The band split in 2002 to allow Garrett to focus on his political career. He became a member of the Australian House of Representatives and the was the Australian Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts from 2007-2010. From 2010, he was the Australian Minister for Education. Garrett did not stand for re-election in 2013. The band has reunited since then for two benefit concerts: the 2005 WaveAid concert for Indian Ocean Tsunami victims and in March 2009 the band reformed for two shows in Canberra as a warm up for "Sound Relief" in Melbourne, a benefit concert for the Victorian Bushfire victims.
The Oils, as they are known to their fans, began as a progressive rock band called Farm in the early 1970s, then under the Midnight Oil name developed a reputation as an impressive and hard-working live act associated with the surfing community of Sydney. They became one of Australia's most respected bands, known for their live performances, and also for their activism and support for community groups and causes.
Midnight Oil's first two albums Midnight Oil and Head Injuries were originally released on an independent label, followed by the EP Bird Noises in 1980. Their third album, Place without a Postcard, was recorded in Great Britain with the respected producer Glyn Johns (Led Zeppelin, The Who) on the back of a brief tour of the UK.
Their fourth album, 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 (spoken as "10 to 1"), marked both the Oil's major Australian breakthrough and the beginning of their successful association with producer Nick Launay. This album also saw considerable success in the college radio scene of the US, prompting a tour of North America.
Following on from 10-1, the Oils with Nick Launay recorded the fifth album Red Sails in the Sunset during a three month stint in Tokyo in 1984, becoming the first known western band to record an entire album in Japan. Red Sails was reasonably successful in Australia, featuring songs like Best of Both Worlds and Kosciuszko, but the album's quirky, experimental sound failed to make major inroads overseas. Also during 1984, frontman Peter Garrett was narrowly defeated in an election for the New South Wales, representing the Nuclear Disarmament Party (NDP).
In 1985, following the release of the EP Species Deceases the Oils embarked on a career-changing tour of remote Aboriginal communities of outback Australia with legendary Aboriginal group, the Warumpi Band. The tour led to the recording of Midnight Oil's major international breakthrough success Diesel and Dust, released in 1987 which featured their biggest international hit Beds Are Burning. The following album Blue Sky Mining, released in 1990 had two songs that topped the US Modern Rock charts, Blue Sky Mine and Forgotten Years. Both Diesel and Dust and Blue Sky Mining were produced with Warne Livesey.
Between 1988 and 1992, the band's Diesel and Dust and Blue Sky Mining discs became known worldwide, as did their political activism for causes ranging from nuclear disarmament to aboriginal rights and environmental issues. Their subsequent albums sold less well outside Australia, but the Oils maintained a following throughout the 1990s and into the new century.
The Midnight Oil lineup remained quite stable over the band's long career: Garrett as lead singer and harmonica, Jim Moginie on guitar and keyboards, Martin Rotsey on guitar, and Rob Hirst on drums. Andrew (Bear) James, the first bass player, left in 1980 due to ill health. Peter Gifford replaced him and in turn quit the band in 1987 citing the pressures of touring. New Zealander Bones Hillman, (ex Swingers) replaced him, and remained with the group until its dissolution in 2002. Gary Morris was the band's manager and effective sixth member (often credited with the simple title "Business, no singing" on albums) throughout.
In 2004 Peter Garrett was elected to Federal Parliament as the Labor member for Kingsford-Smith in Sydney. In November 2007 he became Minister for Arts in the Australian government as a member of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's front bench. He retired from Parliament in 2013. Jim Moginie continues his involvement with music through his own band, The Family Dog and as a producer for artists such as Sarah Blasko. Rob Hirst is also involved with several musical projects such as Hirst and Greene, Ghostwriters, The Angry Tradesmen and The Backsliders. Moginie, Hirst and Martin Rotsey continue to play and record together in instrumental band The Break.
The band reformed in 2016, launched a world tour in 2017 and released the live album Armistice Day: Live at the Domain, Sydney with an accompanying film. 2020 saw the release of the mini-album called The Makarrata Project. Bass guitarist Bones Hillman died on 7 November 2020 of cancer. On 18 May 2021, the band announced their upcoming thirteenth album, Show of Hands, the last recordings to feature Hillman. The first single, released on 28 October, was Rising Seas.
Blot
Midnight Oil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The presumption of innocence was buried again
Carve up-sell off
Triumphalism gotta be a curse or even worse
It's inherited it's recurring, oh God
I have walked I have swum I've hitchhiked and
I've run do you know what I mean
Know what I've seen
The triumphalist and narcissist are joined ear
And hip and phone
They're worshiping their chrome
Carve up-sell off
Some people speak with chainsaw tongue,
Some just golden arches smile
Some relish others suffering, some just run and hide
I have dreamed I have schemed I have made
Myself clean do you know what I mean
I have sat I have strayed got caught up
And I prayed do you know what I've seen
The story's just the same but the ending it can change
He wants to build a monument it's everlasting in cement
It's cellular recombinant he is not lite he will not die
Carve up-sell off
Gonna pick up all the pieces they're available from species
With all the goat and all the sheep and all the
Human bits and pieces but he'll make you
Sign the DNA releases, welcome
In the year of the reign of the real citizen kane,
Wilkommen, the squeeze is on, it's a falling down on thou and I
“Blot” by Midnight Oil is a powerful song that speaks about the selling off and carving up of nature, the environment, and ultimately of people's lives. The lyrical tone is sharp and heavy, speaking to the indignation that comes from witnessing the erosion of justice, conservation, and human rights. The opening lines call for attention to be given to a presumption of innocence that has been lost somewhere, buried in the ground under our feet. Throughout the song, the message is that triumphalism, the arrogance and selfishness of those who are privileged, is inherited and recurring.
The succeeding verses delve into the singer’s many experiences and what occurs around him: the people who worship their chrome, and those who revel in the suffering of others. The singer witnesses what is happening, has dreams about what might change, and opts to stay clean no matter what. Ultimately, the song suggests that it is time to pick up the pieces before it is too late. The final verses describe a monumental building that resembles lasting genetic manipulation, the selling off of living beings, and the squeezing of all people in the name of real power. The ending speaks of a society falling down on us, and our reality as citizens embodying the reign of real power.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome stranger listen in
The singer is addressing the listener and asking for their attention.
The presumption of innocence was buried again
The idea of being innocent until proven guilty is being lost or disregarded.
Carve up-sell off
Assets are being divided and sold, likely for profit.
Triumphalism gotta be a curse or even worse
Being too celebratory or boastful can be harmful or have negative consequences.
It's inherited it's recurring, oh God
These problems are not new and they keep happening despite our efforts to prevent them.
I have walked I have swum I've hitchhiked and
I've run do you know what I mean
The singer has traveled in various ways and is asking if the listener understands.
I have sat with my beer in the EH drive in do you
Know what I've seen
The singer has had experiences at a specific location and is asking if the listener can relate.
The triumphalist and narcissist are joined ear
And hip and phone
They're worshiping their chrome
Those who are boastful and self-centered are connected and obsessed with their technology.
Some people speak with chainsaw tongue,
Some just golden arches smile
Some relish others suffering, some just run and hide
People have different ways of communicating or dealing with others, some of which can be harmful.
I have dreamed I have schemed I have made
Myself clean do you know what I mean
I have sat I have strayed got caught up
And I prayed do you know what I've seen
The artist has had various experiences and wants to know if the listener can understand.
The story's just the same but the ending it can change
He wants to build a monument it's everlasting in cement
It's cellular recombinant he is not lite he will not die
Similar problems keep happening but they can be resolved. A person desires to create something that will last forever and can't be killed.
Carve up-sell off
Assets are being divided and sold, likely for profit.
Gonna pick up all the pieces they're available from species
With all the goat and all the sheep and all the
Human bits and pieces but he'll make you
Sign the DNA releases, welcome
A person plans to collect and utilize various resources, including those from animals and humans. They will require others to sign certain agreements or contracts.
In the year of the reign of the real citizen kane,
Wilkommen, the squeeze is on, it's a falling down on thou and I
Referring to a powerful figure, things are becoming difficult for everyone and worsening.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER GARRETT, ROBERT HIRST, JAMES MOGINIE, MARTIN ROTSEY, WAYNE STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind