In The Valley
Midnight Oil · Essential Oils [2012]
The rising sun sent him floating to his rest
And his wife fled south to Sydney seeking out safe harbor
A North Shore matron she became with some paying guests
My father went down with the curse of big cities
Traffic tolls and deadlines took him to his peace
Now Bob Dyer glued us to our seats
And lawns were always Victa neat
Whilst Menzies fawned at royal fleet do you remember?
In the valley I walk, I took some comfort there
In the valley I walk, cold comfort I can hear you talk
In the valley I walk, who will take me there?
When my mother went down it was a stiff arm from Hades
Life surprises and tears you like the southerly
She always welcomed the spring always welcomed the stranger
I don't see too many around like this
Oh no, that's what I'm looking for, yeah, what we're looking for
In the valley I walk - who will take me there
In the valley I walk - cold comfort I can hear you talk
In the valley I walk - I took some comfort there
In the valley I walk - oh rough justice I hear you talk
In the valley I walk - to meet my watershed
I hope virtue brings it's own reward
And I hope the pen is mightier than any sword
I hope the kids will take it slow
I hope my country claims it's own
In the valley I walk - I cried yes I cried I was down then I crawled
Mercy's arms all around me when I was down there
In the valley I walk - do you read me they can hear me in the valley
In The Valley - Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil's "In The Valley" 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, working-class lens. The song utilizes the band's signature blend of hard rock and punk energy to deliver urgent messages about environmental degradation and the plight of the underdog. As a staple of their live performances and radio play, "In The Valley" captures the raw, unfiltered spirit of Australian protest music, reinforcing the group's legacy as a voice for the marginalized. Its inclusion on the compilation highlights the band's continued relevance and ability to translate decades of activism into compelling new recordings that resonate with modern audiences.
