Play It Safe by Tim Minchin | Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary

Here it is! ‘Play It Safe’ for Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday! Watch it LOUD, using headphones preferably, and on the biggest screen you’ve got!
Stream the single here: Tim-Minchin.ln...
Starring Tim Minchin, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Ziggy Ramo, Zahra Newman - Sydney Theatre Company, John Bell - Bell Shakespeare, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Elma Kris - Bangarra Dance Theatre, Kira Puru, Cathy-Di Zhang - Opera Australia, William Barton, Courtney Act, Jimmy Barnes, Sydney Dance Company Pre Professional Year Students and Associate Artists, Lucy Guerin dancers, and DirtyFeet dancers.
Music and lyrics: Tim Minchin
Director: Kim Gehrig
Executive Music Producer/Arranger: Elliott Wheeler
Cinematographer: Stefan Duscio
Creative Agency: The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song
A Revolver X Somesuch Production
Conductor, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: Brett Weymark OAM
Choreography: Lucy Guerin
Choreography of Bangarra Dance Theatre: Stephen Page
DirtyFeet Rehearsal Assistant: Sarah-Vyne Vassallo
Presented by Sydney Opera House in partnership with Tourism Australia.
#SydneyOperaHouse

[@userSchlonsch]

Tim is this bright beacon of reasonableness and compassion that just gives me hope. And that is feeling that’s rare and immeasurably valuable to me these days

[@Mallory-Malkovich]

Every time I watch a Tim Minchin video, I think, "Okay, is this going to be one of those silly fun songs, or one of those peer into my soul and make me cry like a child songs?" Too often, it is both. Thanks, mate.

[@alazybird0]

oh great, so I'm not totally weird crying while listening to this song 😅

[@agin1519]

He’s a hilarious lovable manipulative prick! and *drowned out in sobs and sighs*

[@echognomecal6742]

"Too often?" Never.

[@echognomecal6742]

@@alazybird0 Not totally weird, gloriously weird. (That's the goal, anyway) ;)

[@eponai]

that is the beauty of him. it is usually both.

[@trusty77]

Oh this is brilliant. What a glorious celebration of audacity, courage, and vision ... and what a fiercely elegant, intelligent and wickedly good smack-down of small-mindedness. Thank you Tim and the splendid cast and crew. Vital work. Tears and woohoos!!

[@NaughtyLoki]

Extremely well written and perfectly executed. Kudos

[@whatbringsmepeace]

All of that, and the feels! I cried and cried. People think Tim is just clever, but he's so much more than that. He's like Bob Dylan only smarter and much more audacious. Such a song for our times!

[@brucebee7569]

Offs he won't shag you..

[@c.a.t.732]

@@whatbringsmepeace And a much better singer than Bob too!

[@bonnies6963]

@@whatbringsmepeace Small correction, for his time, Dylan was more than audacious. He changed the world.

[@RebelDodge1]

Whether it's a bunch of kids in school, a weather reporter living the same day over and over, or the anniversary of an Opera House, Tim finds a way to put his stamp on it, with all the humor, joy, and sadness you'd expect from an artistic genius. Love you Tim

[@jenschristensen1774]

As a Danish Tim Minchin fan, this makes me immensely happy. Thank you!!

[@PianoDiary85]

Stop with the weird ideas already! 😉

[@bernadettelanders7306]

And Thank you 😊. What would Sydney be without The Opera House🤔 Another Capital city of Australia, But now the world knows Sydney instantly from one building 😊

[@stephentravers4049]

And the coat hanger@@bernadettelanders7306

[@DrNothing23]

Damn you, Minchin! I'm a 57 year old man and every time I watch one of your videos, I'm crying like a child by the end... Please keep up your essential, life affirming work for the sake of all humanity! Now more than ever............

[@jemxs]

He always makes me feel like I haven't achieved lol 😂

[@DrNothing23]

@@jemxs ya, right?

[@jameskniskern2261]

From another crying 57 year old man - Cheers!

[@Justsomeguy74]

Crying 48 year old checking in. Third rewatch.

[@J-Peterson777]

52 year young here, I'm not crying, you are...

[@PianoDiary85]

This manages to convey at least 3 different messages at once - paying homage to the design of the Opera House and the performers who perform there (being outside the box, standing out) while at the same time encouraging others to do the same...yet actually saying the exact opposite. Classic Tim 👏. It also wouldn't be a Minchin song without a couple of digs at religion thrown in.

[@justlittleolme7977]

Well written comment that conveys what I was about to type😊

[@barbararees604]

Said better than I was about to.

[@whyblu522]

00000⁰0⁰0

[@ragereset2795]

I heard it differently. Every single line is an argument against the elaborate construction of the Opera House. There's even a voiceover literally saying the same thing. The art lies in the fact they're doing it in an Opera House that was built against the odds and naysayers.

[@PianoDiary85]

​@@ragereset2795 Tim is the king of using irony in his work. The words say one thing, but the visuals say the other. As you say, the real meaning is in the visuals. It's supposed to make you think "nah, that doesn't sound right. Screw that! I do want to stand out and be creative and brave" (like the design of the Opera House). eg, "you've got to build your walls around you, build them straight and make them square," yet they show the image of them constructing the sails of the Opera House which are clearly not straight or square. If you believe Tim's words, he is also asking people to stick to their doctrines and tribes. 2 things that Tim is highly outspoken against. It's another clue he means the exact opposite of what he is singing.

[@ValerieCH1]

How lucky are we to share the planet with Tim Minchin?

[@stephaniedavidsonsings5085]

There is only one Tim Minchin. Bloody legend! Fantastic tribute to the beautiful Sydney Opera House.

[@RecOgMission]

Thank you, Tim! I discovered Tim only a couple of years ago, in my 40s, but he's already been responsible for soooo many hours of entertainment, laughter, wonder, thought, ruminating, etc. in my life. What a remarkable talent.

[@PianoDiary85]

Making people think is Tim's greatest talent/gift, and that's not to take anything away from his other abilities.

[@sylviaselgestad8579]

Same! Found him during COVID when KZbin showed the Jesus Christ Superstar in which he played Judas, and I was/am smitten!

[@CatherineTheGreat-AU]

Absolutely agree - an amazing talent

[@cuteanimalseverywhere7620]

He’s a national treasure, and has widely avoided being political so not managed to alienate people like so many other comedians etc!

[@PianoDiary85]

@@cuteanimalseverywhere7620 Tim is very political and a progressive, but he also isn't afraid to call out progressives for our own terrible behaviour. He is a humanist first and foremost.

[@cubafb]

I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. I only discovered Tim 3 weeks ago. Was so blown away by his talent I googled what he's up to now ..... I bought a ticket 3 days ago to see him in Adelaide on his tour in February. Am beyond excited. 🐝

[@PianoDiary85]

You have much to learn! Tim MInchin is a very deep and winding rabbit hole.

[@amandadalton-winks8697]

In the meantime, you might enjoy watching Rock n Roll Nerd, the excellent documentary about his early days and being discovered at the Edinburgh Fringe - it'll give you an even deeper appreciation of this deeply admirable, fearless, and fiercely intelligent rebel!

[@RLeaguer_Saint]

I can't stop watching this on repeat. I'm a teacher, and plan to play this for my kids in class. What a great message, a celebration of diversity, of exploration, of aspiration, and vulnerability and bravery. Absolutely beautiful, and can't wait for my class to see it.

[@ranmad415]

Tim Minchin is AMAZING!!!! How does this guy make music that makes me cry and laugh simultaneously, while filling my heart with awe, appreciation, love and inspiration? Thank you Tim and all the awesome folks involved in making this and putting it in front of my eyes this morning. May joy find each one of us today!

[@torgnyaanderaa2334]

Beautiful homage to an ionic place - and the mindset that made it possible. Not entirely sure why I'm crying, but I am. Tim, you magnificent bastard - thank you for another wonderful piece of music.

[@saltyducktape]

I concur. I'm taking biol 200 and every time we discuss noncovalent interactions between positively and negatively charged molecules it's always about the Sydney Opera House.

[@saltyducktape]

This has been a joke about the misspelling of iconic.

[@torgnyaanderaa2334]

@@saltyducktape Haha - thanks for pointing it out in a way so that I can't edit without disrupting the entire logical fabric of the universe. (Or at least your two posts). Your comment was very funny, though - so lucky spellfail, I suppose :) "The Sidney Opera House - such an ionic building!" - Michael Faraday, probably

[@ju4niittow]

@@torgnyaanderaa2334 😂😂😂

[@AndersHansgaard]

Aww, this is just wonderful! Thank you, Tim 😊 Cheers from a Danish architect and musician ✌🎶

[@bethconner5419]

Sometimes, my friend, I wonder how on earth you get permission to do such incredible things like this. But then I remember you knock it out of the park every time. Excellent work and a great tribute.

[@MaryDoyle-ed4rl]

Tim had to tone it down from his original version as the powers that be thought it was too sweary

[@moti0n_314]

Of all of your songs, this is likely the most hard-hitting contemporary commentary on the current state of global society. I had goosebumps throughout.

[@kathydurow6814]

Probably wouldn't be built today. Or if it was, it wouldn't be architecturally challenging (when it was built) and iconic. And often the performances aren't necessarily "safe".

[@andyd3464]

One of my formative experiences was being chased by security at 13 years old for taking pictures inside the Sydney Opera House. There were 28 of us inside it. A wonderful musician played the BEST version of Tocatta and Fugue in D minor I've ever heard, he said he was a staff member. What a day. One for the books.

[@20121961]

OMG! You've done it again! You've stirred so many emotions! I remember the Opera House under construction. Once again, I feel so homesick. I need to watch this again, and again. Thank you Tim.

[@RobinCapper]

I doubt you'll see it (never read the comments!) but loved your 'Unfunny' solo version of this at the Auckland performance last night. Thanks for all you do, all you inspire

[@adriannehaddow8972]

Great song...... perfect illustration of the Australian psyche. Keep sharing your words, Thank you Tim.

[@StewartGartland]

This is terrific. Tim is a national treasure!!! Life is a one time adventure, go eat it up!!!

[@raymorgan5806]

Such a clever man. Watching the evolution from Storm and Predjudice through Matilda to this and his other achievements - amazing.

[@tmarsden1878]

The number of people who can write a love song about a building are few and far between! Just another way that Tim is unique and stands out.

[@itsputtz]

One of the truly greatest composers of our time.

[@cheekyb71]

Oh wow! What a beautiful tribute to an iconic building ❤

[@CrazyMaryJo]

Love the lyrical and visual irony.

[@cesaraguirre4577]

Tim is another genious that makes me thankfull of being born on this era

[@maximeboissonneault6203]

The absolute contrast between the lyrics and the tune and video… 🤯 The lyrics say to play it safe, the rest screams the opposite. Genius!

[@petertucker6140]

No one else could do such a wonderfully unique tribute to the Opera House. Thank you Tim Minchin 👏

[@melissaperkins4303]

Oh Tim... This is beyond incredible! And the symbolism of the orange peel at the start... perfect, absolutely perfect! Thank you Jorn Utzon... our beloved Opera House is 50 💚💛

[@atheistbear2500]

Appreciating architecture, addressing history, and embracing the future. Why doesn’t this have 10M views? Well done to all involved.

[@janelleelizabeth]

I’ve been feeling so lost and soul sucked recently. I really needed to hear this

[@PianoDiary85]

Watch Tim's 9 life lessons - even if you've watched it a trillion times before. It's always a good reminder :)

[@Bennoguitar]

Tim Minchin is an international treasure

[@mm-qd1ho]

Genius, genius, genius

[@michelletothill8551]

Brought tears to my eyes. So often in life we are told to play it safe, stay beige.

[@dazzasolo]

Nailed it Tim, you bloody beautiful bastard.

[@janeemason5312]

Thank you Tim! You nailed it again! Post it notes all round the house reminding me it’s ok not to ‘play it safe’ …..64 years old and sitting here in my new doc Martin boots and living my best life because I decided not to play it safe! Xxx

[@chancerystone4086]

Good for you!

[@desmondjames9312]

ahhhh yes, I remember those days when Australia was brave. Thanks Tim, Love your work. Vote Tim for PM.

[@Loki_K]

You gotta keep it simple Life is like a song There're tunes that folk are used to So if you want em to sing along Just keep it simple You ought to play it safe Life is just a game People like the rules as written So just give 'em more of the same No one likes a smart-ass (no one likes a smart-ass) No one likes it complicated (you gotta keep it simple) If you want to go the distance Find the path of least resistance And just take it You don't want to stick your neck out (you don't want to stick your neck out) They'll take your head off if you do (they're gonna rip your head off) Just sit up the back and judge others (and sit down) It'll keep em from judging you If you're too hot to stomach You'll never amount to nothing Ain't that something? No one cares what you have to say Just shut up and play The world's acos- "All the world's a stage" You see all the world's a stage "All the men and women merely players" Say the lines you're given Exactly as they're written And for God's sake act your age No-one likes a showoff No-one likes a clown--- Just make sure you don't stand out in the crowd That way they can't cut you down You're gonna build your walls around you You build them straight and make them square That way you blend in with the background That way no one will point and stare [Overlapping] "It does nothing for the average Australian" "No one cares about the arts" "No one cares about architecture" "It is a waste of taxpayer dollars" "It is a failure" "No one will point and stare" [sung in a beatific voice] You're gonna to stick to your convictions (stick to your convictions!) You're going to nail down your views (nail em down!) You're going to steer clear of tha discomfort you feel when you walk in another person's shoes (you don't need that!) You got to work out who your team is Then wear that badge with pride Find a box that makes you comfortable Then stay the heck inside On the first day the lord gave you television (gave you television~ [sung in church choir style]) On the next he delivered a couch (he delivered~ [sung in church choir style]) Tell me, how do you explain all of this content If the universe wanted you out and about [Group song] Toe the line Don your suit Hide your truth Wipe your tears Don't cause trouble Find your bubble Stick to black and white ideas Play it safe Know your place Know your lines Know your limits Find a doctrine Get it locked in Build a box And stay in it Toe the line Don your suit Hide your truth Wipe your tears Don't cause trouble Find your bubble Stick to black and white ideas Play it safe Keep it beige Keep it simple and samish Leave the weird ideas to the Danish (to the Danish~) You got to play it safe You mind is like a house If you keep it locked up tight You just might- Keep the world out

[@Oleg_K.]

Beautiful. Thanks. The part you are missing is "Toe the line, don your suit..."

[@Loki_K]

@@Oleg_K. Thanks. Updated it🖤

[@haxba]

Gracias!

[@unclemartin6368]

Left me speechless. Wow.

[@TheSuzberry]

We are lucky to have him.

[@micheleoreilly]

I have no words! ❤️💯💋

[@lucaisokay]

Smiling, crying. Thank you 🥺

[@craven5328]

Ok, yes, this is my third comment on this video, but I just had the extremely fortunate pleasure of seeing Tim perform this live in Toronto. From a fellow athiest, Tim, you managed to dole out a decent dose of transcendance. Thank you.

[@jenniferelmslie7025]

I agree, and really enjoyed last night’s performance at the amazing Massey Hall! Having gone to that venue many times over the years, I was blown away at the sound of everyone singing “Hallelujah” during the encore. Wonderful performance by Mr. Minchin, but also all of us participating in that evening. He took “took us to church”.

[@SteveBrecht]

I was in that audience with you. Was such a great evening.

[@craven5328]

​@@jenniferelmslie7025 wasn't it amazing? He definitely did!

[@craven5328]

​@@SteveBrechtMakes me smile to know others got to enjoy the same way I did!

[@НатальяСтепанова-ш9г]

honestly, I'm happy I know more than one language because thanks to that I am capable of consuming more info, more art, more inspiration. And I am SO HAPPY I can enjoy Tim's work! This one would be enough for me to be a reason to learn English (thank God I did that!). And surely thank you, Tim.

[@AnnHetrick]

Every time I play this, I have to replay it multiple times. It's such fun! It's a good thing nobody can hear me try to sing along.

[@buzz092]

Tim you bloody genius, it's been a pleasure to watch your musical journey!

[@HaleyOnTheRocks]

I realize this is only 4 weeks old. However, this is grossly underrated. Granted, this broadway style isn’t ‘popular’, per se; the message, and absolute grandiosity of both the song and video deserves homage paid. I’m still new to Tim Minchin but gosh dang am I glad I found this jewel of an artist. 😅❤

[@Ps1napse]

What a legend. Thanks Tim, for everything you do.

[@mitchellclark4377]

This video has been living rent free in my head for the last month. One little touch that I love (and that I haven't seen anyone else saying) is that you tuned the orchestra to Ab.

[@curtisemery807]

I was so blown away by this video and Tim Minchin's brilliance that I was going to write another of the "............ oh you are amazing Tim Minchin, etc .........." type comments (although hopefully a little less of a cliché), but on reading the other comments, it would be impossible to top all those tributes to such an original performing artist. Minchin puts the 'U' in unique. 'Brilliant' doesn't do his work justice. If you read these comments, Mr. Minchin, you are quite justified if your head (and heart) swells up to the size of the Opera House. It is so deserved. And whoever shot, edited and produced that video needs a raise.

[@jaredt.murphy8257]

I thank you Tim because there wasn't a God who made you do anything you've ever done. Thank you for your work, your creativity, your bravery and love, it's an honor to see you fly.

[@ElGordo1959]

Stunning! A lot to unpack, but I'd expect no less from the genius that you are!

[@jojoh8067]

Mr Minchin is a Genius. That is all. I thank the universe for giving him to us.

[@D.J.Murphy]

This is High Art in its simplest and most complicated format.

[@tardx]

Happy birthday SOH and thanks Tim, you national treasure, for a moving tribute to ‘a bunch of nuns in a scrum’.

[@_Glass-_-House_]

In 50 years noone could bring the house down like you Tim positively brilliant number thank you for sharing your genius with the world truly top class.

[@tlcrf80mins73]

Nice. A great take on an iconic landmark. It's the lock screen on my phone and the wallpaper on my laptop. It's representative of my 'happy place' - and on the last day of every trip to Sydney I go sit on the top step and marvel in disbelief that a lad from Rochdale gets to see it in all it's cream-tiled glory.

[@allenbythesea]

awesome tribute! I think most don't know the story of the sydney opera house and how it has been remodeled to be more of the original vision of the original architect who was removed from the project before it was finished. Love your content and the subject matter.

[@sixty3caddy]

Ever since I first saw a picture of the Sydney Opera House when I was maybe 10 or 11 years old I have wanted to see it in person. I'm 40 years old now and it's still a life goal for me. Congratulations on 50 years of inspiring creativity and visionaries.

[@eastcoasterner]

I'm a Canadian who got to travel to Australia in July, 2022. Sydney Opera House was one of the highlights of my trip, and I remember the story of how it was built. It's an architectural wonder. If Tim Minchin had of been playing, that would have been the icing on the cake.

[@lieslnew8247]

God Bless Tim Minchin. And all the Opera House folks who said YES when so many others said no. ❤

[@loconeko42]

Oh my. Tim does it again.

[@laura.b.1989]

Tim absolutely slaying in that purple suit!!

[@neallbrennan6297]

I’m actually so lucky that Tim was in my recommended, this is yet another carefully, brilliantly crafted song that has such an important message. Went to see him in the Vicar street arena in Dublin and he was even more spectacular in person.

[@chadford88]

Well bugger me! My friends at work have just asked why I'm crying at 0900 on a Wednesday morning. I'm hopeful they will understand in a little over 4 minutes time.

[@SerPenniless]

the most extremally underrated entertainer in the world... salute!

[@jchowe07]

Just the tonic for a dreary Wednesday morning. Wonderful!

[@slimchelmi6940]

the last lines are haunting

[@usmile1]

tim played this live in nyc last night with a great tim-esque story leading up to it. phenomenal! and a great show all around. catch this tour if you can. so good.

[@fairygurl9269]

🥰Thanks For Playing With Us Sir

[@sfisher89101]

A year later and this still brings me to tears. Fantastic video, fantastic song for a troubled time

[@staceace783]

Bought me to tears. And I live in the U.S.

[@lisavermey6322]

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous 😘

[@TheBoomamatic]

Among many of my best and deepest memories were made under that Ivory Crown of a building, not least of which was seeing you perform on the steps with my best friend by my side late last year. Or laughing my guts out with my family to the Umbilical Brothers, or nervously watching a girl i was pining for get to see her hero perform in Yann Tiersen. Every performance I've been to at the Opera House has a precious place in my heart and am eternally grateful for the opportunity to experience them in the first place. Thanks for making me proud to wave my Freak Flag

[@LynnStewart-k8h]

Oh my goodness, you're a bloody genius. Incredible. Thank you Tim xxx

[@martinwulf8253]

A wonderful tribute to a wonderful place from a wonderful performer.

[@emjem99]

This had quite an effect on me. I was a 15 year old on the Opera House forecourt the day her maj opened the joint, and every time I flew back in to Sydney and saw that magnificent building I knew I was home. 50 years later it still evokes a response. Of course, Tim has also done that to me many times so it's a double-whammy!

[@APersonTM]

This is one of those things where by the end of it you want to cry, not because it’s sad or anything’s but it’s so full of emotion that you just can’t hold it in. Definitely ran shivers down my spine. A 10 out of 10, everyone from the people who preformed to pre and post production did an *amazing* job

[@Dinki-Di]

Awesome song Tim. And it's about so much more than the Opera House. Just the song I needed after such a heartbreaking week.

[@Fainche]

That was so awesome. What a tribute to those visionary’s who defied the critics, naysayers and all who campaigned against this incredible monument to the arts. It deserves to have become a new wonder of the world, as has Tim Minchen 🌟

[@marial1324]

You never disappoint. From Maine USA, been a fan for about 10 years now. Thank you for continuing to bless the world with your talent.

[@valkoharja]

Wonderful. You've still got it Tim.

[@louisyoung8835]

The man is a genius, just a stone cold genius.

[@garypatterson2857]

We are art. Our earliest memories are art - cave paintings and stories so ancient we cannot remember their origins. We connect through art, through emotion, story and song. Without art, we are lesser things, not fully human. Always fight for humanity, for art. We must express ourselves, no matter our beliefs. We are art, because without art, we're just organic machines going through organic motions and living empty lives. We are art. Humans are art.

[@Burwords]

Great job Tim. I love how you found the irony in us being a nation with tall poppy syndrome and having such a unique building. Keep it up.

[@nadnerb2k]

Perfect. Just absolutely perfect. Really needed something positive this week, and Tim Minchin, Jørn Utzon and the Opera House Trust delivered in spades.

[@DrAmaFie]

What a song. ❤

[@incrediblebuzz]

All the world is your stage... you have got this, show your truth... a powerful reminder to do anything but #playitsafe "Your mind is like a house, if you keep it locked up you might just keep the world out!" Sheer brilliance from Tim Minchin that peers into our soul and poke at the small mindedness surrounding us. Such a wonderful homage with so many stories and emotions all rolled into one. Bravo!

[@4dragons632]

I wasn't sure what to expect, although I always believe Tim will make something good. And sure enough I love it!

[@kathyjaneburke2798]

Another masterpiece by the one-of-a-kind Tim Minchin! The world is a better place with Tim!

[@mikerrington8266]

Bravo Maestro Minchin! 🎉❤

[@DonoVideoProductions]

Genius. That is all.

[@margaretcorfield9891]

Hitting the nail on the head again with music and words. Brilliant. Love this man.

[@blueboy4244]

genius of a concept... absolutely incredible that Tim, the director and the editor(s) were able to craft this piece without either over or underplaying their hand. I am just amazed at how well it all went together. Great video, great song, great execution

[@jeffstorer3817]

Nothing more than Brilliant !

[@jessicacarron8117]

Legend. What a beautiful song, and beautiful video to commemorate the Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary.

[@CrazyMaryJo]

Wow. Excellent visuals. Lyrics no surprise from ever clever Tim. Love the suit; dressed to express the contradictions. ❤

[@brendanc.8019]

Moving and beautiful.