The band formed in Adelaide in 1973 as a heavy metal band called Orange around keyboard player Don Walker and original bassist Les Kascmarek and while hard rock remained at the core of their sound Cold Chisel displayed a remarkable versatility. When Kascmarek left in 1975, Walker became the major creative force of the band. Built around Walker's superb songwriting, the group also featured the dazzling guitar and vocal talents of Ian Moss and the enormously powerful lead vocals of Scottish immigrant Jimmy Barnes.
While typically classified as a hard-driving rock and roll band, the Chisel repertoire included such Australian anthems as the landmark Vietnam War song "Khe Sanh", "Bow River", "Flame Trees" and "Saturday Night", but also included thoughtful ballads like "Choir Girl" (written about the subject of abortion), pop-flavoured love songs like "My Baby" and caustic political statements like "Star Hotel", an attack on the late-70s government of Malcolm Fraser and inspired by a riot at a Newcastle pub. The music was not political in context, however Walker's songs were observations of everyday life within the Australian society and culture. One song from this period, "Misfits", which featured on the b-side to "My Baby", was written in the same vein as Chuck Berry, and was about homeless kids in the suburbs surrounding Sydney.
Cold Chisel weren't just a band, they were a lifestyle for many of their followers, who were known as some of the roughest in the land. This gave Chisel their hard living approach to their music and made them a tough live band as well. More than 30 years after they originally played together, they attract generation after generation of new listeners. This is also evidence of Chisel's dominance of the pub rock era. They are the only Australian band to have sold more records after breakup than before and are among other bands that have become transgenerational. "Khe Sanh" consistently ranks highly in lists of Australia's most popular songs and their music remains a staple of rock station playlists. The Ian Moss song "Never Before" (from the East LP) was chosen by FM rock station 2JJJ (Triple Jay) as the first record played on-air when the station made its transition from AM to FM in 1980.
By 1983 the band had reached the zenith of their career in Australia and with overseas markets reluctant to accept them, Cold Chisel began to disintegrate. Their abortive US sojourn was commemorated in Barnes' excoriating rocker "You Got Nothing I Want" from the Circus Animals album, an emotional volume created from the frustration of the bandβs experiences overseas.
Increasing internal tensions and the pressures of touring took their toll and Steve Prestwich -- who was often in conflict with Barnes -- left the band, to be replaced by veteran Australian drummer Ray Arnott (ex Spectrum). Shortly afterward, in 1984, Cold Chisel announced their split and a series of farewell concerts, for which Prestwich re-joined. That tour became a legend in itself and was not without incident when Barnes lost his voice before the Sydney shows, which then had to be rescheduled. The band's final performance was filmed for the documentary concert film The Last Stand, which remains to this day the best-selling concert film of any single Australian act.
In mid 2011 the group announced a series of upcoming concerts.
Lost
Cold Chisel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the last few survivors
Fall away, fall away
And I get a little lost sometimes
A little lost sometimes in the night
I get a little lost sometimes
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
All those feathers and fans
And unfinished symphonies
And you, with your broken plans
And your day's demands
And I get a little lost sometimes
A little lost sometimes in the night
I get a little lost sometimes
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
Outside, sirens, join and fade
Wired but alive we got it made
We got it made
And I get a little lost sometimes
A little lost sometimes in the night
I get a little lost sometimes
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
And I get a little lost sometimes
A little bit lost sometimes in the night
And I get a little lost sometimes
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
Yeah, that alright
I said I get a little lost sometimes
I get a little lost sometimes
In the night, yes I do
I get a little lost in the night
I get a little lost sometimes
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
And I, I get a little lost sometimes
Get a little lost sometimes in the night
I get a little lost
I get a little lost sometimes
Get a little lost sometimes that's alright
The lyrics to Cold Chisel's song "Lost" explore the theme of feeling disconnected and uncertain in life. The opening line, "Wired but alive at the break of the day," suggests a state of restlessness and vitality. The mention of survivors falling away indicates a sense of isolation and potential loss.
The chorus, "And I get a little lost sometimes, a little lost sometimes in the night, I get a little lost sometimes, a little bit lost sometimes that's alright," expresses the singer's admission of feeling lost and unsure at times. The repetition emphasizes the recurring nature of this feeling, while the acceptance that it is alright implies a certain level of resilience and self-assurance.
The second verse introduces the idea of time as a tease, symbolizing the passing of time with its feathers and fans. The mention of unfinished symphonies suggests unfulfilled aspirations or potential. The lines "And you, with your broken plans, and your day's demands" further allude to the struggles and challenges of daily life.
The bridge section describes the outside world with sirens fading in and out, creating a sense of chaos or urgency. The line "Wired but alive we got it made" suggests a way of coping or finding solace in the midst of uncertainty.
Overall, "Lost" conveys a sense of introspection and vulnerability while acknowledging that it is normal to feel lost or uncertain at times. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit in navigating through life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Wired but alive at the break of the day
Feeling energized and ready to take on the day's challenges
As the last few survivors
Like those who have endured difficult times and emerged stronger
Fall away, fall away
Disappear or move on from the struggles of the past
And I get a little lost sometimes
Occasionally feel unsure or confused about my path
A little lost sometimes in the night
Especially during moments of darkness or uncertainty
I get a little lost sometimes
Face moments of confusion or uncertainty
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
Accepting that it's okay to have moments of uncertainty
And time is a tease
The passage of time often brings challenges and unexpected twists
All those feathers and fans
Referring to distractions and superficial things that may hinder progress
And unfinished symphonies
Representing unfulfilled goals or dreams
And you, with your broken plans
Referring to someone with shattered aspirations or failed endeavors
And your day's demands
The pressures and responsibilities one faces each day
Outside, sirens, join and fade
The fluctuating sounds of emergency sirens in the distance
Wired but alive we got it made
Feeling both alert and vibrant, confident in our abilities
We got it made
We have succeeded and achieved success
Yeah, that alright
Acknowledging that it's okay to feel lost at times
I said I get a little lost sometimes
Reiterating the occasional feeling of confusion or uncertainty
In the night, yes I do
Specifically during dark or challenging moments
Get a little lost sometimes
Experience bouts of confusion or uncertainty
Get a little lost sometimes that's alright
Accepting that it's normal to feel uncertain at times
And I, I get a little lost sometimes
Expressing personal experiences of confusion or uncertainty
Get a little lost sometimes in the night
Feel uncertain or confused during darker periods
I get a little lost
Face moments of confusion or uncertainty
I get a little lost sometimes
Experience occasional bouts of confusion or uncertainty
A little bit lost sometimes that's alright
Accepting that it's okay to feel unsure at times
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
robelinda2
No Plans was a stunning album, one of their very best. Amazing they can still put out such quality songs!
Serj Tankian
@robelinda2 π€π»π€π»πΈπΈπ
Ray Vandergriff
Became a Cold Chisel fan about a week ago. I'm 38yrs old in Knoxville TN in the US. Great music old and new. Jimmy Barnes is the man. Too bad they didn't crossover in the 80s but still a great gem to find. Great back log of Chisel and solo stuff I get to dive into. Thanks for the great music!
steven parker
Welcome brother and enjoy.
Brad Nelson
Absolutely brilliant song, I cannot stop listening to it.
I look forward to the new album being released and can guarantee it will be in the cd player of the truck blasting away.
Mezmarize Hart
Is it just me or is this one of jimmys best songs
ruth smith
There are no shit song's
Daniel Mcgrath
Jimmy sings from his heart and we can feel this in his music.Continue to enjoy mate.
L. Lisa Wilson
Not just you - one of his best! He sounds Δ£reat!
Love Child
This a beautiful tune, a return to the old chisel sound I used to love!!