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.
US Forces
Midnight Oil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more
Divided world the CIA, who controls the issue
You leave us with no time to talk, you can write your assessment
Sing me songs of no denying, seems to me too many trying
Waiting for the next big thing
Now market movements call the shots, business deals in parking lots
Waiting for the meat of tomorrow
Sing me songs
Everyone is too stoned to start emission
People too scared to go to prison
We're unable to make decision
Political party line don't cross that floor
Lt. Ron Hubbard can't save your life
Superboy takes a plutonium wife
In the shadow of Ban The Bomb we live
Sing me songs
"US Forces" is a song by Australian rock band Midnight Oil that was released in 1982. The song's lyrics talk about the impact of the US military on Australia and other countries around the world. The opening lines "US Forces give the nod, it's a setback for your country" speaks to the notion that Australia is often seen as obedient to the United States, and that sometimes comes at a cost to the Australian people.
The song goes on to criticize the tactics and actions of the military, including "Bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more." It also questions who is really in control: "Divided world the CIA, who controls the issue." The lyrics suggest that the US military is not interested in diplomacy or negotiation: "You leave us with no time to talk, you can write your assessment."
The chorus "Sing me songs of no denying, seems to me too many trying, waiting for the next big thing" encourages people to be more critical and nuanced in their thinking about politics and global affairs. The song suggests that people need to be more aware of the real impact of military action and more willing to question government policies.
Line by Line Meaning
US Forces give the nod, it's a setback for your country
The presence and actions of the US military signal a hindrance to progress for other countries.
Bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more
Warfare continues on a seemingly endless and destructive course with no real resolution.
Divided world the CIA, who controls the issue
The intelligence agency of the US is involved in shaping global politics in ways that incite division and conflict.
You leave us with no time to talk, you can write your assessment
Dialogue is not being prioritized as a means of resolving conflict, and assessments of the situation are likely skewed.
Sing me songs of no denying, seems to me too many trying
Amidst the chaos and confusion caused by war, there are those who still speak out and try to make a difference.
Waiting for the next big thing
Hope for change and progress hinges on the arrival of some undetermined future event or circumstance.
Will you know it when you see it, high risk children dogs of war
Whether or not positive change is recognized when it occurs, those most affected by war are often young and vulnerable.
Now market movements call the shots, business deals in parking lots
Power and decision-making are increasingly dictated by economic interests rather than ethical or moral considerations.
Waiting for the meat of tomorrow
There is a sense of anticipation for a future where peace and prosperity may be possible.
Everyone is too stoned to start emission
People are apathetic or distracted by other concerns to actively address issues affecting the environment.
People too scared to go to prison
The threat of punishment or persecution deters people from taking action or protesting against governmental policies.
We're unable to make decision
The complexity and severity of global issues make it difficult to make informed and ethical decisions.
Political party line don't cross that floor
Political polarization and the prioritization of party loyalty can hinder meaningful collaboration and problem-solving.
Lt. Ron Hubbard can't save your life
Reliance on charismatic leaders or grandiose ideologies will not provide salvation or solutions to complex problems.
Superboy takes a plutonium wife
The pursuit of power and control often comes at the expense of human lives and the environment.
In the shadow of Ban The Bomb we live
The threat of nuclear war and the fallout from atomic testing casts a long shadow over daily life and global politics.
Sing me songs
Despite the challenging circumstances, there remains a desire for hope and the power of music to promote unity and inspire change.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES MOGINIE, MARTIN ROTSEY, PETER GARRETT, PETER GIFFORD, ROBERT HIRST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind