Used And Abused
Midnight Oil · Other Songs - Midnight Oil
I was used and abused with the light in my eye at the station
I said
No no You got the wrong man
No no Don't pick on me again
No no I'm going home to my
Family and friends
I'm too busy making a living to make any money
And the living ain't easy and the money disappears in a hurry, now
I said
No no I should,ve stayed at school
No no They're treating me so cruel
No no I'm breaking all the rules
Breaking all the rules
No no
I was talking to the man he said we're gonna make a deal
I was fooled into thinking the paper in my pocket was real
I said
No no You've been taken again
No no You're losing all your friends
No no It's just a matter of sense
It's just a matter of sense
(Hirst/Moginie)
Used And Abused
Midnight Oil's "Used And Abused" stands as a potent anthem within the Australian punk and rock canon, reflecting the band's enduring commitment to political activism and social critique. Released during a period of heightened environmental and labor awareness, the track exemplifies the group's signature blend of driving rhythms and urgent lyrical content. While often associated with their broader discography, the song captures the restless energy characteristic of their work in the late 1970s and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the band's role in shaping the sound of Australian protest music, addressing themes of exploitation and societal decay with unflinching directness. The recording remains a staple for fans of the genre, embodying the raw, uncompromising spirit that defined Midnight Oil's career.