing with returning home and getting on with things khe sahn was an american fire base in vietnam i been there
Focuses on the coping strategies used by many veterans, alcohol, drugs, sex with prostitutes and the inability to settle down and overcome their traumatic war experiences. Many Vietnam vets complain that they were never welcomed back home (1973) and were often resented for their role in the war due to the politics of the time. They were conscripted to war and when they came back the world forgot them and the sacrifices they made.
Banned for references to Sex and Drugs at the time. It's a song describing the heart breaking experience of a Vietnam War Veteran after the war and the way it damaged his life.
I haven't read all the comments but just came across your reactions to this and Bow River. With Khe Sanh I'm not sure if you're putting it into the perspective of when it was written. It was written in 1978, just after the Vietnam War, also in the late 70s, early 80s Australia went through a pretty nationalistic period (look up the movie Gallipoli if you don't know it). And another part of this perspective is that given the age of the song and that "pub rock" (Chisels, Midnight Oil, INXS, The Angels to name a few) was huge in the 80s this is a song that we all grew up with.
Now do the Australian band The Angels live version of 'Am I Ever going To See Your Face Again' (Aussies know why) They also released some albums in the U.S. under the name Angel City.
Thanks mate for diving in on hard core Aussie music and the slang. All the other comments explain it but there is much more . Try Cold Chisel 'Hound Dog' and get deep into ya Aussie Rock. Love ya heaps and praise Jesus mate cheers
Quite possibly the greatest version, in my opinion, Mossy sure can play a mean guitar and boy he sure can sing. When Mossy starts playing Georgia I have to stop what I am doing and listen to every second, the live version off “Barking Spiders Live” is mindblowingly awesome.
The line about "Legs were always open" was extremely controversial at the time due to the censorship wars and the growing abortion movement, which is also covered in their song "Choir Girl".
Modern Renaissance Man Often considered the greatest Aussie pop song is "Friday on my Mind" by the Easybeats... czcams.com/video/3iW2_Ec3uEU/video.html They are often called the "Uncles of AC/DC" After the band's short life guitarists Harry Vanda, and George Young went on to write a lot of Aussie songs for other artists, and also to produce records. George Young is the older brother of Angus, and Malcom Young - of AC/DC Vanda and Young produced the early AC/DC albums (oh, and they wrote "Friday on My Mind" the song I linked above)
Mainstream Australian at the time was very very conservative. The song was banned from radio for it's lyric "their legs were always open" That's all . So insignificant now .
All Australians please stand for the National Anthem.
Rooski Bot
Here, here!
Great Aussie music..
Bless our Anzac's...
Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺
Absolutely
you bet
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!
Aussie aussie aussie
Every Australian has a Pavlovian response to this song.
Play it any time, any where and you'll have every Aussie within a mile singing along.
Pavlovian response to salivate thinking of downing 12 beers at the local pub on a Friday night with Cold Chisel, Skyhooks, Mental as Anything, Split Enz and Men at Work playing in the background ~ at the Jindalee Hotel Brisbane Oz.
One-Eye entire pubs sing along when it’s played. Great song that brings Aussies together
Yaluobud Werdna used to drink at the Jindalee when I wasn’t drinking at the Sunnybank or the Newnham back in the late 70’s early 80’s. Great memories
@@iandenney776 Come on, don't forget the Mansfield Tavern on that side of town. If you were like me, you would have puked-up in all of them... But you said you didn't drink in those days...? What changed your mind?
Working-class man gets more singing
This song shed a light on the pain and treatment of Vietnam vets in Australia, Its about a Vet that was in the jungles of Vietnam fighting and killing, then next day, back in sydney trying to live a normal life. It changed the attitude of Australians to The Vietnam Vets. and I will bet that anyone in America that went there could relate immediately to this song. Pity you didnt get it. Socially important song, The ban was "The legs are often open" line
@blue dog the legs, is what I remember the controversy about, but the drugs also did it,
Wrong generation mate Gen Y trying to understand Boomer or early gen X stuff.
@@Eskay1206 Banning it made it more popular, as you would expect we hate authority. Would have been both things combined, I was only 14 at the time and remember a kid at school bringing it to school on a tape recorder and listening at lunch time. Been a fan ever since.
@@eoinociarain7986 GenY what the fuck, I was at the largs pier hotel in the 70's before they were famous, dickhead, born in 63 you fucking tosser, I see we possibly share country of origin, to be surrre
@@Eskay1206 So you seen them at the pub. Do you think you was the only one ? I hope you enjoyed them as I did..
Those times will never come back
As an Aussie living in America, the best way I can describe this song to Americans, is it’s like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” People being used by as pawns to fight wars for their country, but then the country doesn’t take care of them. Obviously both songs reference the Vietnam war, so there is that similarity also. I think the lyrics in Khe Sahn are a bit deeper and articulate, but both songs seem to come from the same place.
It's also more personal, a search for meaning and belonging rather than "huh everything sucks now" and - at least to me - a sense of hope, or at least determination, on the narrator's part
Mr Renaissance Man ,SIr, I think to put this into perspective for you, think of how Americans feel about their veterans, their pride in the USA, etc. Multiply that by 100 times and then hold it in. Just hold that feeling of pride, respect, gratefulness, love and empathy as tight as you can to your heart. You see, in the USA you folks release all of that in big, showy parades, lots of talking, etc. In Australia, we don't do that. We hold our thoughts and feelings close to heart. These emotions are released in things like music, such as the song Khe Sanh. Cold Chisel was a band that captured the Aussie spirit in many aspects of our lives, Khe Sanh is just one of their songs that does this. But because it is about the Aussies in the Vietnam war it carries a special significance to us. So while the USA has it's big fanfares and puts itself on the world stage as the great saviour of democracy, never forget that there are lots of countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the UK who do exactly the same thing but with less bravado, less self promotion, and with a lot more compassion. God save all people who have fought and died to secure freedom and democracy for others.
Agreed
We all have a mate, a brother, an uncle, a friend who served. Its respect, its thanks, its a reflection on neglect and hardship
Couldn't agree more. Excellent observation.
330kV 330kV I know your not trying to say it but you make it sound like Americans don’t mean what we do for our vets but we really do and we hold these big parades to basically apologize especially for the Vietnam vets
Thomas Evers it’s more that we as a people recognise that we as a country failed our Vietnam Veterans when they returned.
They were the first war heroes to return by air and not by sea.
They had no time to decompress together as soldiers who had been through hell together.
They got transplanted back into society like war would have no effect on them.
We, as a country, let them down and many didn’t cope.
They fought for peace and came home ravaged by war.
And the fact that we hold onto it is what makes ANZAC day and Remembrance day so important to us
What I love about this reaction and the comments below. You have to realise how many Australian/New Zealanders are watching you ;)
Well Thx. I have a few proud Aussies that are subscribed to my channel that gave me these songs. I'll cont to let him know to give me more that way I can do my for you in the down under.
Don't forget our New Zealand brothers. They got our Australian dads, uncles and grandads out of the shit in Vietnam, with their heavy artillery. Much love to our cousin's.
I am really touched you did a Aussie song, as an Australian all respect to you my man.
we love this song in Australia xx, thankyou A lot of vietnam vets were treated badly when they returned from war, and had nowhere really to turn, so many sank into depression and thought of finding a way out
Been waiting for this one! It’s Anzac Day in Australia tomorrow, & my Dad was a Vietnam Veteran. His father died a POW in World War II. This song makes me think of them both, so thank you Ty for this special reaction.
I cry every time I hear this song, I also stand and cover my heart. Your father and grandfather are in my thoughts Michelle. I spent the day with local vets last Vietnam veterans day, listening to their stories and sharing their pain, my son from Air force Cadets assisted the ceremony and I hope he learnt a lot. (i am trying to guide him away from military, but he will make his own choices, and I will be proud either way). God bless.
Thank u to your brave family.
Last frontier by Jimmy is a great Aussie track!
The most recognisable intro of any Australian song
Yep, along with boys light up.
And the first couple of notes from Flame Trees
There’s a few songs sacred to us aussies
The band played waltzing Matilda
I was only 19
And most definitely this one, plus a few more
Throw your arms around me
Australia has a music genre Called Pub Rock. It is is straight up, no complicated Blues Rock. That's why you hear the Alabama Blues Pub Rock gets it name for tough suburban bars (called Pubs here) where it was played.
Laurence Byron the songs also came out around the same general time as well. It was a popular style of the time, think eagles as well.
Exactly! Pub rock genre was huge Acca Dacca & INXS were pub rock bands that went big & sold out for America. Cold Chisel stayed true to Straya mate! I love all our pub rocks bands like Icehouse & Gangajang!!
@@Tully_23_32 don’t forget the Angels, Noiseworks, Rose Tattoo, Australian Crawl, the Mentals and on and on
ANZAC Day tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand. It is a day to remember those who gave their lives and served for our countries, my late father being one of them. This song reminds me of him and also growing up as a teenager in rural Australia in the '70's. The local AM station in Wagga played it back then and I have loved it ever since. Cold Chisel were one of the greatest bands to ever come out of Australia. The song was banned because of the "legs are often open" line and drug references. Australia was, and still is very conservative.
@Scott Jakowitz yeah Oz may have been conservative in the 70s but definitely isn't now. Nothing is sacred anymore.
@@maritanwyzam665 That's not true, if anything ANZAC DAY is held as sacred by more of our young ones than ever before. Last ANZAC DAY was exceptionally sacred because we couldn't gather however I won't ever forget going out onto the front kerb, thinking we might be alone, to see every home with family out the front, many in their PJs all holding candles in the dark and echo of the bugle call all up the street from the mobile phones, the minutes silence, I spoke to neighbours that day I'd only ever seen passing, it was probably the most memorable ANZAC Dawn Service I've ever attended.
🇭🇲🇳🇿
Yes one of cold chisels best songs. Thanks Ty for playing this song. Great pick Kane💕
Cold Chisel was the magical combination of Don Walker's genius songwriting, Jimmy Barnes huge vocal range and Ian Moss's guitar and harmony vocals.
The USA in the 1960s had loads and loads of protest songs. And rightfully so, there were many issues which needed light to be shined on them. That's the context this song should be listened to. Indeed, many American veterans are aware of the military significance of Khe Sanh. This song fits the classic 'protest song' mould - although it's worth noting the lyrics touch on issues which go a bit deeper than a typical protest song. 'Khe Sanh' exposes the problems many young men had fitting back into Australian society after doing compulsory service in the Vietnam War. They returned to a country full of anti-Vietnam War animosity, and incorrectly, a lot of animosity was aimed at the young men themselves.
You could argue the American audience who would most appreciate this song are American Vitenam veterans themselves.
It was a huge hit right at the time that the Vietnam vets were basically going underground from the public rejection. The same reaction as was happening in the US. US Viet vets would know what he was talking about. I think it is known by so many Aussies because it kept the public's attention to face up to ridiculousness of the rejection of the Vets that just did there job in a war that was a disaster. It ultimately probably did as much to bring healing and allow Aussies to claim their vets with pride as any other single thing if not more. Brilliant song. It also speaks to lostness and hopelessness which is a human experience. It's been said already but the sexual innuendo and the drug references were what got it banned in the first place.
Actually, it wasn't a huge hit in 1978 because it got banned on the radio because of the lyrics. It only became popular years later because chisel got big and they always played it live, then the radio stations started playing it and it still gets played on the radio today
If you want to find an Australian in a south east asian country, play this song on a jukebox, you'll soon find them...
or your the voies
Don Walker (keyboardist for Chisel, writer of this song and the majority of Chisel songs) is one of the most underrated songwriters (both musically and lyrically) on the planet. A very cool guy, also very opinionated and ever apologizes for what he writes.
seeing them in adelaide jan 4th on the beach cant wait
It was for the ‘legs were always open’ lyric.. partially for the ‘speed and novacaine’ drug reference too..
This song is almost an anthem for my generation, for the Vietnam vets who were spat on when they returned from war. It's a tribute to them!
Certainly more Australians are 'word perfect' on this song than any other. The story of a Vietnam vet struggling to adjust to civilian life. Was banned from radio for 'legs are always open' and 'hit some Hong Kong mattress all night long'. Interestingly, for non-Australian listeners, the Battle of Khe Sanh is also mentioned in Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA - 'I had a brother at Khe Sanh'. Not sure where songwriter Don Walker got his info, but there were no Australian troops involved in that battle.
In 1978 I was born. But the song is all about the Vietnam War and the returning soldiers who were treated like that hadn't gone to war. It took a about 10 years before they would be acknowledged as serving soldiers. it was a long battle to get to rectified.
Andrew Graham It took longer than 10yrs, for these soldiers to be recognised. They were largely looked down upon for being involved in the Vietnam War. When they were disembarking on their return to Australia, some had pigs blood thrown at them by activists. So many suffered PTSD, but were never helped. I know the divorce & suicide rates are high for these vets. My Dad served 12 months in Vietnam in the 60’s. I was just a child that didn’t know who he was when he came home. In his heart, he felt the Welcome Home Parade, held in Sydney in 1987, was finally their recognition. It helped my Dad immensely to attend that parade. 1978 was the year I finished high school.
@@michellelittle9184 Okay I stand corrected. My grandmother was also served as a nurse in the RAAF. She was one of the contingent sent into the Japan when it was safe to do so. One of her brothers was killed in the Battle of the Somme. I know people were badly effected by the impact and I have read Bomber by Tony Bower-Miles. I believe my own father only just missed out being conscripted. 10 years was a guess, and I cannot find when they actually first marched in the ANZAC Parade. I have seen 1987 and 1992 as years listed for when some changes occurred. But since I didn't know, I had to guess. What I knew was the reception was pretty much frozen cold. I want say that's not on in my book. They should have been acknowledged much earlier on, that much is certain. Thanks for the correction.
Andrew Graham Considering you were born in 1978, when the Vietnam War was over, your knowledge is very good!
I know my Dad marched in the 1987 parade. He went by bus from Central Qld. I recorded the march as it was broadcast, & actually spotted my Dad! He ended up being filmed in a news story that night as well, which I also recorded!
@@michellelittle9184 Well I only hope he found a way through, I know many didn't, which is partly why I had to be careful with what I said. It was thought through though. I can't even attempt to fathom how a person goes through PTSD without becoming a different person. But I can say that living with hidden medical conditions such as epilepsy and aspgergers syndrome as I do, I would hope that people would show a little more respect in their correction. When we were moving from Sydney to Brisbane we found a duffle bag in the roof, so the guy we purchased the house off must have served too. Also one of the older guys from my Church was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He is really interesting to talk to and has written book called Beneath Blades. I haven't managed to read it, but it took a little while to read the Bomber book.
Andrew Graham I have much respect for your Grandmother - those nurses were legendary.
I too live with hidden medical issues Andrew, so I have much empathy for you. My Dad had problems from PTSD after Vietnam, among them was startle reflex. You couldn’t walk into the same room as him, without him jumping. He couldn’t stand the sound of choppers anymore, & never flew again after Vietnam. He was never the same man. I loved & respected him all the same.
Khe sahn is the song in a pub that gets EVERYONE singing along
The most recognisable intro of any Australian song
When this song is played inevitable late at a wedding. Nearly the whole party gravitates to the dance floor. A circle is loosely created as everyone is usually very drunk. Everyone screams out the lyrics word for word. Everyone with there arms around someone else.
These days the most popular wedding song is Mr Brightside. No complaints though; that song's a banger too.
One of my best friends married an American a couple of years ago and this song made an appearance. Definitely not wrong about the very drunk, we were all throwing back straight Bundy.
Oh, I thought this was just us , definitely the exact scene at my sons wedding in Canada. All the aussies on the floor, arms around each other belting it out full pelt
We love your reaction videos down here in Australia! Keep up the great work 😁
Vietnam hit our small country hard...we then spent the next 30 years helping them re-build what all the outsiders had destroyed...Australia actually lies in deep dark south asia..love it, we are lucky.
South Pacific:-)
Australia is as South Asia as Europe is North Asia.
Australasia
It's weird seeing your reaction to a song we grow up listening to 🇦🇺💯👍🏾
This song explains why I’m proud of this nation
Khe sahn is the song in a pub that gets EVERYONE singing along
and parties
id say more like screaming along
When this song comes on we sing it - no ifs or buts - even those who were born way after the war was over. (Also a great song by Cold Chisel “when the war is over“)
I was 18 when this song came out. It is important as it made the young acutely aware of the plight of the guys who fought in Vietnam. Their sacrifice was ignored in society and many, to this day, are struggling with the trauma they saw and experienced. The music industry was one of the catalysts that got them recognised politically, socially and surprisingly by the RSL, which is an organisation created to assist returned servicemen. It was being viewed as the unnecessary war that shouldn't have been fought and was very unpopular. Plus, we lost. Therefore the soldiers were all but shunned.
You are a rational, intelligent and logical human my brother. Much love from Australia. 🤟🤟
Loving the reaction to an Aussie song. Thumbs up. :)
Defacto suburbanite National Anthem of Australia.
Should react to their other song “Flame Trees” a song about going back to your hometown and all the emotions that come with it
So many of CC songs have emotional messages in them, Don Walker is a genius when it comes to songwriting.
Agreed, my all time fav song.
It's all about PTSD & the way the character is suffering. It was banned for the line "Their legs were often open", & drug references.
Its about the lost men who came back from Vietnam. The wasted lives and the endless search for personal peace.
Gidday, thank you Ty, When you show an Australian song, you get 4k views. American song 25k, thank you, it is kind of you. Australia says, TY RULES.
Like ya basses...
This was about Aussies in Khe Sahn, biggest battle in Vietnam (yes, we were in Vietnam with you, like EVERY war)..
Chisel!
It was obviously banned for references to sex and drug use.
It's about Vietnam vets having difficulty adjusting to civillian life after their war experiences. I thought that was obvious.
The song refers to drug use, aimlessness, maladjustment, restlessness, using sex as a substitute for real connections with others, etc.
If your wondering what the Australian music scene was all about back in the 70/80's etc... Have a read it may give you a insight into Aussie Pub Music Culture through the 70's & the 90's ... back then in the 70's, 80, early 90's pub culture was alive and well, it's changed over the years, around the same time a ABC TV show launched called "Countdown" Ian (Molly) Meldrum hosted this, his another kind of Aussie legend in his own right, this set the scene for rock/ music/artist to be loud and out there in our lounge rooms. We grew up on it! “There was a unique set of circumstances, not just musical but socio-economic and political, that really created the environment in which pub rock flourished." ://www.loudmag.com.au/features/rise-fall-pub-rock-live-music-australia-1976-1995/
seaster2493 - I was a true Aussie child/teen of the 70’s and 80’s. Countdown was my staple every Sunday at 6pm. We’d watch Molly bumble through interviews (affectionately, cause hey, it’s Molly!) and tell us to “do yourself a favour” and buy Queen’s/Chisel’s/Skyhooks or whoever’s album that he was lauding that week.
On a different tangent, my old boss was Jimmy Barnes’ neighbour in Elizabeth, South Australia (suburb of Adelaide for non-Aussies) back in the day. He tells an hilarious story of how he and his brother used to sit in their back yard and listen to him practicing with his band - they called themselves “Orange”. But, as typical Aussie “bastard” kids, my boss and his brother used to throw oranges, picked off their orange tree and throw them at the band and yell out insults and “You suck!” then laugh and run away! (I wonder if that’s why the band name was changed from “Orange”. If I ever meet Jimmy Barnes again (met him once years and years ago before I knew this story), I’ll ask him if he remembers his ratbag neighbours’ kids throwing oranges at him and his band!!
Try Flame Trees by the same band. More to your liking I’d bet, MRM.
nagaslrac Good Choice! Also Jimmy Barnes solo Working Class Man.
When The War Is Over off Circus Animals is also gold!!
Geoff Read already done 👍
Bow River
Flames trees, the original video was filmed in Oberon NSW. I lived there for a while, have some friends in the vid.
It was the Vietnam War....he was a soldier affected by the war....Most Aussie soldiers were conscripts and there were huge anti-war protests going on....many of the soldiers returning were treated badly by the public....lost soldier, suffering from war wanted to go back and make sense of what was happening....drugs, prostitutes, poor decisions, a horrible war.....The battle of Khe Sanh was the bloodiest in Vietnam it was a siege that lasted 77 days and in many ways turned popular opinion against what America and it allies including Australia were doing and people were sick of the war that had been going on for way too long........The song became foklore in Australia....
the song was banned because it is a protest song about the way the people of our country treated the returned soldiers from Vietnam, something our country should be ashamed of they were doing their job
This and flame trees are aussie pub classics. If you want to find an aussie in a pub, simply play one of these 2 songs and you will find em. Hope you enjoy mate
Brings back a lot of memories. Great Cold Chisel. Love that song
It was about a returned veteran, that had PTSD. He was addicted to Speed and Novocaine; probably alcohol. Couldn't get a job or even settle in one place.
Reference to ' hitting some Hong Kong mattress all night long' about brothels.
It has everything: sex drugs, and rock'n'roll.
Written out in a single afternoon and then played that evening live.
The lead singer, Jimmy Barnes, has some great pipes and belts out with great volume and as soft as a whisper.
You should check out redgum "I was only 19".
epic beardface MRM reacted to it yesterday..
@@MRDARKTURKEY thanks
Goanna- Solid rock too thanks.
It was only band on Sydney NSW radio, everywhere else was free to play it.
"their legs where alway opened, but their minds where always closed"
Historically, Australian returning Vietnam-vets were treated very badly during and after the Vietnam War.
Literally being called "baby-killers", and spat on in the streets. They found it hard to get work, or treatment for their mental injuries.
Even some former veterans from other wars, acted disgracefully towards Vietnam veterans.
The Australian Government formally apologised to these soldiers in August of 2006 - almost four decades late.
Khe Sanh, then, is a song about an Australian Vietnam veteran with post-combat PTSD, back home in a country which had all but discarded him.
He's searching for a way to mend his broken life, and ends up going back to South East Asia, where his personal demons live.
Our veitnam vets were treated terribly. It’s the shame of our amazing country. He really sang to them and I only pray my grandchildren will never know such horrors of my grandfather in World War Two and the Vietnam vets xoxox
Try Flame Trees by the same band. More to your liking I’d bet, MRM.
The most recognisable intro of any Australian song
Cold Chisel is an Australian from the late 1970s & 1980s. VERY popular in Australia however never made it in USA or Europe dispite fans like the Madden brothers, Joel n Benji
It was the seventies…it didn’t take much to ban a song. Rocky Mountain High by John Denver got banned by some stations in the US
It's about PTSD in Vietnam veterans
lol when i was young i used to sing the last train out of sydneys almost gone lol Khe San by train? lol
Lol. I love an American's attempt at understanding Australian music. Completely baffled the whole way through
It's essentially about how the men who went to vietnam went to war and when they came back, they weren't given the heroes welcome and couldn't fit back into society.
This song and I was only 19 are pretty much the two biggest songs about PTSD, Vietnam and the disgust we have with how our government treats the veterans. It took until I started working with people who had served and began to understand the facts of life only a Combat Veteran knows properly. I have never served, I love and respect the men and women who do and hate with every fibre of my being the people who send them to war but don't think about the cost to those they send.
its a blues song that is representitive of that era in australia.. its about young men who got drawn into a globalist war who were returning to their home country afterwards and experiencing alienation
Khe Sahn a Marine military base in South Vietnam which was besieged by the North Vietnamese Army. Surprised you have not heard of it. Song is about the plight of Vietnam Vets who have fought in a pointless colonial war and have all the trauma of any soldier but none of the sense of purpose that a D Day Vet might feel
I love how you play the entire song before reacting first time I've seen this bravo
Jimmy Barns is the best singer
Loved his songs all my life
Hey mate. It's already been said. A song about a soldier returning home to a different place and as a different person when he left to fight in Vietnam. He can't find his peace or normality in Australia (working various jobs) so heads back to Asia for some r&r.
I can’t believe this guy couldn’t work any of the song out 👎🏿
Americans who are Vietnam vets (or children of vets) , would or should know Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war. It wasn’t just the USA. But so many lives were lost.
Anzacs day is tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand 💜💜
If you ant a Aussie you wouldn't like this song or understand it but too us Australians it's a great song that's what matters.
Remember this is about 5 years after the Vets returned , Next to the Germans Australia lost more men per head than ant other nation in WW1 , the returned shell shocked and damaged but the nation gathered around and tried to help them . WW@ Vets were also treated well , Korean vets not much different . BUT Vietnam vets were treated very badly , Drugs were everywhere and as the song said women's legs were often open but their minds were closed . Its about how hard it his to adapt when you return ,,,
Please do something for YOU US vets , 1 vet commits suicide every hour of every day , I"m an Aussie but Ive dug deep Over US $15,000 this year to help US Veterans .
One of the greatest song's. Love it. 👍
It was pointing out how badly our Vietnam vets were treated. it was a very VERY unpopular war and unfortunately that was taken out on the veterans. This is about a soldier being unable to adjust, and being unsupported in his return to Australian civilian life.
Vietnam War. Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes was their Lead Singer.
"Their legs were often open but their minds were always closed" basically the local girls were easy as far as servicemen went. (Legs often open)... but they didn't understand what the guys coming home had been through, thus (their minds were closed.)
Cold chisel the lead singer is Jimmy Barnes
This was one song always requested at discos since the late 70’s even to this day 2021. Cold Chisel is a legendary group who’s front man was Jimmy Barnes and he is a Aussie Icon. It was about those who returned from Vietnam , it sounds jumbled but the it was talking about how these poor servicemen came home so mixed up that they had no support and they were searching for rhyme and reason. Us Aussies cherish this song and it is like an anthem but not our national one.🇦🇺🦋🙏😢🌻
We have a number of war songs in Australian culture. Some are about broken bodies. Some are about broken minds. This is about a broken spirit.
You should also listen and reacto to "I was only 19" by Redgum. Make sure it's the original. It's another Australian Vietnam War song that really nails it. Very different too.
its about a returning vietnam vet and dealing with returning home and getting on with things khe sahn was an american fire base in vietnam i been there
Focuses on the coping strategies used by many veterans, alcohol, drugs, sex with prostitutes and the inability to settle down and overcome their traumatic war experiences. Many Vietnam vets complain that they were never welcomed back home (1973) and were often resented for their role in the war due to the politics of the time. They were conscripted to war and when they came back the world forgot them and the sacrifices they made.
"Their legs were always open but their minds were always closed "I think is why it was banned on radio
Love it...Cold Chisel is one of the best. :) Respect to you.
Banned for references to Sex and Drugs at the time. It's a song describing the heart breaking experience of a Vietnam War Veteran after the war and the way it damaged his life.
A Vietnam Veteran returning to an unsympthatic homeland , Lost and drifting.
loved how he didn't pause the song at all
he listened to it from start to end.
I haven't read all the comments but just came across your reactions to this and Bow River. With Khe Sanh I'm not sure if you're putting it into the perspective of when it was written. It was written in 1978, just after the Vietnam War, also in the late 70s, early 80s Australia went through a pretty nationalistic period (look up the movie Gallipoli if you don't know it). And another part of this perspective is that given the age of the song and that "pub rock" (Chisels, Midnight Oil, INXS, The Angels to name a few) was huge in the 80s this is a song that we all grew up with.
It was for the ‘legs were always open’ lyric
Now do the Australian band The Angels live version of 'Am I Ever going To See Your Face Again' (Aussies know why) They also released some albums in the U.S. under the name Angel City.
Thanks mate for diving in on hard core Aussie music and the slang. All the other comments explain it but there is much more . Try Cold Chisel 'Hound Dog' and get deep into ya Aussie Rock. Love ya heaps and praise Jesus mate cheers
You hear this in a pub u MUST sing along to it or you’ll be thrown out
Bro I don't know how I ended up here but I did and I'm not worried. Absolute Aussie Banger!
Welcome. Alot more aussie music here among other things
it was banned because of the line " their legs were always open."
Its Jimmy Barnes his the lead singer of Cold Chisel
I know this is a little old but i would love to hear your reaction to Ian Moss singing Georgia.
Quite possibly the greatest version, in my opinion, Mossy sure can play a mean guitar and boy he sure can sing. When Mossy starts playing Georgia I have to stop what I am doing and listen to every second, the live version off “Barking Spiders Live” is mindblowingly awesome.
OMG This song is about a returned soldier from the Vietnam war and how damaged he was Best song ever !!!! Aussie fan Go Barnsey,,,,,
The line about "Legs were always open" was extremely controversial at the time due to the censorship wars and the growing abortion movement, which is also covered in their song "Choir Girl".
Bow river live - cold chisel
Modern Renaissance Man
Often considered the greatest Aussie pop song is "Friday on my Mind" by the Easybeats...
czcams.com/video/3iW2_Ec3uEU/video.html
They are often called the "Uncles of AC/DC"
After the band's short life guitarists Harry Vanda, and George Young went on to write a lot of Aussie songs for other artists, and also to produce records. George Young is the older brother of Angus, and Malcom Young - of AC/DC
Vanda and Young produced the early AC/DC albums (oh, and they wrote "Friday on My Mind" the song I linked above)
The line growing need for speed and novacaine. This is why it was banned for promoting drug use
The lead singer jimmy barnes and he also went solo
Vets coming back from the Vietnam War and how they felt betrayed and lost, just like your vets.
Best Australian song ever. For all Anzacs.
Mainstream Australian at the time was very very conservative. The song was banned from radio for it's lyric "their legs were always open"
That's all . So insignificant now .
Id thought it was the reference to no VD heroes 🤔
I thought it was banned for the line "I'm gonna hit some Hong Kong mattress all night long"