Early Midnight Oils songs talked about Sydney Culture. The later ones expanded into the realm of Australia - and this made them truly important. Section 5 is about the lifestyle of 1980s Sydney - it's about the beach culture, which is being out of doors. It's also a commentary on the desire to elevate the culture into the international sphere - so there's a comment on fashion which is incongruous with the temperature. One goes to the beach, but dresses to impress - that's a contradiction. Thus the song says, "I'm part of this play"- which indicates the singer (not necessarily Peter Garrett) is saying that he embraces the desire to "belong" - to be a Sydneysider. Note that he dumps his car ("take it to the tip") which suggests he can't afford the repairs or registration fee. He's working class, but aspires to more. But the crunch is that he really is apart of the aspiring middle (or lower) class. The indictment is that he shops at crass shops, where he buys "real toys." Here is the genesis of Midnight Oil's commentary on ignoring real social issues and going for the "commercial" ideal of identity. What's important for 1980s Sydneysiders is appearing to be sophisticated and cool as dictated by the media and advertising. The real tragedy is that the song is prophetic.
Early Midnight Oils songs talked about Sydney Culture. The later ones expanded into the realm of Australia - and this made them truly important. Section 5 is about the lifestyle of 1980s Sydney - it's about the beach culture, which is being out of doors. It's also a commentary on the desire to elevate the culture into the international sphere - so there's a comment on fashion which is incongruous with the temperature. One goes to the beach, but dresses to impress - that's a contradiction. Thus the song says, "I'm part of this play"- which indicates the singer (not necessarily Peter Garrett) is saying that he embraces the desire to "belong" - to be a Sydneysider. Note that he dumps his car ("take it to the tip") which suggests he can't afford the repairs or registration fee. He's working class, but aspires to more. But the crunch is that he really is apart of the aspiring middle (or lower) class. The indictment is that he shops at crass shops, where he buys "real toys." Here is the genesis of Midnight Oil's commentary on ignoring real social issues and going for the "commercial" ideal of identity. What's important for 1980s Sydneysiders is appearing to be sophisticated and cool as dictated by the media and advertising. The real tragedy is that the song is prophetic.