Dead Heart

Listen online

Midnight Oil

About Dead Heart

"The Dead Heart" is a song by Australian rock band Midnight Oil. It was first released as a single in Australia in 1986 and in the United Kingdom and the United States in 1988 after it had been included on the 1987 album, Diesel and Dust. It peaked at number four on the Australian singles chart and at number 11 on the U. S. Mainstream rock chart. The song deals with the mistreatment of indigenous Australians and the nonrecognition of indigenous cultures in Australia, and was part of efforts to raise awareness of Australia's Stolen Generations - the forcible removal of Australian Aboriginal children from their families between 1909 and the 1970s. Midnight Oil recorded "The Dead Heart" for the handing back ceremony of Uluru (Ayers Rock) to its traditional Aboriginal owners. The band was then invited to tour through some of the most remote communities in the Australian outback with the Aboriginal group, the Warumpi Band, a tour that was known as the Blackfella/Whitefella tour. In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "The Dead Heart" was ranked number 76. 


Year:
1987
2,761 
#3

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Midnight Oil

Midnight Oil (also known informally as "The Oils" to fans), were an Australian alternative rock band from Sydney originally performing as Farm from 1972 with drummer Rob Hirst, bass guitarist Andrew James and keyboard player/lead guitarist Jim Moginie. While vocalist Peter Garrett was studying at Australian National University in Canberra, he answered an advertisement for a spot in Farm, and by 1975 the band was touring the east coast. By late 1976, Garrett moved to Sydney to complete his law degree, and Farm changed its name to Midnight Oil by drawing the name out of a hat. more »

2 fans

10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Dead Heart" was released by "Midnight Oil" in 1986, as part of their "Diesel and Dust" album.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, and number 6 on the singles chart in Australia.
Theme Analysis
The song focuses on the mistreatment and exploitation of Australia's indigenous population. It was written after the band participated in the Blackfella/Whitefella tour in 1986, where they played with indigenous bands and learned more about their culture.
Cultural Impact
"Dead Heart" is known for creating awareness about the struggles of indigenous Australians. The band used the commercial success of "Diesel and Dust" to create political change and advocate for indigenous rights.
Visuals
The music video for "Dead Heart" features footage from the 1986 Blackfella/Whitefella tour, including scenes of indigenous communities and the Australian landscape.
Awards
The "Diesel and Dust" album, featuring "Dead Heart", was inducted into the Sounds 'Australian Top 100 Albums of All Time.
Stance of Group
During performances of "Dead Heart," Midnight Oil often uses the opportune moment to voice political and social views concerning issues affecting indigenous communities.
Song Title Significance
The 'dead heart' in the song's title metaphorically represents the central, yet forgotten and neglected, indigenous culture and land in Australia.
Musical Style
The song incorporates elements of rock and new wave, infusing them with folk and country, showcasing a uniquely Australian sound.
Legacy
"Dead Heart" remains one of Midnight Oil's most iconic songs, known for its passionate advocacy for justice and equal rights for indigenous Australians.

Discuss the Dead Heart Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Dead Heart Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18441787/Midnight+Oil/Dead+Heart>.

    Powered by CITE.ME Cite.Me

    Missing lyrics by Midnight Oil?

    Know any other songs by Midnight Oil? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Dead Heart

    13.3M
    71,779     3,225

    more tracks from the album

    Black Fella, White Fella

    Browse Lyrics.com

    #ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

    Our awesome collection of

    Promoted Songs

    »

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which member of Foreigner played with Aerosmith?
    A Thom Gimbel
    B Mic Jones
    C Brian Tichy
    D Kelly Hansen

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Midnight Oil tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io

    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!