Power and the Passion
Midnight Oil
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People, wasting away in paradise Going backward, once in a while Moving ahead, falling behind What do you believe, what do you believe What do you believe is true Nothing they say makes a difference this way Nothing they say will do Take all the trouble that you can afford At least you won't have time to be bored Oh the power and the passion, oh the temper of the time Oh the power and the passion Sometimes you've got to take the hardest line Sun burnt faces around, with skin so brown Smiling zinc cream and crowds, Sundays the beach never a cloud Breathing eucalypti, pushing panel vans Stuff and munch junk food Laughing at the truth, 'cause Gough was tough till he hit the rough Uncle Sam and John were quite enough Too much of sunshine too much of sky It's enough to make you want to cry Oh the power I see buildings, clothing the sky, in paradise Sydney, nights are warm Daytime telly, blue rinse dawn Dad's so bad he lives in the pub, it's a underarms and football clubs Flat chat, Pine Gap, in every home a Big Mac And no one goes outback, that's that You take what you get and get what you please It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees Oh the power
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: JAMES MOGINIE, MARTIN ROTSEY, PETER GARRETT, PETER GIFFORD, ROBERT HIRST
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Band Formation"Power and the Passion" is a song by Australian rock band Midnight Oil from their sixth studio album, "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1".
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Release DetailsThe song was released in November 1982 as the second single from the album.
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Chart Performance"Power and the Passion" peaked at no. 8 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart and no. 28 on the New Zealand Singles Chart.
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Song ThemeThe song is an expression of social commentary, highlighting the grasping corruption of power and the historical injustices in Australia's past.
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Unique PerformanceThe track is noteworthy for its drum solo by Rob Hirst and Peter Garrett's vocals.
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Music VideoIn the music video for "Power and the Passion", Peter Garrett is seen dancing in his characteristic style, drawing attention to his unique presence and commitment to the song's message.
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Critics ReceptionAt the time of release, many critics hailed "Power and the Passion" as a powerful and compelling example of socially-conscious rock, it continues to be a defining song in Australian music history.
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Band's Legacy"Power and the Passion", along with many other Midnight Oil's songs, helped the band to gain a reputation for placing a heavy emphasis on politics, particularly regarding the rights of Indigenous Australians and environmental causes.
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Notable PerformancesThe song was performed live at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, magnifying its importance in Australian music.
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Recent ActivityIn 2017, the song was added to the National Film & Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry, cementing its significance in the nation's cultural history.
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Awards & HonoursIn October 2010, it was listed at No. 21 in the radio station Triple J's "Hottest 100 of All Time", as voted by the Australian public.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered the song over the years, exposing it to new audiences and confirming its timelessness.
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Citation
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"Power and the Passion Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1729170/Midnight+Oil/Power+and+the+Passion>.
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