Blow Up the Pokies
The Whitlams
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" There was the stage Two red lights and a Dodgy P.A You trod the planks way back then And it's strange that you're Here again - here again " " And I wish , I wish I knew the right words to make you feel better Walk out of this place Defeat them in your secret battle Show them you can be your own man again " " Don't, don't explain Lots of little victories take on the pain It takes so long to earn You can double up or You can burn - You can burn " " And I wish, I wish I knew the right words To make you feel better Walk out of this place Defeat them in your secret battle Show them you can be your own man again " " And I wish, I wish I knew the right words To blow up the Pokies and Drag them away 'Cause they're taking the food off your table So they can say that the trains run on time " " Flashing lights - It's a real show And your wife - I wouldn't go home The little bundles need care And you can't be a father there Father there " " And I wish, I wish I knew the right words To blow up the Pokies and Drag them away 'Cause they're taking the food off your table So they can say that the trains run on time "
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Written by: GRETA GERTLER, TIMOTHY FREEDMAN
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Background"Blow Up the Pokies" is a song by Australian indie rock band, The Whitlams. Released in 2000, this track is renowned for its strong emotional and social commentary.
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Song InspirationThe song was inspired by the lead singer's, Tim Freedman, own experiences with gambling addiction. Its lyrics encapsulate the personal struggle and societal challenges associated with poker machine addiction.
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Chart SuccessThe poignant anthem, despite its somber theme, achieved considerable success. It reached number 21 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart.
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Album Feature"Blow Up the Pokies" is a standout track from the band's third studio album, "Love This City." This album also reached number 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart, bringing broader recognition to the band.
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Public ReceptionThe song resonated with many Australians, making it an unofficial anthem of the anti-pokies movement. It's still remembered today for its raw portrayal of an issue that affects many within the Australian community.
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Band’s Line-upThe band's line-up at the time of the release of "Blow Up the Pokies" included Tim Freedman, Warwick Hornby, Jak Housden, and Terepai Richmond.
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CompositionThematic elements aside, the song’s composition is built on a combination of piano, bass, drums, and electric guitar riffs, allowing Freedman’s powerful lyrics and vocals to take center stage.
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Critic ReceptionCritics admired the song for its raw and emotive narrative, which differed from mainstream tracks at the time. It showcased the band's lyricism and willingness to tackle difficult issues head-on.
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Award NominationThe success of "Blow Up the Pokies" contributed to The Whitlams being nominated for three ARIA Music Awards in 2000, including "Best Group" and "Best Independent Release".
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Ongoing ImpactTwo decades later, “Blow Up the Pokies” continues to hold cultural relevance in Australia and is commonly used as a symbol in ongoing discussions surrounding problem gambling.
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Citation
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"Blow Up the Pokies Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14632560/The+Whitlams/Blow+Up+the+Pokies>.
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