Formed in 1992, the band originally comprised Tim Freedman (lead vocals, piano), Stevie Plunder (lead vocals, guitar) and Andy Lewis (double bass, backing vocals). The line-up has changed many times over the years with Tim the only consistent member of the band, not to mention the only original member still alive. In the current line-up Terepai Richmond hits the drums, Warwick Hornsby plays the bass, and Jak Housden steals the scene on the electric guitar alongside the ever-present Tim Freedman.
Their style of music has been described as muscular piano based pop/rock, however it has been quite varied over the life of the band. Their latest album is titled Little Cloud and is a double album, separated by the two themes of New York and Tim's homeland Sydney.
The band played their final shows in 2010, taking an extended break for Freedman to pursue a solo career.
In 2012, the band were announced as one of the headliners of the Caloundra Music Festival on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Blow Up the Pokies
The Whitlams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two red lights and a dodgy P.A
You trod the planks way back then
And it's strange that you're here again
Here again
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To make you feel better
Walk out of this place
And defeat them in your secret battle
Show them you can be your own man again
Don't, don't explain
Lots of little victories take on the pain
It takes so long to earn
You can double up or
You can burn, you can burn
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To make you feel better
Walk out of this place
And defeat them in your secret battle
Show them you can be your own man again
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To blow up the Pokies and
Drag them away
Cause they're taking the food off the table
So they can say that the trains run on time
Flashing lights - It's a real show
And your wife - I wouldn't go home
But little bundles need care
And you can't be a father there
Father there
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To make you feel better
Walk out of this place
And defeat them in your secret battle
Show them you can be your own man again
Show them you can be your own man again
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To blow up the Pokies and
Drag them away
Cause they're taking the food off the table
So they can say that the trains run on time
Another man there was made the trains run on time
The Whitlams's song Blow Up the Pokies is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of gambling addiction. The song begins with a nostalgic reflection on a past stage performance - a reminder of a time when life was simpler and dreams were more easily attainable. However, the song quickly takes a darker turn, as it becomes clear that the singer is struggling with a gambling addiction that has taken over his life. He is trapped in a cycle of defeat and self-doubt, and is at a loss as to how to break free from the hold that the pokie machines have on him.
The lyrics express a longing for a way to make things better, to find the "right words" that will help the singer defeat his addiction and regain control of his life. However, the reality is that the road to recovery is a long and difficult one, with many small victories and setbacks along the way. The song is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that gambling addiction can have on individuals and families, and a call to action to take steps to address this issue.
Line by Line Meaning
There was the stage
Referring to a past era of someone's life when they performed on stage.
Two red lights and a dodgy P.A
An image of a low budget performance venue with limited resources.
You trod the planks way back then
You used to perform on stage in the past.
And it's strange that you're here again. Here again
It's unusual that you have returned to this kind of environment again.
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To make you feel better
Walk out of this place
And defeat them in your secret battle
Show them you can be your own man again
Expressing a desire to help someone regain their confidence and independence, by suggesting they leave a negative environment and overcome their personal struggles.
Don't, don't explain
Lots of little victories take on the pain
It takes so long to earn
You can double up or
You can burn, you can burn
Encouraging someone to focus on the small successes and to keep persevering, despite the difficulties they may face.
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To blow up the Pokies and
Drag them away
Cause they're taking the food off the table
So they can say that the trains run on time
Expressing frustration towards gambling machines that take money from people in order to fund public transport infrastructure.
Flashing lights - It's a real show
And your wife - I wouldn't go home
But little bundles need care
And you can't be a father there
Father there
Describing the addictive and alluring nature of gambling machines, despite the negative impact it can have on family life.
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To make you feel better
Walk out of this place
And defeat them in your secret battle
Show them you can be your own man again
Show them you can be your own man again
Repeating the desire to help someone overcome their struggles and regain their independence.
And I wish I, wish I knew the right words
To blow up the Pokies and
Drag them away
Cause they're taking the food off the table
So they can say that the trains run on time
Another man there was made the trains run on time
Highlighting the irony that gambling machines, which cause harm to individuals and their families, are being used to fund public transport infrastructure, while at the same time acknowledging the historical use of authoritarian tactics to enforce punctuality.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind