Power And The Passion
Midnight Oil · Essential Oils [2012]
Going backward, once in a while
Moving ahead, falling behind
What do you believe, what do you believe
What do you believe is true
Nothing they say makes a difference this way
Nothing they say will do
You take all the trouble that you can afford
At least you won't have time to be bored
At least you won't have time to be bored
Oh the power and the passion, oh the temper of the time
Oh the power and the passion
Sometimes you've got to take the hardest line
Sunburnt faces around, with skin so brown
Smiling zinc cream and crowds, Sundays the beach never a cloud
Breathing eucalypt, pushing panel vans
Stuff and munch junk food
Laughing at the truth, cos Gough was tough til he hit the rough
Uncle Sam and John were quite enough
Too much of sunshine too much of sky
It's just enough to make you want to cry
It's just enough to make you want to cry
Oh the power and the passion, oh the temper of the time
Oh the power and the passion
Sometimes you've got to take the hardest line
I see buildings, clothing the sky, in paradise
Sydney, nights are warm
Daytime telly, blue rinse dawn
Dad's so bad he lives in the pub, it's a underarms and football clubs
Flat chat, Pine Gap, in every home a Big Mac
And no one goes outback, that's that
You take what you get and get what you please
It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees
It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees
Oh the power and the passion, oh the temper of the time
Oh the power and the passion
Sometimes you've got to take the hardest line
Power And The Passion
Midnight Oil's 'Power And The Passion' stands as a defining anthem of the Australian rock movement, capturing the raw energy and social consciousness characteristic of the band's work. Released on the 2012 compilation 'Essential Oils,' the track exemplifies the group's signature blend of punk-driven rhythms and melodic sensibilities, reflecting their enduring commitment to political activism and environmental awareness. The song serves as a testament to the band's ability to translate complex societal issues into accessible, driving music that resonates across generations. As a staple of their discography, it continues to represent the intersection of rock music and advocacy, maintaining its status as a powerful recording within the genre.