Put Down That Weapon

Midnight Oil

About Put Down That Weapon

"Put Down That Weapon" is a song by Australian rock bands Midnight Oil. The song was released in December 1987 as the third single from their sixth studio album, Diesel and Dust.


Year:
1987
4:36
32 
#2

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Under the waterline
No place to retire
To another time
The eyes of the world now turn

And if we think about it
And if we talk about it
And if the skies go dark with rain
Can you tell me will our freedom remain

Put down that weapon or we'll all be gone
You can't hide nowhere with the torchlight on
And it happens to be an emergency
Some things aren't meant to be
Some things don't come for free

Above the waterline
Point the finger yeah point the bone
It's the harbour towns
That the grey metal ships call home

And if we think about it
And if we talk about it
And if the seas go boiling black
Can you tell me what you'll do about that

Put down that weapon or we'll all be gone
I must know something to know it's so wrong
And it happens to be an emergency
Some things aren't meant to be
Some things don't come for free

They keep talking about it
They keep talking...

Put down that weapon or we'll all be gone
You must be crazy if you think you're strong

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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

Written by: JAMES MOGINIE, MARTIN ROTSEY, PETER GARRETT, PETER GIFFORD, ROBERT HIRST

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Formation
"Put Down That Weapon" is a song by famous Australian rock band Midnight Oil, which was formed in 1972.
Album Release
The song is from their 1987 album, "Diesel and Dust". This album is considered one of Midnight Oil's most successful releases, and it brought them international fame.
Anti-War Song
The song is famous for its strong anti-war and anti-violence stance, reflecting the band's stand on various social and political issues.
Inspiration
The lyrics of "Put Down That Weapon" were inspired by the escalating nuclear arms race between the USSR and the USA during the Cold War.
Music Video
The song's music video features a disturbing image of a young girl clutching a hand-grenade, underlining its vehement anti-war message.
Chart Performance
The song did well on the charts. It reached number 36 in the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Social Impact
This song, along with others from the album "Diesel and Dust," played a considerable part in raising awareness about the plight of Indigenous Australians and contributed to the cause of disarmament and peace.
Band Recognition
The song, along with the album overall, fortified Midnight Oil's image as a socially conscious band that used its music as a platform to address and comment on socio-political issues.
Notable Performances
During their world tours, Midnight Oil often included "Put Down That Weapon" in their setlist which further amplified the song's message to a global audience.
Legacy
"Put Down That Weapon" is considered a notable example of protest music from the 1980s, and it continues to be included in Midnight Oil's live performances even after several decades of its release.

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