Choirgirl
Cold Chisel Lyrics


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Looking like a choir girl
Crying like a refugee
Looking like a choir girl
Crying like a refugee
One nurse to hold her
One nurse to wheel her down
The corridors of heeling
And I've been trying
But she's crying like a refugee

Loves me like a sister
Loves me like an only child
Loves me like a sister
Loves me like an only child
She's my connection
I'll hold on
And never, never, never let her down
Cause she's alone
And she loves me like an only child

Suffer little children
Send that little child to me
All day the doctor
Handles his responsibility

Looking like a choir girl
Crying like a refugee
Looking like a choir girl
Crying like a refugee
She's my connection
I'll hold on
And never, never, never let her down




'Cause she's alone
And she's crying like a refugee

Overall Meaning

"Choirgirl" by Cold Chisel is a song that presents a poignant and moving portrayal of a girl who is suffering emotionally and physically. The opening lines "Looking like a choir girl, crying like a refugee" immediately paint a vivid picture of the girl's fragile appearance coupled with her intense vulnerability. She is in need of help, and the singer of the story, who is likely a nurse or a doctor, is doing the best he can to offer assistance. However, despite his efforts, she continues to cry like a refugee, implying that she is experiencing deep emotional trauma, possibly stemming from past experiences of pain and suffering.


The lines "Loves me like a sister, loves me like an only child" highlights the intense connection that the singer has with the girl. He is not just a caregiver, but he is also a source of comfort and emotional support for her. The line "Suffer little children, send that little child to me" suggests that he has a deep sense of responsibility to take care of those who are suffering. Thus, the song is not just about the girl alone, but it's also about the tireless efforts of caregivers who are on the front lines dealing with people in pain.


In conclusion, "Choirgirl" by Cold Chisel is a touching and emotionally potent song that highlights the plight of people who are suffering emotionally and physically. It's a song about empathy, love, and the struggles of caregivers who are doing everything they can to help heal people who have experienced trauma.


Line by Line Meaning

Looking like a choir girl
Appearing pure and innocent.


Crying like a refugee
Expressing deep emotional pain and sadness.


One nurse to hold her
One caregiver to provide physical comfort during distress.


One nurse to wheel her down
One caregiver to transport her through the hospital hallways.


The corridors of heeling
The pathways of recovery and restoration.


And I've been trying
Attempting to comfort and console her.


But she's crying like a refugee
Her tears are symbolic of pain and trauma experienced by refugees.


Loves me like a sister
Cares for and supports like family.


Loves me like an only child
Deeply devoted and dependent like an only child.


She's my connection
Has a close and meaningful relationship.


I'll hold on
Remain committed and steadfast through challenging times.


And never, never, never let her down
Never fail to support and care for her needs.


'Cause she's alone
Is isolated and lacks support.


Suffer little children
Reference to a Biblical verse: 'Suffer the little children to come unto me.'


Send that little child to me
A plea to receive and care for the vulnerable and helpless.


All day the doctor
The physician committed to providing care and treatment.


Handles his responsibility
Responding to the duty of providing medical attention.




Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONALD WALKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@Lizards_Lounge

Many Australian bands have been great, even tour in U.S.A but seem to be ignored, I've shown several people in U.S Australian songs and they loved them.

Cold Chisel
John Farnham
Australian Crawl
Crowded House Screaming Jets
Grinspoon
There was earlier
Johnny O'Keefe
Sherbet and Skyhooks
Off the top of my head, and probably about a dozen more rock bands of such quality...we have our own metal and rap ect..

But going by 70s/80s Aussie Radio or Pub classics there's a few to start you there..
Obviously don't need to add AC/DC or Bee Gees...they made it



@Lizards_Lounge

@@campinatorxbox1610
Your so welcome mate.
It's sad to me that other countries missed all this stuff...esp that 70s-90s era.
We get most of U.S and other worldwide hits, but I can't imagine my childhood without the hundreds of bits these bands have had.
It's a priviledge to share.

I remembered a few afterwards that fit the same categories..

Midnight oil
Johnny Diesel...just known as 'diesel'
the angels
men at Work
Rose Tattoo
Hoodoo gurus
Australian Crawl (couldn't remember if I already did that one).

To go with 90s/00s alternative rock era 'grinspoon' there's also
Regurgitator
Spiderbait
Eskimo Joe
The living end (pop punk).
Jebediah
You am I
Killing Heidi
Magic Dirt

60s (again).
Masters apprentices

Kylie Minogue (pop)
Seekers (60s..kinda folk,melody).
Lead singer of Seekers and Olivia Newton John we just lost in last few months, died...both women are Australian legends.
Judith Durham of seekers, not my thing, but was widely known as a big voiced singer.

00s metal
Sunk Loto
Bullet for My Valentine
???
??
Truth is there is plenty more,but I haven't heard in so many years I've forgotten.
I've actually heard several decent Aussie metal bands but that's only one I can remember.

I don't listen to rap,but know hill top hoods used to be popular..
There's actually alot of popular Aussie rappers these days.

I think I already said, but J.O.K (Johnny O'Keefe) was as far as I can see our first big, quality artist in 50s/60s, died really young...I'm born in 81 and just love it still.
Definately reccomend.

I mostly only put bands that seen decent amount of success, exept maybe
magic dirt (grunge)...



All comments from YouTube:

@randyevans4120

As a US Naval Aviator, our carrier made a port call in Perth. The locals were great and by chance introduced myself and friends to your Great rock band Cold Chisel. Still enjoying Jimmy and the boys to this day, 2022. Thanks to my friends in Perth and also Hobart for the treat their music..

@seanbayley7452

Thanks for your service brother glad we could give u the gift of chisel one of our finest

@ceeejay9112

Lucky man!!! ....also we're lucky for yr service!

@chriskelly9476

Ian Moss played for the Aussie troops in East Timor 13 or 14 years ago, just him by himself. Some young ones only knew him as the "guitarist from Cold Chisel" but after his show that night he got plenty of new fans of his own. Great experience.

@geraldineroach8614

They will neverdie

@sujansigdel7504

Respect sir!!!!

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@puupilo96746

I flew to Australia from LA in November 1979. This song was being played all over the radio in Sydney. I ended up buying a CD and bringing it home with me. I still just love this song.

@katehenderson8194

Itā€™s a shame that they didnā€™t crack the American market.. Jimmie only got famous over your way as the ā€˜screaming cowboyā€™ lol šŸ˜…

@jackievanhorn8137

Me too in 81,same thing !

@bradleywicenciak8005

Umm there were no CDs in 79

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