Pictures
Midnight Oil Lyrics


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I just want to see that clear clear light
Don't want to be a member of a species that's deceasing
Keep on making those promises that they aren't keeping

Oh I was a talking to the people next door
Said they don't want to die in a nuclear war
Now we went walking down the old north road
We got a common cause we got a heavy heavy load

Watching pictures of the world
Watching pictures as they pass me by
Don't stop at that light
Don't go out at night
My artificial heart
Expensive spare parts

I've been a sailor on the sea I've been a flier in the air
I've seen a whole lot of bleeding hearts out there
They don't talk so much I tell you they still care

They can't go on living like this they can't go on

Don't sit around in silence you don't need a license
It's moving in a hurry there's no need to worry




We're really going to change it the critical mass approaches
I can almost hear it

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Midnight Oil's "Pictures" seems to express a desire for clarity and truth in a world that seems to be full of deception and broken promises. The singer wants to see the "clear light" and not be part of a "species that's deceasing" (a possible reference to humanity slowly dying out due to its own actions). The second verse takes on a more political angle as the singer talks to their neighbors about not wanting to die in a nuclear war. The sense of urgency and concern is underscored by the line "we got a common cause we got a heavy heavy load." The chorus seems to be a warning of sorts, urging the listener to be wary of the world around them and to not take unnecessary risks. The final verse takes a somewhat hopeful turn, expressing the belief that people still care and want to make a change, and that a critical mass of motivated individuals is approaching.


Line by Line Meaning

I just want to see that clear clear light
The singer wants clarity and understanding in their life.


Don't want to be a member of a species that's deceasing
The singer is worried about the decline of humanity and does not want to be part of it.


Keep on making those promises that they aren't keeping
Politicians make promises that they don't keep, and it's frustrating to the singer.


Oh I was a talking to the people next door
The artist is communicating with others in their community.


Said they don't want to die in a nuclear war
The artist's neighbors are concerned about nuclear war.


Now we went walking down the old north road
The singer and others are going on a journey towards a common goal.


We got a common cause we got a heavy heavy load
The singer and their companions are committed to a significant cause.


Watching pictures of the world
The artist is observing the state of the world.


Watching pictures as they pass me by
The world is changing quickly, and the artist is struggling to keep up.


Don't stop at that light
The artist is urging their companion to keep moving forward towards their goal.


Don't go out at night
The singer is warning against potential danger or darkness.


My artificial heart
The artist is referring to the artificiality of modern society.


Expensive spare parts
The problems in society require significant resources and investment to fix.


I've been a sailor on the sea I've been a flier in the air
The singer has lived a varied life with different experiences.


I've seen a whole lot of bleeding hearts out there
The singer has observed many people with good intentions but little action.


They don't talk so much I tell you they still care
People who are quiet can still be passionate and care deeply.


They can't go on living like this they can't go on
The current state of the world is unsustainable, and change is needed.


Don't sit around in silence you don't need a license
People need to speak up and take action without waiting for permission.


It's moving in a hurry there's no need to worry
Change is happening quickly, and while it may be a cause for concern, it is necessary.


We're really going to change it the critical mass approaches
The artist and their companions are determined to make a significant difference in the world.


I can almost hear it
The artist can sense that change is imminent.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN MOLKO, MARTIN BUTTRICH, TIMO MAAS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

canonegro666

These guys will always be music gods!

Lily

When I was in primary school. I would take my Mums videos cds, look for this song and play it on repeat until I was sad or I woke the house hold up. Music is the best way to reach anyone ❤ thanks midnight oil for everything you’ve done. R.i.p Bones ❤️

Rubén Martínez Hernández

Great song, great message. We must protect the planet.

Astrostevo

Thanks for putting this online. Taken me awhile to find it from a vague memory. Great song, great visuals, great quote.

Jason Barbush

i felt bad when a carried a bug to another place. that's how sensitive one can be when it comes to love for wildlife. amazing.

Lincoln Fleming

Midnight Oil is the best political band out there.

Jason Barbush

'not about politics it's about poetry and peace

Astrostevo

Love this song and clip. Thankyou.

Paloma Correa

Fodão!

Astrostevo

This still resonates powerfully today - even louder in fact given Human Induced Rapid Global Overheating. Wonder if the current stats are still as grim or worse?

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