When the War Is Over
Cold Chisel Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away

When the war is over
Got to get away
Pack my bag to no place
In no time no day
You and I we used each other's shoulder
Still so young but somehow so much older
How can I go home and not get
Blown away

You and I had our sights set
On something
Hope this doesn't mean our days are numbered
I got plans for more than a wanted man
All around this chaos and madness
Can't help feeling nothing more than sadness
Only choice to face it the best I can

When the war is over
Got to start again
Try to hold a trace of what it was
Back then
You and I we sent each other stories
Just a page I'm lost in all its glory
How can I go home and not get blown away

Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away

Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away




Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cold Chisel's song "When the War Is Over" speak to the turmoil and uncertainty of a post-war society. The singer is haunted by the memories of the war and struggles to find a way to move on with his life. He talks about packing his bags and getting away from it all but realizes that he cannot escape the emotional baggage that he carries with him. He expresses his sadness and feeling of being lost without the person he relied on during the war.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away," which serves as a reminder to the singer that he must hold on and not let his guard down, emotionally speaking. He knows that his heart has been through a lot and that he must protect it from further harm.


The second verse reveals the singer's hope for a better future, one where he can build a life beyond the war. He has plans and aspirations that go beyond just surviving day to day, but he fears that the chaos and madness of the war will never truly leave him. He and his comrades traded stories during the war, finding comfort in each other's company, but now that he is alone, the memories are overwhelming – leaving him lost in their glory.


In the end, the singer acknowledges that he must face his feelings of sadness and loss head-on, with the only choice being to face it the best he can. He wants to hold on to just a trace of the past and the person he was before the war, despite knowing that he cannot go back to that time.


Overall, "When the War Is Over" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the universal experience of those who have endured war and the difficult journey that is undertaken to find a way to cope with the memories left behind.


Line by Line Meaning

Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
No one can take my heart from me


Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
My heart is mine and cannot be taken by anyone


When the war is over
After a time of conflict and struggle has ended


Got to get away
I need to leave


Pack my bag to no place
I have to pack my things and go somewhere random


In no time no day
Soon enough


You and I we used each other's shoulder
We leaned on each other for support


Still so young but somehow so much older
Though young, we have grown and matured quickly


How can I go home and not get blown away
How can I return home without being devastated by what I've experienced?


You and I had our sights set on something
We had goals and dreams we were working toward


Hope this doesn't mean our days are numbered
I hope this doesn't mean we won't survive


I got plans for more than a wanted man
I have hopes and ambitions beyond being a criminal


All around this chaos and madness
The world is chaotic and insane


Can't help feeling nothing more than sadness
I can't help but feel overwhelmingly sad


Only choice to face it the best I can
My only option is to confront it as best I can


Got to start again
I have to begin anew


Try to hold a trace of what it was
I want to remember what existed before


Back then
In the past


You and I we sent each other stories
We used to exchange stories with each other


Just a page I'm lost in all its glory
I am captivated by the beauty of a single page


Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
No one can take my heart from me


Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
My heart is mine and cannot be taken by anyone


Ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away
No one can take my heart from me




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVE PRESTWICH

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

@1978SOOTY

My twin daughters found out on Friday the 4th of November 2022 that their best friend Seth committed suicide in his back yard. At 19 he had his whole future ahead of him, charitable, nice to a fault and handsome. He was paying of his first house, worked hard and we all loved him, I even called him my mate. We used to listen all the same music for Gods sake. There was no sign that he was contemplating this, even had plan to go to Good Things with my daughters in December. As I sat around consoling my daughters and their friends while drinking my sadness away, this song comes up in my feed and it felt so right, like a sign from God himself.

I heard this song many times over the decades but that day last week, these lyrics hit me like a thunderbolt and now I'll never be able to play this song without seeing him. Once this war is over, we'll keep going starting a new chapter in our lives without him. But no one will ever steal the love he gave to my daughters and he will remain forever in our hearts.

Please, if you're in bad place and don't think you can make it, just remember there are people out there who will grieve for you. Talk to someone, there is no shame in feeling this way, reach out and share the burden and you will find a way to break free from that chain. We can't do this world alone.

No matter how dark it gets in life, there is always a sunrise not far away.

We will all miss you very much Seth.



@bumbleandprincess

WOW..................i just have 3 major comments to make.
1. To those who worry/comment about the 'thumbs down' to this song ..........Don't........you do NOT have to justify this song in any way. We know what a classic it is and how it re-ignites those 'old school' memories, in a time much forgotten and what it truly means to us. And in the end, that is all that matters.

2. In talking about 'old school memories'..........and those who appreciate will truly understand.........It takes us back to a time when life was so much simpler. Our biggest worry was what to wear on Saturday night to impress the ladies. We lived from payday to payday and our most stressful moment was.........would our favourite song be number 1 on the weekly countdown.

3. It is our escape from what total crap the world is now in.......................hatred, pandemic, global warming and prejudice.......something we dont understand and shake our heads at ...............what went wrong!!!!

This music is our 'escape' our 'salvation' and one of the few things that still bring a tear to the eye....and we wonder .......if only.................
So in being totally honest..................screw you - who dare to even try to take these moments from us and try to disrespect the few things that bring us so much joy.

you



@pandaeyes42

I can see her story

Parents raised her on Chisel.

More than likely this was the first time she saw them live.

That experience with a band you love can hit your right in the bones.

Power of music right there.



@bumbleandprincess

+Desiree Smith
hahaha Touche my friend..
Nothing better than just going for a nice long cruise in the Ute and listening to Cold Chisel to get the old cobwebs out of the head!!!


Always have CC playing when i have a BBQUE and if the young ones don't like it ......then they know they way to the door!!!
This is REAL MUSIC and it makes ME and the Mrs feel great .........so thats all that matters!!!!!


Big Jim (NZ).



@bumbleandprincess

+Anna Kimura


Kia Ora Anna,
I don't think anyone forgets that fact that so many innocent people died during this tragic war.
Yes the song is about what happened from an Australian soldiers perspective BUT comments weren't made regarding the rights, wrongs and horrors committed during this conflict.
The comments are about the SONG and the magical words, beat and performance - which is brilliant.


Many songs are about sad events in History - Paint it Black, I don't like Mondays and the list goes on.. and it is no disrespect to those who were involved.


Actually, maybe getting drunk and appreciating these songs is not a bad way to enjoy them ..... because we all know the meaning behind them.


I appreciate your comments and wish you a very Merry Xmas.


Big Jim (NZ)



@bumbleandprincess

+Anna Kimura

I think maybe we should just agree to disagree.
I appreciate and respect the fact that you obviously have strong feelings about this subject and i have no right to judge you.
Some people just enjoy the music because they like the music and don't think too much about the subject matter ...... I respect this fact ....whilst others think it is inappropriate......and i also respect their view.


I hope you don't feel too offended that others may not see things the way you do.......but in life....everyone has the right to enjoy music for different reasons.


Like i said before, i wish you and your Whanau (family) a very merry Xmas............. JIm.



All comments from YouTube:

@berniehand5528

This old veteran cannot listen to this great classic without having an emotional moment or a tear or two. Memorial Day is coming up soon, here in America. I served from 1966 til 1969. Many soldiers came home to nothingness , many never came home. All our well laid plans prior to serving were totally changed , but our love and our hearts remained in tact. We were just kids who had to adjust and start our lives over. God Bless the Aussie 3rd Brigade. You were and are special in my heart and mind.

@matthewwhitton2758

You’ve reduced me to tears, mate.

@roymoore3156

I wasn’t in combat, but served ten years 75-85…I’m as teary eyed and affected by the music of Cold Chisel as any vet might be. Thanks for your time in serving our country. God has blessed these guys in a big way. Australia was a great partner in our efforts in SE Asia, and remain today, I trust, a great friend of America.

@damienhuxtable1974

Thank you 😊

@thanhphojay2626

I’m Aussie and live in Vietnam. They are just extremely grateful the whole thing is over. They hold zero grudges. Lived in Vietnam for 10 years and never heard them say a bad word about you guys. ❤️

@vitaliscalixtrato

BOYS WHO TRULLY BECAME MEN OF MEN. STAY STRONG

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@KeithRowe100

Hard to believe that anybody, anywhere, anytime could have ever called Cold Chisel “just a pub rock band”. This is a musical masterpiece!!!

@ianbertenshaw4350

Best band of all time imho .

@omgomgomg

This comment needs more love

@wombathead87

Love having a few vb longnecks and listening to flame trees... while my boys kick a soccer ball around the backyard and hear them dad did you see that kick and what not... with the BBQ going. The feeling is why I'm here and keep going with the mundane side of life.

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