U.S. Forces
Midnight Oil · The Real Thing [2000]
It's a setback for your country
Bombs and trenches all in rows
Bombs and threats still ask for more
Divided world the CIA
Who controls the issue
You leave us with no time to talk
You can write your own assessment
Sing me songs of no denying
Seems to me too many trying
Waiting for the next big thing
Will you know it when you see it
High risk children dogs of war
Now market movements call the shots
Business deals in parking lots
Waiting for the meat of tomorrow
Sing me songs of no denying
Seems to me too many trying
Waiting for the next big thing
Everyone is too stoned to start emission
People too scared to go to prison
We're unable to make decisions
Political party line don't cross that floor
L. Ron Hubbard can't save your life
Superboy takes a plutonium wife
In the shadows of Ban the Bomb we live
Sing me songs of no denying
Seems to me too many trying
Waiting for the next big thing
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces stands as a defining track from Midnight Oil's 2000 album, The Real Thing. The song captures the band's signature blend of driving rock rhythms and urgent political commentary, reflecting their long-standing engagement with global issues. Peter Garrett's distinctive vocals deliver a message of scrutiny regarding American military presence, a theme consistent with the group's broader discography. This recording showcases the band's ability to merge social consciousness with energetic instrumentation, maintaining the high standards established during their most celebrated years. As part of a catalogue known for its activism and sonic power, the track remains a compelling example of how the group addressed international relations through their music. It serves as a testament to their enduring relevance and their capacity to craft anthems that resonate with listeners concerned with geopolitical dynamics.

