Renaissance Man
Midnight Oil · Earth And Sun And Moon [1993]
Yes I told you the birds will endure flutter wings dance on leaves
Hold onto dreams, hold onto dreams tonight
Well I told you about the high pressure cell coming down on the breeze
And I know that the things you can't see they are hard to believe
Hold onto dreams, hold onto dreams tonight
A new world order has been formed
Between the cheque book and the dawn
A new renaissance man is born
Renaissance man are you ready
Renaissance man
Renaissance man are you ready
See what a world that you can make
Well I heard about the spirit of life is it flickering still
Yes I heard that the dark bellied angel's come running up the hill
Hold onto dreams, hold onto dreams tonight
Smash and grab the women and child
All the souls are growing wild
Stripped so bare well the universe stares
It's so close to home that we got to share with you
So many genuine things surround you
Wild weather man well it still confounds you
Cast away the greed and death machine and bytes
And abacus and lights and hold onto your dreams tonight
So you found a hard won friend
To hold your hand and hold your head
A new renaissance to defend
Hold onto dreams, hold onto dreams tonight
Where are we going to be, in 3033
What's spinning round your brain
Are you a renaissance man or are you a renaissance woman
If you jump out an angel will give you wings
(Moginie/Garrett/Rotsey)
Renaissance Man
Renaissance Man stands as a defining track on Midnight Oil's 1993 album Earth And Sun And Moon, capturing the band's signature blend of driving rock rhythms and urgent social commentary. Peter Garrett's distinctive vocals anchor the recording, delivering a message of resilience and cultural reflection that characterizes the group's extensive discography. The song reflects the band's long-standing commitment to addressing political and environmental themes through powerful, anthemic rock music. As part of a celebrated body of work, this recording showcases the group's ability to craft memorable melodies while maintaining their reputation for thoughtful, impactful songwriting. The track remains a testament to Midnight Oil's enduring influence within the Australian rock landscape and their continued relevance in global music discussions.