- Powderworks
Song infobox
Name = Powderworks
Artist =Midnight Oil
Album = Midnight Oil
Genre = Rock
Label =Columbia Records
Released = 1978
Producer =Midnight Oil , Keith Walker
track_no = 1
Length = 5:36
Tracks =
#Powderworks
# Head over Heels
# Dust
# Used and Abused
# Surfing with a Spoon
#Run by Night
#Nothing Lost - Nothing Gained "Powderworks" is a song by
Midnight Oil released in1978 on their eponymous debut.Meaning
The title, which is an Australian term for a munitions factory, [ [http://www.deadheart.org.uk/news_and_info/faq/lyric.htm The Dead Heart] Midnight Oil FAQ, retrieved 21-06-07.] 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)" [ [http://www.deadheart.org.uk/media/lyrics/l1.htm The Dead Heart] "Midnight Oil" lyrics page, retrieved 21-06-07.]
tatus 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.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.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.References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.