Blow Up the Pokies

The Whitlams

About Blow Up the Pokies

"Blow Up the Pokies" is the second single by The Whitlams from their fourth studio album, Love This City. It was released in 2000 and peaked at number 21 on the ARIA Singles Chart. In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "Blow Up The Pokies" was ranked number 84.


Year:
2004
3:25
122 

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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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The Whitlams

The Whitlams are a rock band based in Sydney, Australia. The original band consisted of Tim Freedman, Stevie Plunder and Andy Lewis. more »

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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.
Song Inspiration
The 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.
Chart Success
The poignant anthem, despite its somber theme, achieved considerable success. It reached number 21 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart.
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.
Public Reception
The 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.
Band’s Line-up
The 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.
Composition
Thematic 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.
Critic Reception
Critics 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.
Award Nomination
The 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".
Ongoing Impact
Two 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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    "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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