Hercules
Midnight Oil · Essential Oils [2012]
I want to keep it that way
I won't cry
My life's such a valuable thing
And some things don't fade away
But I don't mind
We give the best we can give
We won't forget, we can't forgive
Keep us radioactive free
Strike a bell in Hiroshima Park
You know that we can't see in the dark
We try and we try and we try
Who waits for the planes to come
When everybody's got you on the run
South Pacific carry on
It seems to me that what we're saying
Nobody wants to talk about
This is no time to be wondering why
I do the best I can do
The human jungle and the global zoo
I'll find my way, it's a very special world
Why wait for the planes to come
When everybody's got you on the run
South Pacific carry on
Here comes the Hercules
Here comes the submarines
Sinking South Pacific dreams
This is something I will remember
About Hercules
Midnight Oil's "Hercules" stands as a potent anthem within their broader catalogue of political and social commentary. Recorded for the 2012 compilation *Essential Oils*, the track exemplifies the band's enduring commitment to addressing contemporary issues through a gritty, punk-infused rock sound. The song reflects the group's tradition of blending urgent messaging with dynamic musical arrangements, characteristic of their work spanning decades. As part of a collection of tracks highlighting Australian identity and struggle, "Hercules" reinforces the band's role as a voice for the working class and marginalized communities. Its inclusion on this retrospective album underscores the relevance of their earlier themes in the modern era, maintaining a raw energy that defines their legacy in the alternative rock genre.