Armistice Day
Midnight Oil · Essential Oils [2012]
You're watching people losing on Armistice Day
You're watching people fighting
You're watching people losing on Armistice Day
The watchers do the wincing, reporters so convincing
The TV never lies
I went looking for a war and the only guns I saw
Never used in anger
Watching people fighting
Watching people losing, Armistice Day
You're watching people fighting
You're watching people losing on Armistice Day
The fixers do the fixing, the locals do the lynching
The papers deny
I went looking for a headline, got talking to the back line
They'd never seen the action
Watching people fighting
You're watching people losing on Armistice Day
You're watching people fight or say they might
Oh, say they lose on Armistice Day
Watchers do the wincing, reporters so convincing
The TV never lies, it never lies
I went looking for a war and the only guns I saw
Never used in anger
Fixers do the fixing, the locals do the lynching
The papers deny
About Armistice Day
Midnight Oil's "Armistice Day" stands as a potent anthem within the Australian punk rock tradition, reflecting the band's enduring commitment to social justice and political activism. Released on the 2012 compilation *Essential Oils*, the track channels the group's signature blend of driving rhythms and urgent vocals to critique the erosion of democratic values and the rise of authoritarianism. The song serves as a timely reminder of the historical significance of the armistice while drawing parallels to contemporary global tensions, a hallmark of the band's ability to address pressing issues through their music. As a key component of Midnight Oil's extensive discography, this recording exemplifies their role as a voice for the working class and marginalized communities. The composition reinforces the band's legacy of using rock music as a tool for political engagement, urging listeners to remain vigilant against the dangers of forgetting peace and the fragility of international agreements. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to connect past struggles with present-day realities, maintaining the spirit of resistance that has defined the group's career over decades.