Cold Chisel - When the War is Over || REACTION VIDEO

[@Dr_KAP]

A beautiful song that has permeated Aussie culture over the years. Written by the bands drummer who is sitting there humbly playing the shaker. RIP Steve Prestwich ❤

[@G.H.O.S.T.254]

A very sad side of Aussie Culture and its dark and severe Domestic Abuse from the violent West Side of Town. They still try to down play it, but it still goes on today.

[@wren1960]

​@@G.H.O.S.T.254WTF are you talking about. The song isn't about that. It's about a broken relationship.

[@G.H.O.S.T.254]

@@wren1960 umm read what i said again..... Just think a little about it.

[@wren1960]

@G.H.O.S.T.254 Yes, I reread your post.

[@authenticchinese]

every one who has fought any kind ot battle be in holding on to love or combating hate can relate to this magical song we are blessed to have had cold chisel to grow up with back in Australia

[@Eskay1206]

Cold Chisels gift was to make you FEEL the song, be it as a veteran, a prisoner, or just a guy visiting his hometown after years away. All their music had deep meaning. they sang about us.

[@helenbachari6372]

the best band ever. I'm looking forward to seeing them in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Queenstown (as long as Jimmy makes a quick recovery from his surgery)

[@stuartgraham9329]

I’m a 65 year old Australian. I’ve had Chisel on my play list for 50 years. It never gets old but I’ve never seen a more heart felt reaction. We with you man. They had a song for everyone. Vets ( Khe Sahn and WTWIO) party animals, low life’s ( Breakfast at Sweethearts) lovers, you name it they spoke to you. Directly. Currently doing their 50th anniversary tour to sold out crowds. Australia loves these guys.

[@kevinfutter]

This song is actually about a relationship breakdown (the "war" of the title), rather than an actual war. It's a metaphor. When you realise that, it's even more powerful and poignant. My favourite Cold Chisel song, and possibly my favourite song by an Australian band ever.

[@mitchellbeston1033]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about veterans...it is much appreciated.

[@AndrewGeorge1]

Another great reaction. Thank You. I tend to bottle stuff up (and everyone can easily guess how boring I would be in reaction, all bottled-up). What You show of yourself in your reactions, is a raw and honest opinion that never needs to apologise for having an emotion. Thanks again. huGGs

[@Mel-x7d]

They are an absolute Aussie icon. Welcome to the powerhouse that is Cold Chisel. Xxxx

[@MelodyMan69]

When less is more, our humanity fills the void with our emotions.

[@kevinpaget1392]

Some wars are never over😢

[@wayback479]

We all feel it mate , breathe just breathe😢

[@Brastuy]

Thats a pure honest reaction, music is powerful, thank you

[@Davo-i1s]

There is a Cold Chisel song dealing with PTSD called Khe Sanh thats worth a listen to. The other 2 Aussie songs that are far more emotional are "I was only 19" by Redgum which deals with PTSD suffered by a returning Vietnam vet and "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle which is about the experience of a veteran of The Gallipoli Campaign in WW1. When The War is Over is often interpreted as being about war but I believe it is more to do with the breakdown of a relationship. An interesting fact I learnt is the actual tune of Waltzing Matilda is its used by the US 1st Marines Division on parades apparently it is in recognition of the time that they spent here in Australia in WW2 during their Pacific campaign.

[@carolynh8866]

I love both Ian Moss and Jimmy singing this song and it's Cold Chisel's song written by their drummer Steve Prestwich. It's a beautiful and emotional song. But I also love our mate John Farnham singing this song. His vocals just bring something else to the song. He started singi g the song when he was lead singer of the Little River band. When Cold Chisel first broke up, Steve Prestwhich joined John as the drummer in the Little River Band. The Aussie Music industry is just like a band of brothers and the great musicians end up working together when from time to time and supporting each other. And occasionally coving each others songs. In fact both Jimmy and John have also sung this song together ...

[@jimkat2]

Songs often take on a different meaning than what the writer intended. I can't recall who said it but a writer said "once a song is handed over to the fans, it's up to them what the meaning is". Your reaction is understood and respected

[@mickkoeford4526]

Hey mate god bless ya! My Mum and Dad ment each other in Korea. Mum was a nurse in the Australian Army-and Dad was in the Australian Army, they got married and I became. Then my mothers brother my Uncle went to Vietnam Your reaction to my favourite Band Chisel touched me. Stay strong mate. And mate ya need to look at John Farnham singing Help live with the Melbourne orchestra sensational.

[@mrmaccafromtheshire]

I’d add John’s version of this from The Last Time tour in 2003, especially when you remember John was in his 50’s at the time

[@stronghold500]

Let's all start doing what we know is right. Not what we think is right. Let's fix this mess. Love is the way🇦🇺

[@jayweb51]

Your emotions are evident. This song evokes people in different ways, depending upon their situation. I always remember my father saying to me "Men don't cry!". I find it hard to let loose the tears, even now; the worst thing to say to anyone, especially men. There is no shame in cry, refusing to release emotions creates so many other health and mental issues; also, sharing your pain can release the issue you need to face. "The War" can relate to everyday life, as we all struggle for a better way of life. Sending you a huge embrace for your courage in putting this out, even after your comment about sharing this reaction; l hope you watched your reaction, and it was cathartic for you.

[@turdferguson400]

Beautifully said. I feel the same.

[@barnowl.]

The drummer, Steve Prestwich , wrote this song about the warring breakdown of his marriage. Never judge a song by it's name. JOHN FARNHAM has also done a great version of this song. The very popular song 'A Walk In The Light Green /I was Only Nineteen,' by the Aussie group, Redgum , is about conscription into the military forces and the Vietnam War. It was written by the brother-in-law of a returned soldier, about the physical, emotional and mental issues as a result of that war that the relative and others in that war experienced. I'm writing this to just prepare you for it if you choose to react to it.

[@Chapster2335]

Don’t care, just fucking awesome. It can mean what it means to you.

[@CraigAlden-ld9ey]

A beautiful song written by Steve the Drummer, he certainly knew how to write a great song…. Just those words….. another good song from Steve is Forever Now.

[@LouDavo-o6g]

Cold Chisel are fantastic absolute Aussie legends… but John Farnham (Aussie legend) does a brilliant cover of this song on his last time tour it is a must watch….

[@cnoath3767]

This is why I love music and lyrics, Your reaction is honest . It doesn't matter what the writer intended, the band turns it into a thing of beauty, passion and heartfelt raw emotion, how the listener hears and feels this is a reflection of their lived experience. Words , music transformed into a piece of magic held in those that behold it

[@karlennis3642]

Ahhh... Love honest reactions to Ours.. Btw... ANY Doc Kap suggestions... Ya gotta follow up!

[@julianstephens5361]

It's a song that affects everyone differently. Terrific reaction. Thank you.

[@PaulA-bv1rt]

This is more about a relationship breakdown than coming back from a war.

[@Dr_KAP]

I think it’s about a lot of things to a lot of people that’s the beauty of music ❤ 😊

[@carolynh8866]

Given Steve P wrote it just before the band broke up, I've always seen it as him dealing with the conflict between the band members at that time. They loved each other but also couldn't be with each other at that time.

[@Dr_KAP]

@@carolynh8866 you could be on to something there Carolyn! I do love these elusive style nostalgic songs - Steve did tend to write a lot about love and loss later on.. and while this song definitely came from some deep place I feel that he wanted us all to interpret it from our own deep place which may be why it resonates with so many including this gentleman here ❤️

[@lesliedavis2185]

A beautiful version of a beautiful song. More about relationships. But we all take different things from music. This song means a a great deal to many people as you can see from the audience

[@carolynh8866]

@@Dr_KAP absolutely

[@Will-b6f]

The lyrics are raw emotionally 😥. Thank you for your honesty 👍

[@kane29842]

Redgums ‘I was only 19 (a walk in the light green) is the benchmark of post war ptsd songs. This is almost certainly penned around a relationship breakup and not a literal war, but they hit that subject pretty hard with Khe Sanh

[@xDRAGONSTARx]

1927 did a song that had a war theme, for the life of me I can’t think of the song. I just remember it made me feel emotional when I heard it. It was something like “remember the times when we were kids you had to be the hero” something like that.

[@kane29842]

@@xDRAGONSTARx compulsory hero. Great tune

[@brendonstockdale4437]

Always stand proud. Your beating heart is in your chest and your chest is the forefront of who and what we are . Try it everyone it goes like this , shoulders back, chest out, chin up and hey look at you now . Notice your eyes are facing forwards and capable of showing someone else that you're hurting. Help will arrive with a G'day mate , how ya goin' . Then just give it your best.

[@gargoyle426]

Cold Chisel truly deserve to be mentioned amongst the greatest bands of all time and it is such a pity that they never conquered the world. Jimmy and Ian are two of the greatest singers and the rest of the band are some of the best musicians on the planet. Every song reaches deep inside your soul and unleashes so many emotions every time you hear them play. It is so cool watching people react to these songs for the first time and I feel sorry that you haven't been listening to them for as long as the rest of us. Thank you for giving them a chance to reach new audiences.

[@patrickwells8349]

I love how there is such a variety of generations in the audience; All appreciating great music.

[@jemxs]

Beautifull song delivered with raw emotion! Nothing wrong with showing emotions, enjoyed your reaction!

[@2eREPPARA]

Aussie combat vet SEMPER FI Brother my time downrange has finished but my war will never be over the guilt & darkness continues every day 🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@DavidPola1961]

If you like a road song try Cold Chisels "Flame Trees" you will enjoy it

[@MyMaggieMay]

Brilliant song brilliant band

[@timabrahamson9194]

Man you really feel, nothing beats the feeling of hearing a song for the first time and seeing the emotion it brings that will stay with you forever 🙏🏻

[@aje4171]

Strength mate, strength. We can only try our best.

[@darylclifford]

Cold Chisel was a Pub Band when i was a teen. I often saw them at the local Pub as they played the Sydney Pub Circuit. Fast forward several years and they were ALL OVER Aussie radio !! This brings back so many feels from me - thanks guys :) - x

[@DaveSam-v5d]

Great days, pub rock was at it's very best. When we couldn't see them live, the jukebox would play Khe Sahn and the whole pub would stop and sing. Geat days.

[@theflyingdropbear2009]

seen Chisel a few times myself, but this song hits differently this song, and another by the name of I was only 19, both telling the story of war veterans that were never the same after experiencing war

[@geoffnash2609]

Thanks for introducing this amazing band to new people. They are gods here in Australia.

[@vincealessandro4386]

You can tell this song brought up a lot of stuff for you. Thanks for keeping with it and seeing it through 🫶

[@SonofBuck-f7z]

thank you

[@kdavies3105]

It's such a beautiful song...so much emotion, & such a different arrangement for a song & perfectly describing the disorientation facing soldiers returning from war! ❤️‍🩹

[@iannorth8549]

It has nothing to do with war it’s about a failing relationship

[@kdavies3105]

@@iannorth8549 Actually, I saw an interview with Steve Prestwich before he died, and he said that the song had multiple meanings...he said that for some it was a marriage breaking down and for others it was the disorientation facing Soldiers returning from war. He refused to say what his inspiration was, and that it was up to people who listened to it, to take what they wanted from it.

[@bobbubevski2719]

Amen brother for listening & reacting, this live version......Really HIT's Home

[@bruceprouse5562]

Just absolutely beautiful.

[@hawkwood2325]

Damn. As a fellow veteran I totally understand where the feelings and emotions come from. You gave great advice, hang in there brother your not alone. Cheers mate.

[@JennyMillikan]

Love Jimmy Barnes and cold chisel ❤❤ pub scene in the 70's, Largs Pier hotel get well Jimmy, Adelaide South Australia 🌏🌏🦘🦘

[@dombyrne4213]

it’s a stone cold killer of a song and it clearly gave you a gut punch in the feels .. take care man, and thanks for being so real with your reaction

[@zebedeedoodaah6454]

Thankyou Sir.👍 2nd time watching. Got 2 tickets to see them in October. These fellas are the sound track to my life,yet never got the chance to see them live. Dunno who I'll take since I'm single these days at 52. My 17yo daughter is my first pick if she'll come!.🤔🙂 More please my man!. Zebedee from Oz. 👍

[@alliesopher]

Thank you for your genuine reaction to this great song. I notice that people have suggested ‘I was only 19’. Which means ‘And the band played Walzing Matilda’ is going to be suggested next. These are beautiful and important songs, but please know that they might be tough going. I really value seeing reactions to songs like this, but not if it just gives you unnecessary distress. For something completely different, there’s an a cappella group called VoicePlay, who have done a version of ‘The lion sleeps tonight’. The vocals and harmonies are gorgeous, but the video is goofy and they look they had so much fun creating it. I’d love to see you react to something like this - just for the fun of it!

[@beresfordthompson1370]

Such a great song, an Aussie classic. John Farnham also did a few great covers of this even one with Jimmy coming into it as well, but I think the best version was John Farnham’s in the last time concert. Great song from chisel.

[@georgeibrahim7945]

Thanks heaps mate for the great reaction. Such a phenomenal song and performance, can’t get much better then this. Would be great if you can check out John Farnham covering this same song “when the war is over”

[@carolynh8866]

Absolutely. John slays this song with his powerful emotional vocals . The 2003 concert version is amazing ❤❤

[@richardkenna149]

That song is certainly heavy going, but it is a high watermark.. the original version has a slightly different arrangement which i think i actually prefer but man, to be in the audience for this performance, i would have been a mess! Fantastic reaction mate..

[@JohnnyMusk-io5sh]

Love the part when jimmy comes in, his voice is so powerful. I would highly recommend the John Farnham version live 2003, John’s take is slightly different and his voice is insane

[@sammy_dog]

Great band great song great reaction

[@juliemcaleese5921]

Welcome Buck

[@paulladiges9058]

I appreciate your reactions. Very honest and open. Enjoy watching your next one. From another Aussie down under. Keep up the good work

[@chrisduckworth2022]

This song has always been in my mind about loneliness and isolation and the longing for a deep connection with someone, that obviously has either not materialised or has broken down. In order to truly capture the gamut of emotions a song may convey, they say that the song writer has to have experienced what they are writing about. If true, it is a very harsh price to pay for your art, as this song cuts pretty deep. Thanks for reacting to this and celebrating Cold Chisel. There is a story, possibly an urban myth, that one of their songs "You got nothing I want" was written in response to a crappy contract offer from one of the big labels in the US that would have seen them more heavily promoted in the US during their hey day... but the band turned it down and then wrote the song as a big F U to the recording exec's. I would love it to be true 😀

[@simonfaulkner1342]

Cold Chisel, have so many great songs should listen to a lot more, all so your a Veteran you should listen to Only 19 by Red gum, Thank you sir for your service🇦🇺. I have seen that you've done the best of Chisel, so yeh what can I say ✌🏼

[@professornuke7562]

Astrid Goodbye. Used to cover it. Huge piece of rock and roll.

[@thomasshotter9023]

Y'all got another Australian follower my brother.

[@antheabrouwer3258]

Yep!! Its absolutely freezing in the mornings in Canberra. But thank goodness, the days are getting warmer...

[@John-f1g1e]

Love your work brother. It is a song that can be, and is, relevant to so many facets of life. Best wishes from Down Under. Peace to you and yours.

[@scottcraig9000]

Bloody song makes everyone cry

[@G.H.O.S.T.254]

This is a song about a breaking down marriage. There is an unspoken background stereotype in Australia. For a long time there was a lot of Domestic Violence, Alcohol Abuse and it was a dark time for many. It wasnt just men, it was women as well guilty of it. He is singing about staying out late after work to go to the pub and drink, you used to have roughly 1/2 an hour before the pubs close after most workplaces finished for the day. So it was a mad dash to get to the pub, slam down your beers before they threw you out to close the doors. Then returning home to fights because they came home drunk to dull the pain of a broken marriage. The lyric "How can i go home and not get blown away?" speaks for itself. Jimmy's sounds of crying out in pain is intentional and shows the heartache and pain caused from Domestic Violence. There is an old Aussie movie called *Erksingville Kings* . It is either the first or second movie Hugh Jackman and many other australian stars you might recognise from modern movies and TV series. It is about the Stereotype of the poorer West Side of town around Australian cities and its unspoken reality of Domestic Violence and broken families.

[@cjjoe2385]

Cold Chisel - Start Hotel m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYjOqqyaqNGIfNE About the closing of the Star Hotel, a popular rock venue that led to one of Australia’s largest civil disturbances. About 4000 young Australians fed up with pubs being shut in their area took on the police trying to shut the venue down. Riots in the streets, police cars burnt. Young Australians had had enough.

[@joalha123]

When you are ready to listen again there is a great version by Jonh Farnham who is joined on stage by Jimmy Barnes.

[@peterbrennan7111]

Admire your good heart mate! Empathy is not weakness; it is the essence of humanity.

[@daft_ss6917]

Cold Chisel start their 50th anniversary tour on October 5th to 26th January touring Australia and New Zealand

[@professornuke7562]

Got my ticket.

[@bootn13]

That depends on where you live mate living in Darwin its tropical so we only have 2 seasons the wet and the dry its never cold 😊

[@BrendanBlack-jc8dt]

This is a sad song.... Thank you from Australia

[@craigneumann7814]

This song has been covered by quite a few other bands and singers from John Farnham to Uriah Heep

[@ciraloke]

The studio versions are great in their own right - more concise and sharp - of course they draw it out live as the crowd know the songs backwards and fill in the details/memories while they spool up their performance.

[@veritas6464]

it's all good brother - No Aussie Vet I know can hold it together when the Boys take the Stage!

[@lazzar1903]

Cold Chisels choir girl is a great song. Would love you to listen to this song.

[@professornuke7562]

It is a great song. I can't stand it however.

[@lazzar1903]

@@professornuke7562 how about four walls ?

[@jeremykothe2847]

It's cold, but we aint freezing.

[@brettcoates3759]

If you are up for it look into John Farhams live version of this song, completely different composition but truely wonderful!

[@jayweb51]

I would like to recommend you react to John Farnham singing The Beatles classic song Help with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 1989, a completely different arrangement of the 1965 pop song; Farnsey first released his original version in 1980 at a Royal Charity Concert in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House, John Lennon(mid 1980)upon hearing John Farnham's version stated "This is how the song was meant to be sung". John Lennon's life was tragically taken in December, 1980.

[@davidbarry994]

Don't worry mate, as a former Australian Army major, believe me we look after our veterans as well as we possibly can.

[@shanealdridge1803]

Hey again mate, got the feeling I'll be leaving many a comment as I remember stuff. But most of the these songs were written by Don Walker, the keyboard player, All of the Viet war songs were about his best friend, that came back all fucked up. ✌️

[@shmick6079]

Give the original recording a listen. Quite different, but equally great.

[@bernadettelanders7306]

I had a feeling you are a war vet when you said the title. I felt like saying , ‘don’t listen to it if it’s going to cause you pain and bring back memories. My brother luckily didn’t get called up. Family across the road, their son did, he came home safely but his family worried every single day. Some say song it’s not about vets, but to you it hit hard. My dad was in WW2, a strong brave man, he was my hero. I saw him cry once, it made him more human to me, . There is absolutely no shame in a man crying at all - it shows you are human and have feelings. Sorry for waffling on, blame my darling dad, it’s genetic, he could talk the leg off a chair lol Delete this waffling ol’ message lol 😊

[@SonofBuck-f7z]

Kind of you ma'am..

[@kevintrodd3732]

Mate, when the war is over is not about soldiers or war. It’s actually about a young man who done wrong and the law caught up with him. So he basically is lamenting his mistakes to his girl and hoping he hasn’t ruined their future dreams

[@JouJouOuiOui]

Beautifully explained

[@Philby17]

I know that's the meaning Steve Prestwich gave to the song, but I don't think that invalidates a different interpretation other listeners give it. I can easily understand a literal interpretation that could apply to returned veterans - I'm sure the band can as well - and from that point of view, the song is just as powerful. All the best.

[@kathyconway5327]

@@Philby17After you’ve written and produced a successful song about PTSD, and as an artist and not a political activist, journalists are scouting you for the controversial headline - why wouldn’t you just lay it off with a glib comment. They did the song, they ought not need to deconstruct it for media analysis; anyone who has suffered PTSD or who hasn’t - yet has the facility to understand the words and the emotions evoked by the singers will know this is not just another crazy love song. Some Cold Chisel fans need to learn to step out of their own lives and lean into the words and the performance. And frankly if people think this song is about romantic love gone wrong - then they should seek a councillor on helping them with their relationship issues. And with idk how much? 90% of songs being about heartbreak - when one of the few to deal with this issue gets lassoed into something else because so many listeners are unable to lean in coz they just suck out what they think is theirs. How sad is that! I appreciate you were being diplomatic but I feel like these people are robbing others of their due. And if Preston were alive today, maybe, maybe not I don’t know him - he may have answered differently because some of us at least understand the pain of this song more so than we did back in the 80s.

[@jughead4845]

You're trying to say the war lives on in their memories. They can never ever leave the war behind. No wonder veterans experience PTSD

[@StephenBell-gl2tr]

As great as the live version is, listen to the album version. Hits differently and worth searching out

[@7colliemac]

I’m 72, my number come up in the 7th of December. Anyway I failed my medical, I don’t know why. But to be honest I wasn’t sad I didn’t go. We played this song in a band I was in, this made me sad for the blokes that went & got ignored, brought a tear to my eye this version. However the recorded version is better in my books, I played the lead guitar solo, it always got me emotional. Which sadly is missing in this version.

[@AndyFNQ84]

Loved your reaction matey, very genuine. Thanks for sharing. If you want to react as a vet to Asutralian songs regarding war and the reality of coming home, try Redgum's "I was only 19" or "The band played Waltzing Matilda" by Eric Bogle. The first references Vietnam, the second WWI. Powerful and moving, but also just great songs. Thanks again matey

[@canberroo2509]

❤

[@veritas6464]

Jimmy Barnes is a Vet - served in Vietnam!

[@jeremykothe2847]

two words. Khe Sanh. It's far more detailed lyrically describing the issues that face vets

[@jeremykothe2847]

Plus it's actually just a damned good song, very melodic. It's been an unofficial anthem for many decades.

[@jeremykothe2847]

Oh damn. I look to the right and I see you've reacted to it! Can't wait!

[@garywatson2439]

Try listening to the band played waltzing Matilda by Eric Vogel great anti war song will make you cry

[@DCG-dg5sd]

a lawnmower drown out Jimmy Barnes? .... not possible mate lol 😋

[@nancinyols8015]

Released version of this song (not this live one) is a much better mix.

[@timabrahamson9194]

Four Walls brother👍🏼. Check it out🥕

[@royferntorp]

This song is a little ambiguous. Is the war military or relationship? RIP Steve

[@raresaturn]

Great song.. but I prefer the original (non-acoustic) studio version

[@clmac529]

Same here. Love what was done with it by the band when Steve was still around especially thus version and then what has followed on subsequent tours. But the 1982 studio ans Last Stand 1983 version are awsome, song builds and then explodes. Different strokes for different folks aye. I like both styles to be honest, such a great song that it can be done 2 different ways and still be great.

[@Rassskle]

Any man that has ever loved a woman, and that is a very small percentage, who has experienced the " cold shoulder" when that woman finds a wealthier man, is always destroyed by this song.

[@johnurquhart-pv2ed]

Check out misfits cold chisel my bro

[@Monkey_Paws]

❤❤❤🦘🦘🦘

[@matthewdorman5954]

I'm pretty sure cold chisel were singing about a relationship failed with this song

[@HenriHattar]

Just my opinion but I think John Farnham and Jimmy did it better.