When the War Is Over

Cold Chisel

About When the War Is Over

"When the War Is Over" is a power ballad of Australian band Cold Chisel from their 1982 album Circus Animals. The song was written by drummer Steve Prestwich and issued as the third single from the album, peaking at #25 on the national singles chart, and also resurfaced in August 2011 due to download sales (peaking at #82 on the ARIA chart). In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "When the War Is Over" was ranked number 61.  


Year:
1982
4:25
2,215 
#5

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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

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Cold Chisel

Cold Chisel is a rock band that originated in Adelaide, Australia. It had chart success from the late 70s up until their most recent album releases since 2011, with nine albums making the Australian top ten. However, its success and acclaim was almost completely restricted to Australia and New Zealand. more »

2 fans

Written by: STEVE PRESTWICH

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Origin
"Cold Chisel" is an Australian band which originally formed in Adelaide, South Australia in 1973. Their iconic song "When the War Is Over" was released in 1982.
Album Information
The song is taken from the band's fourth studio album, "Circus Animals". The album was a big commercial success, going to number one on the Australian charts.
Song Creation
"When the War Is Over" was written by the band's drummer, Steve Prestwich. This was an unusual move, as the majority of the band's songs were penned by their lead vocalist, Jimmy Barnes, or keyboardist Don Walker.
Music Video
Unusually for the time, there was no official music video made for the song.
Song Meaning
The song is not, as some might presume, about a literal war, but rather about personal conflict and recovery - such as the end of a romantic relationship or battling personal inner demons.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists including Little Heroes, The Angels, and even by former Cold Chisel band member, Jimmy Barnes, for his 1993 album "Flesh and Wood".
Popularity
"When the War Is Over" has remained a popular and enduring song in Australia, consistently ranking in various lists of 'greatest Australian songs'.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, "When the War Is Over" was not performed live by the band until 2009, during their 'Ringside’ tour.
Sales
The song was not released as a single in Australia, but it was included on the album, "Circus Animals," which was certified quadruple platinum in Australia.
Legacy
"When The War Is Over" is now considered a classic of Australian rock, with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody resounding with generations of music lovers.

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