Formed in 1992, the band originally comprised Tim Freedman (lead vocals, piano), Stevie Plunder (lead vocals, guitar) and Andy Lewis (double bass, backing vocals). The line-up has changed many times over the years with Tim the only consistent member of the band, not to mention the only original member still alive. In the current line-up Terepai Richmond hits the drums, Warwick Hornsby plays the bass, and Jak Housden steals the scene on the electric guitar alongside the ever-present Tim Freedman.
Their style of music has been described as muscular piano based pop/rock, however it has been quite varied over the life of the band. Their latest album is titled Little Cloud and is a double album, separated by the two themes of New York and Tim's homeland Sydney.
The band played their final shows in 2010, taking an extended break for Freedman to pursue a solo career.
In 2012, the band were announced as one of the headliners of the Caloundra Music Festival on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Make the World Safe
The Whitlams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With your Desdemona's eyes
I'll keep you from danger
And shield you from prying eyes
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Nothin' bad'll happen now
I've got a problem
I think you know how I feel
Plans piling up in the corner
Eyeballing me every hour
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Nothin' bad'll happen now
Nothin' bad'll happen now
I've got a balcony (got a balcony)
And an orange tree (and an orange tree)
You can save up and visit New York with me (visit New York with me)
You can save up and visit New York with me (visit New York with me)
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Nothing bad at all
You've got no money
So I know how you feel (feel)
When you see the glitter (turn around)
Turn around it's no big deal
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Nothin' bad at all (bad at all, come and live over here)
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
Nothin' bad'll happen now
Nothin' bad'll happen now
I can make the world safe for you
Come and live over here
I can make the world safe for you
The lyrics to The Whitlams's song, "Make the World Safe" speaks to the idea of protection and safety, offering a refuge in a chaotic, dangerous world. The opening lines "I know they all want you with your Desdemona's eyes" suggests that the person being addressed is desirable, and there are people who are after them. The singer then offers to keep them safe from harm and shield them from prying eyes. The repetition of "I can make the world safe for you" reinforces the sentiment of safety and security, and it becomes the song's central theme.
As the song progresses, the singer reveals that they have a problem, possibly alluding to their own feelings for the person they are addressing. However, they maintain that they can make the world safe for them, promising an escape from the pressures of the outside world. The lines "I've got a balcony and an orange tree, you can save up and visit New York with me" provide a sense of a peaceful, idyllic life that the singer is offering.
In the final verse, the singer acknowledges that the person addressed has no money, but they reassure them that they can still make the world safe for them by providing a safe space away from the "glitter" and distractions of the world. The song ultimately portrays a loving and protective relationship, and the desire to keep someone safe from harm and ensure that they feel secure in a dangerous world.
Line by Line Meaning
I know they all want you
I understand that many people are attracted to you
With your Desdemona's eyes
Because of your beautiful eyes that resemble those of Desdemona in the book Othello
I'll keep you from danger
I will protect you from harm and danger
And shield you from prying eyes
I will also defend you from unwanted attention or scrutiny
I can make the world safe for you (I can make the world safe for you)
I have the ability to provide safety and security for you in this world
Come and live over here
I invite you to come and live with me in a safe and protected environment
Nothin' bad'll happen now
You can trust that nothing bad will occur while under my care
I've got a problem
I have a difficulty or issue to deal with
I think you know how I feel
I believe that you are familiar with my emotions and thoughts
Plans piling up in the corner
I have many plans or responsibilities that are constantly accumulating
Eyeballing me every hour
These plans or responsibilities are always on my mind, and I am always thinking about them
I've got a balcony (got a balcony)
I possess a balcony, which is a feature of my home
And an orange tree (and an orange tree)
I also have an orange tree, which is a type of plant that produces fruit
You can save up and visit New York with me (visit New York with me)
You can accumulate the necessary funds and travel to New York with me
You've got no money
You do not currently possess any funds or income
So I know how you feel (feel)
Therefore, I understand your situation and emotions
When you see the glitter (turn around)
When you encounter the allure or temptation of wealth or material possessions
Turn around it's no big deal
Simply turn away from it, as it is not significant or important
Nothin' bad at all
There is absolutely nothing negative or adverse
bad at all, come and live over here)
In fact, everything will be positive and good, so you should come live with me in this safe environment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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