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.
In the Valley
Midnight Oil Lyrics
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The rising sun sent him floating to his rest
And his wife fled south to Sydney seeking out safe harbor
A North Shore matron she became with some paying guests
My father went down with the curse of big cities
Traffic tolls and deadlines took him to his peace
Now Bob Dyer glued us to our seats
Whilst Menzies fawned at royal fleet do you remember?
In the valley I walk, I took some comfort there
In the valley I walk, cold comfort I can hear you talk
In the valley I walk, who will take me there?
When my mother went down it was a stiff arm from Hades
Life surprises and tears you like the southerly
She always welcomed the spring always welcomed the stranger
I don't see too many around like this
Oh no, that's what I'm looking for, yeah, what we're looking for
In the valley I walk - who will take me there
In the valley I walk - cold comfort I can hear you talk
In the valley I walk - I took some comfort there
In the valley I walk - oh rough justice I hear you talk
In the valley I walk - to meet my watershed
I hope virtue brings it's own reward
And I hope the pen is mightier than any sword
I hope the kids will take it slow
I hope my country claims it's own
In the valley I walk - I cried yes I cried I was down then I crawled
Mercy's arms all around me when I was down there
In the valley I walk - do you read me they can hear me in the valley
The song "In the Valley" by Midnight Oil is a melancholic reflection on life, loss, and the search for comfort and meaning. The lyrics speak of the singer's family members who have all faced their own struggles and passed away, leaving behind those who are left to walk through the metaphorical valley of life. The song's opening lines describe the singer's grandfather's death, as he went down with the Montevideo, a ship that sunk during WWI. His wife, the singer's grandmother, sought refuge in Sydney and became a North Shore matron.
The second verse describes the singer's father, who passed away due to the stress and demands of the city. The lyrics reflect on the time period of when the singer was growing up, watching Bob Dyer on TV and admiring well-manicured lawns while the country's leader, Menzies, fawned over the royal fleet. The third verse speaks of the singer's mother, who faced her own struggles before her passing but was always welcoming and kind to others, even strangers.
The chorus repeats the phrase "In the valley I walk" four times, representing the singer's search for comfort and meaning in life. The final verse expresses hope for the future - that virtue will bring its own reward, that the written word will be more powerful than violence, and that the younger generation will take things slower while the country reclaims its identity.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys through life's valleys and to recognize the importance of finding comfort and empathy for oneself and for others.
Line by Line Meaning
My grandfather went down with the MonteVideo
My grandfather tragically died when the ship he was on sank.
The rising sun sent him floating to his rest
He passed away and was sent ashore by the waves.
And his wife fled south to Sydney seeking out safe harbor
My grandmother sought refuge in Sydney to escape danger.
A North Shore matron she became with some paying guests
She became a matron in North Shore, renting out rooms to guests for income.
My father went down with the curse of big cities
My father succumbed to the stress and pressures of city life.
Traffic tolls and deadlines took him to his peace
Traffic and deadlines contributed to his death and brought him peace.
Now Bob Dyer glued us to our seats
We were glued to the television by Bob Dyer's shows.
And lawns were always Victa neat
People obsessively kept their lawns perfectly trimmed with Victa mowers.
Whilst Menzies fawned at royal fleet do you remember?
This refers to former Prime Minister Menzies fawning over the British royal fleet, asking if listeners remember it.
In the valley I walk, I took some comfort there
The valley is a place where I find solace and comfort.
In the valley I walk, cold comfort I can hear you talk
I seek comfort in the valley, but I can still hear the negative things people say.
In the valley I walk, who will take me there?
I am lost and seeking guidance to help me navigate through life's challenges.
When my mother went down it was a stiff arm from Hades
My mother passed away after a difficult battle with fate or misfortune.
Life surprises and tears you like the southerly
Life can be unpredictable and harsh, like the cold southerly winds.
She always welcomed the spring always welcomed the stranger
My mother was kind and hospitable, always welcoming of new beginnings and people.
I don't see too many around like this
It's hard to find people with that kind of warmth and generosity nowadays.
Oh no, that's what I'm looking for, yeah, what we're looking for
We all crave and seek that kind of genuine warmth, kindness and acceptance.
In the valley I walk - who will take me there
I am searching for guidance and direction, looking for someone to take me out of my difficulties.
In the valley I walk - cold comfort I can hear you talk
I find some comfort in the valley, but there are still people who speak negatively about me.
In the valley I walk - I took some comfort there
I find solace and comfort in the valley.
In the valley I walk - oh rough justice I hear you talk
I am aware of the injustice in the world that continues to impact my life in the valley.
In the valley I walk - to meet my watershed
I journey through the valley, towards a turning point in my life where I can start anew.
I hope virtue brings it's own reward
I believe that doing the right thing will bring its own rewards.
And I hope the pen is mightier than any sword
I hope that through writing, I can make a greater impact and effect positive change.
I hope the kids will take it slow
I hope younger generations will take things slowly, appreciate life and not rush into things.
I hope my country claims it's own
I hope my country takes ownership of its identity and heritage.
In the valley I walk - I cried yes I cried I was down then I crawled
I am honest about the difficult times in my life and have been brought to my knees.
Mercy's arms all around me when I was down there
Despite the hardships, I was able to find mercy and help when I needed it most.
In the valley I walk - do you read me they can hear me in the valley
Despite feeling lost, I feel like my words and actions still have an impact and can be heard.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES MOGINIE, MARTIN ROTSEY, PETER GARRETT, ROBERT HIRST, WAYNE STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind