Friday, January 14, 2011

Midnight Oil – Beds are burning (album: Diesel and Dust 1987)

This song is by midnight oil. It is an awesome song but that’s not the only reason I’m putting it on my blog! Peter Garrett’s dancing is just unbelievably funny and I believe everyone should be exposed to it ;)

Link to the song: Beds are Burning Midnight Oil

Hilarious video clip:




Collection of Peter’s dancing:


What’s this song about?
"Beds Are Burning" is a political song about giving native Australian lands back to the Pintupi, who were among the very last people to come in from the desert. These 'last contact' people began moving from the Gibson Desert to settlements and missions in the 1930s. More were forcibly moved during the 1950s and 1960s to the Papunya settlement. In 1981 they left to return to their own country and established the Kintore community which is nestled in the picturesque Kintore Ranges, surrounded by Mulga and Spinifex country. It is now a thriving little community with a population of about 400. (Kintore and the town of Yuendumu are mentioned by name in the lyrics.)
Midnight Oil performed the song in front of a world audience of billions at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The whole bandwere dressed in black, with the word "Sorry" printed conspicuously on their clothes. (Wikipedia – beds are burning)

Band’s Official Website: Midnight Oil

Info about the band: Wikipedia - Midnight Oil