Beds Are Burning
Midnight Oil · Essential Oils [2012]
The bloodwood and the desert oak
Holden wrecks and boiling diesels
Steam in forty five degrees
The time has come
To say fair's fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share
The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to them
Let's give it back
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
The time has come to say fairs fair
to pay the rent, now to pay our share
Four wheels scare the cockatoos
From Kintore East to Yuendemu
The western desert lives and breathes
In forty five degrees
The time has come
To say fair's fair
To pay the rent
To pay our share
The time has come
A fact's a fact
It belongs to them
Let's give it back
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
The time has come to say fair's fair
To pay the rent, now to pay our share
The time has come, a fact's a fact
It belongs to them, we're gonna give it back
How can we dance when our earth is turning
How do we sleep while our beds are burning
Beds Are Burning
Midnight Oil's "Beds Are Burning" stands as a potent anthem within their extensive catalogue of political rock. Recorded for the 2012 compilation "Essential Oils," the track channels the band's signature blend of protest music and melodic rock, addressing themes of housing insecurity and social inequality. The song reflects the enduring relevance of the group's mission to highlight Australian socio-political issues through accessible, driving instrumentation. As part of their broader body of work, "Beds Are Burning" exemplifies how the band has maintained a focus on community welfare and environmental justice, utilizing catchy hooks to deliver urgent messages that resonate with listeners globally. Its inclusion in a curated collection underscores its status as a staple in their discography, serving as a reminder of their commitment to activism through music.