Harrisburg
Midnight Oil · Red Sails In The Sunset [1984]
The umpire's not laughing
The President's resented,
The Ambassador's a night club
You cannot get it out
It's stuff you cannot taste or see
It's stuff you cannot smell
It's stuff that's twenty times as hot
As the hottest stuff in hell
Harrisburg, oh Harrisburg
The plant is melting down
The people out in Harrisburg
Are getting out of town
And when the stuff gets in
You cannot get it out
The company said it would not blow
The Government said it might
Harrisburg, Oh Harrisburg
I wonder who was right
Who can leave it behind,
The curtains are drawn
There's something I must say to you
You cannot get it out
Harrisburg
Released on Midnight Oil's 1984 album Red Sails In The Sunset, Harrisburg stands as a defining anthem of the Australian punk movement. The track channels the band's signature blend of political urgency and melodic rock, addressing the socio-economic struggles of working-class communities in the United States. With its driving rhythm and socially conscious lyrics, the song exemplifies the band's commitment to highlighting global inequality through accessible pop-rock structures. Harrisburg remains a staple of the group's discography, reflecting the era's activist spirit and cementing Midnight Oil's reputation as a voice for the marginalized. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to translate complex social issues into an infectious, radio-friendly sound that continues to resonate with listeners decades later.