"Khe Sahn" is a song by Australian singer Jimmy Barnes, released in 1978. The song tells the story of Vietnam War veterans and their struggles upon returning home after the war. The lyrics depict the protagonist leaving his heart to the soldiers stationed at Khe Sahn, a US combat base in Vietnam. He symbolically sells his soul with his cigarettes to the black market, showcasing the hardships and compromises faced during the war. The protagonist then describes experiencing the "Vietnam cold turkey," suggesting the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life. From the ocean to the silver city, possibly referring to traveling from Vietnam to Sydney, he expresses that only other veterans truly understand what they went through. The lyrics also touch on the disappointment of the long-forgotten promises made, where there were no heroes celebrated on Victory Day in 1973. As the protagonist sails into Sydney Harbor, he sees an old friend but cannot emotionally reconnect, highlighting the emotional distance and trauma experienced. The song speaks of the emptiness felt by many veterans after the war, until they find their chosen one, someone who understands them. It also criticizes the closed minds and suburban chains that hold back these veterans from fully recovering. The protagonist mentions working across the country, searching for a place to settle down and escape his troubled past. He recalls working on an oil rig and flying helicopters, but the fast-paced and chaotic night life drives him to the brink. He continues to travel the world aimlessly, facing each year feeling lost and worn out. He revisits Southeast Asia but finds no answers, ultimately deciding to drift north and explore further. Towards the end of the song, the protagonist boards the last plane out of Sydney, heading to Hong Kong. He seeks solace in the kisses of a jaded Chinese princess, knowing he will indulge in the nightlife and pleasures of Hong Kong. The repeated phrase "the last plane out of Sydney's almost gone" reflects the urgency and anxiety in the protagonist's life. He feels trapped and directionless, but also acknowledges the limitations of time and opportunities. Overall, "Khe Sahn" explores the struggles, disillusionment, and search for purpose experienced by Vietnam War veterans after returning home, capturing the emotional toll and challenges faced by those affected by war.
