Safety Chain Blues
Midnight Oil · Les Indispensables [2004]
Lifebuoy crash lands in a vale of tears
All the lovers are in retreat
On the edge of the nervous street
So deaf to the call of the wild
Deaf to the first born's whispering plea
Expanding frame the city is in heat
Burning at the edges of the lonely street
But I want to hold your precious head
I will not leave you nor pretend
I'm going to hold you to the end
Hey mama didn't know we'd end up here
The snapshot is all tiles and red walls
Down at the squatter's camps they cannot compete
The shepherd has been bound up by his hands and his feet
Make love make peace make haste, it's a slow release
Great changes gonna carry you
Make love make peace make haste, it's a slow release
Great changes gonna carry you
Safety Chain Blues
Safety Chain Blues stands as a compelling song in the extensive discography of Midnight Oil, reflecting the band's signature blend of rock energy and socially conscious songwriting. Emerging from the Australian rock scene, the group is renowned for addressing environmental and political themes with urgency and passion. This track captures the band's ability to weave intricate narratives into driving rhythms, a hallmark of their most celebrated recordings. While often associated with their broader catalogue of activism-infused anthems, the song demonstrates the versatility that has secured Midnight Oil a lasting place in rock history. The recording showcases the tight interplay between Peter Garrett's distinctive vocals and the band's powerful instrumentation, offering listeners a glimpse into the creative depth that defines their body of work.