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.
I'm The Cure
Midnight Oil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell them again and again
Watching the walls, spinning in doors
I can bring you peace of mind
Use me whenever you please
Sweeter than sweet memories
Every thing's neat, avoiding the heat
All this pressure I can't handle
Every thing else becomes dim
You're so much better than them
Waiting around for something to happen
Bring you this instant relief
Kilo pascals in my finger
God is hiding in this teacup
The lyrics of "I'm the Cure" suggest a sense of desperation and isolation. The song is about a person who feels overwhelmed by the pressures of life and is seeking relief from it all. The opening lines, "Tell all your friends I'm the cure, Tell them again and again" are a plea for validation and recognition. This person wants others to know that they have the answer to their problems, that they can provide them with peace of mind.
The verse "Watching the walls, spinning in doors" conveys a sense of agitation and confusion, as if the person is trapped in a room with no way out. There's a feeling of claustrophobia that's enhanced by the way the verse is sung in a breathless, urgent tone. The following lines talk about how the person can be of use at any time, as they're able to provide instant relief from stress and anxieties. This person is like a drug that others can use whenever they want to escape from their problems.
The chorus suggests that the person singing the song is overwhelmed by everything around them, and they have found someone who brings them peace. The line "You're so much better than them" suggests that there is someone in their life who is helping them through their struggles. Overall, the song is a commentary on the struggles of modern life and the need for human connection and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell all your friends I'm the cure
Spread the word that I can provide a solution to your problems
Tell them again and again
Emphasize repeatedly to your friends that I am the answer
Watching the walls, spinning in doors
Feeling trapped and lost in life's obstacles
I can bring you peace of mind
I have the ability to calm your worries and provide comfort
Use me whenever you please
My aid is available at your convenience
Sweeter than sweet memories
My help is more satisfying than fond thoughts of the past
Every thing's neat, avoiding the heat
I will keep the situation calm and prevent any further trouble
I can give you peace of mind
I can provide you with mental tranquility
All this pressure I can't handle
I am unable to cope with the stress placed upon me
Every thing else becomes dim
All other aspects of life become insignificant when I am needed
You're so much better than them
Compared to others, you are deserving of my assistance
Waiting around for something to happen
Longing for change, but unable to make it on your own
Bring you this instant relief
I can offer immediate comfort and help
Kilo pascals in my finger
My internal stress is overwhelming me
God is hiding in this teacup
Finding solace and spirituality in small things
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER GARRETT, PETER GIFFORD, ROBERT HIRST, JAMES MOGINIE, MARTIN ROTSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind