King Of The Mountain
Midnight Oil · Essential Oils [2012]
Pushing my way through slow
Yellow belly black snake
Sleeping on a red rock
Waiting for the stranger to go
Sugar train stops at the crossing
Cane cockies cursing below
Bad storm coming
Better run to the top of the mountain
Mountain in the shadow of light
Rain in the valley below
Mountain in the shadow of light
Rain in the valley
Well you can say you're Peter, say you're Paul
Don't put me up on your bedroom wall
Call me king of the mountain
Blacksmith fires up the bellows
Cane cutters burning the load
Workers of the world
Run to the top of the mountain
Mountain in the shadow of light...
I can't take the hands from my face
There are some things we can't replace
Mountain...
Over liquid tarmac wastelands of cactus and heat
Down cobblestone alleyways of washing day sheets
Up ghost prairie mountains of sunset and space
Down the road a familiar face
Across the wilderness
Out further than the bush
I will follow you
King Of The Mountain
Midnight Oil's "King Of The Mountain" stands as a defining anthem of Australian rock, capturing the raw energy and political consciousness that characterized their work in the 1970s and beyond. Recorded for the compilation "Essential Oils [2012]," the track exemplifies the band's signature blend of hard rock and protest music, delivering a powerful message about social justice and national identity. The song's driving rhythm and soaring vocals have cemented its status as a staple of their discography, resonating with audiences who appreciate music that challenges the status quo. As a key piece in their catalogue, it remains a testament to the band's enduring influence on the alternative rock genre and their commitment to addressing contemporary issues through their art.