Powderworks
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| “Powderworks” | ||
|---|---|---|
| Song by Midnight Oil | ||
| Album | Midnight Oil | |
| Released | 1978 | |
| Genre | Rock | |
| Length | 5:36 | |
| Label | Columbia Records | |
| Producer | Midnight Oil, Keith Walker | |
| Midnight Oil track listing | ||
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"Powderworks" is a song by Midnight Oil released in 1978 on their eponymous debut.
Contents |
[edit] Meaning
The title, which is an Australian term for a munitions factory,[1] can be seen as a way to describe the band's sound; fast and explosive, clearly a more-than-accurate description of this song, particularly in live performances.
The song is one of the band's earliest lyrical protests, targeting lying politicians.
- There's a shit storm a coming
- They're getting in for one free bite
- I was taken by surprise
- By the glint in the eyes of a sweet campaign
- Smelling strongly of lies
- You're the original Mr. Clean
- But the closeups make you look awful mean
- You're just a con man raving saying nothing new
The song is obviously narrated by someone who has dealt with enough of the politicians' nonsense.
- I don't need no fire and brimstone warning
- I've been a long time punching bag
- I won't run no race where there ain't no prize
- They had a gun at my head
- And a knife at my back
- Don't wind me up too tight
- I've been had by the balls all my life
- I'm in no mood now
- To stop dead and talk it over
- (all lyrics from version on Midnight Oil LP)[2]
[edit] Status with fans
The song was never released as a single, and despite this is regarded rather highly by fans of the band and early on, became a very important part of the band's live performances. Unlike other songs from the album - "Used and Abused," "Surfing with a Spoon," and "Run by Night" - which were often performed live in the band's early touring, which was a place chosen to road-test the songs from Head Injuries, such as "No Reaction" and "Koala Sprint," this song persevered and was played in live shows up until at least 1982.
[edit] Live versions
Currently, only one official live version has been released; this version is available on both Saturday Evening at the Capitol and Scream in Blue. This version omits the third verse and is considerably faster-moving than the original studio version. The song may have appeared on the chocolate wheel for the Redneck Wonderland tour, as did other tracks from this album.
[edit] Compilations
While this song was popular with fans, it appeared on neither of the band's two compilations, 20,000 Watt R.S.L. or Flat Chat. It did appear on The Green Disc, however.
[edit] References
- ^ The Dead Heart Midnight Oil FAQ, retrieved 21-06-07.
- ^ The Dead Heart Midnight Oil lyrics page, retrieved 21-06-07.
