Reaction to and Analysis of "Play It Safe" by Tim Minchin

This is my reaction to and analysis of the cover of "Be Prepared" by The Bass Gang. Original song by Tim.
Original Video: • Play It Safe by Tim Mi...
Tim Minchin channel: ‪@TimMinchin‬
Sydney Opera House channel: ‪@SydneyOperaHouse‬
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00:00 Intro
06:36 Reaction watch
15:38 Analysis watch

[@MrSquare]

I absolutely love this song, because not only it is a love song to the opera house, but it's also a love song to the arts in general. Tim is such a fantastic lyricist.

[@mgreen1206]

Seeing Legendary Jimmy barnes with Tim singing on the couch just made my day

[@user-ls3xl7ml3d]

My favourite line is “leave the weird ideas to the Danish”

[@mals4125]

'Act your age' - the performer is Iggy Pop the Godfather of Punk and someone who's been flouting conventions for as long as the Opera House has been there. Just one of the incredibly diverse performers to play the House - it is truly is the people's building.

[@planetcountryradio8622]

The brilliance of his satire. The Opera House was very controversial when it was being built. Australia was a very conservative society then and such an outlandish building just for 'The Arts' was seen as a huge waste of money. Designed by Danish Architect Jorn Utzon, who quit before it was finished due to Government interference. I love Tim's alternative view: Imagine if we'd played it safe? If we'd built a box and kept the world out?

[@LikkieAU]

The link to the orange at the beginning refers to the story that after having won the design competition, Mr Utzon was not actually sure how to construct the “sails” but whilst peeling an orange came upon the solution.

[@CapriUni]

Oh, that makes that detail even better! Thanks for sharing!

[@Dr_KAP]

Haha not actually correct but makes for a great story. It was a totally different architect and it was actually grapefruit. He used an orange in his presentation. Utzon built his design years later based on the concept. This is all described on the Official website.

[@antrazitaj5209]

I've been listening to Tim for years, both a great musician and a great comedian. And you aren't the only one with tears in their eyes, I also did when I heard it the first time. It just beautiful

[@allisonbergh4429]

I watch a lot of reactions to Tim’s stuff, and I have to say this is one of the most perceptive and articulate examples I’ve yet seen. I discovered Tim in 2019, and it changed my entire life. Since then, I’ve travelled across oceans to see him perform, made friends all around the world, met my Australian husband, and moved to Australia from the US. This video makes me cry every time. Tim has plenty of other proper music videos. I would love to see you discuss “Leaving LA” (the video has custom made zoetropes and is visually stunning) or “The Absence of You” (the video is done in one shot - the behind the scenes is incredible). Fantastic video, I’ll be checking out your other content coz and fan of Tim’s is a friend of mine!

[@janetmitchell9980]

I enjoyed your review, particularly the way you avoided interruptions on your first viewing, but then provided a detailed analysis on 2nd viewing. -the Paul Robeson performance at the Opera House site is available on KZbin -7.44 shows Dame Joan Sutherland, in who’s honour one of the Opera House theatres is named -my younger brother performed in a ( combined schools’ band) there shortly after it opened. I had been in the same band 2 years’ earlier, but we could only perform at the Town Hall, so I missed my one and only chance to perform at the Opera House. If only construction had been just a bit quicker!

[@joannchase9519]

Sadly, I am a relative newcomer to Tim (Spring of this year) and quickly realized there are not enough positive adjectives to describe him. Very much enjoyed your reaction and can only say you may want to hit the other videos released for a handful of the 'Making' of this video. Well worth the time.

[@CapriUni]

I've been aware of Tim Minchin, but not as aware as I should be. So thank you for this. The Sidney Opera House is so iconic, in my head, it's always been there. It's wild to think that it's actually younger than I am. As for the "All the World's a Stage" citation, it's a great allusion for this video, since the song is about a stage that all the world comes to. But it's my least favorite speech from one of my favorite Shakespeare comedies (the character who speaks it in the play is written to be an absolute jerk, who only smiles when he's laughing at other people). Speaking of the play this speech comes from, this week is the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio, aka _Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies_ (on November 8, 1623). And if it weren't for the First Folio, the play "As You Like It" would have been lost forever. So this video is a sideways celebration of two great theatrical anniversaries.

[@user-ls3xl7ml3d]

Tim nails it again. Also, the Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel rabbit hole is a great one to go down.

[@elli4210]

The raw concrete you can see is not backstage - you can see it throughout the interior except in the auditoriums themselves. Even the main foyer loos! "Noone likes a smartarse": shot on the roadway under the main staircase. It's about the only straight concrete in the place LOL. "Path of least resistance and just take it": looking up the stairs from the main foyer to the foyer of eother the concert hall or opera theatre. The pink petals were installed during the extensive concert hall renovations from 2020-2022. They replaced clear plastic donuts, and yes are for the acoustics which would otherwise be terrible. The tunnel the Indigenous dancer is in, was also added during these renovations and accesses a lift that didn't previously reach the northern (harbour view) foyer. Which is where "noone likes a showoff" is filmed. "Stand out in the crowd" was by photographer Spencer Tunick in 2010 and, although I couldn't attend the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs filming date for this ad, I still made the video by this photo! 😆 You might not see many photos of the bridge from the opera house but, when you're inside, it's everywhere you look, out every western window.

[@christinestromberg4057]

I haven't seen everything by Tim but what I've seen I've been very impressed by. Very witty guy. The first one I saw was Canvas Bags. I loved his video of Prejudice. So clever. I remember early criticisms of the building saying it looked like sea shells stuck into a typewriter. :) Lot of philistines out there.

[@katetracton131]

I really enjoyed this! My first exposure to Tim Minchin was his performance in Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas. OMG. His “Heaven on Their Minds” was so passionate, positively searing. I’m glad to have seen this funnier side of him from you!

[@jackwhitbread4583]

This is an unpopular opinion but for me Tim is the single greatest Judas and actually the only person who fully understood the character of Judas.

[@jparko4944]

Beautifully insightful reaction... bravo. I've learnt a lot from this in regards to the theatre arts. Like you I've seen all Tim's work, and I've seen a live show of his at the SOH - bloody fantastic. On many occasions, because I live a few kilometres away from Bennelong Point, I skate(board) - [not acting my age] to the SOH foreshore to soak in the lapping of Sydney Harbour. I'm not spiritual, but it feels so. Every time I visit I'm in awe of the magestie of this architectual marvel. Alongside not forgetting it has been one of the prime locations for nearly 60,000 years of human inhabitance. See it in person if you can. See the interior, it is sublime also. Concrete as art:)))

[@keirrac2]

I have heard that organ. At our kids’ school recital there at the playing of I Still Call Australia Home and hundreds of children singing brings you to tears.

[@Jasper_Tree]

I’ve been a big fan of Tim’s work for a number of years now so it’s exciting to see you bring him to the channel. You mentioned this being the first music video of his that you know of, so if you haven’t seen it I also would recommend his music videos for “15 Minutes” which is great fun, and “I’ll Take Lonely Tonight” which is a song that hurts my heart in all the best ways.

[@jackwhitbread4583]

Also The Aeroplane and Airport Piano. Tim actually auctioned off the piano used for Airport Piano and the proceeds were given to charity. He does a lot for charity, whenever he tours he donates a portion of his earnings to local charities.

[@deano641]

Tim also had a part in Californication TV series, and played Friar Tuck in Robin Hood (2018). Wrote and starred in Upright TV series 1&2 a couple years ago. Watch the making of the video, Tim explains most of the scenes of the video and also you will see the rapper is standing on a table behind the piano.

[@belindaweber7999]

Thank you so much for reviewing this and taking the time to do it well.

[@user-tc6fh8jn1n]

This whole song and video is High Art, in its simplest and most brilliantly complicated form.

[@CrazyMaryJo]

My Burmese’s name is Tutu in a nod to to Tim’s Xmas song!

[@realdanpatterson]

I highly recommend looking up "Steven Tougher Opera House" and "Opera House Vivid" as there are some beautiful projections that have been done over the years.

[@djalexander968]

I didnt realize tim was still making stuff to be honest. But no complaints here 😂, im so happy for him to be in something like a anniversary for the SOH, it feels like hes being given the legitimacy and big-star status he definitely deserves, like Carlin or Chappelle(as much as i dont like chappelle, hes still huge)

[@davidkreacts]

Nothing like at the rate he used to, I don't think, but I was really glad to see this. Absolutely agreed re the value of having him do something as significant as this - well-deserved.

[@micheleallen]

He is such a genius.

[@katiikN]

The best reaction I have seen to this so far! And by best I mean you were reacting to exactly the same bits as me in the same way :)

[@mattbarneveld815]

The "hanging panels" (acoustic reflectors) you discuss are a very recent addition to the Concert Hall as part of a major refurbishment intended to improve the acoustics of the hall which have always been a bit dodgy for concerts. The hall was initially designed to be a combined opera theatre and concert hall however, as the larger of the two major halls, it was decided to make it exclusively a concert hall as it was felt concerts would be a bigger drawcard (more bums on seats) than opera. The opera theatre (The Joan Sutherland Theatre), was initially designed as a theatre stage and, as a result, was never well regarded by performers and designers as the stage is tiny, the orchestra pit was minuscule and not designed for purpose, and entry and egress to the stage was appalling for large opera casts. This recent refurb. has attempted to address some of these issues also. Finally, the SOH recently auctioned off the previous acoustic reflectors from the Concert Hall which were, in their own right, iconic, the famous "doughnuts" 😊

[@DukadaSiSom]

I am SO GLAD you reacted to this! It is simply brilliant!

[@utha2665]

This is the first time I have seen a reaction from you, having just come from a reaction from someone else who just didn't get the basics or the irony that you picked up on immediately. I have to say, you need to watch this a video, the lyrics by themselves send an entirely different message. A fun fact, in the opening scene with the orange peel projecting a shadow of the opera house, was one of the inspirations of its design. You can get tours of the Opera House where you can climb out on the sails. Well you could back in 1979 when I visited as a 12 year old, like you can with the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

[@NebraskaGonvilleJones]

Sounds like you haven't watched the music video for "Aeroplane". Another fairly new masterpiece by Tim

[@jackwhitbread4583]

It's such a simple music video but honestly one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Tim is such a creative genius and he blows me away with his vast intelligence and creativeness. I was also so impressed with how far he's come as a vocalist, although The Aeroplane is not flashy it really still showcases his vocal ability.

[@allisonbergh4429]

Or “Leaving LA”, or “The Absence of You”, he’s got several *proper* music videos!

[@96518]

@David K Reacts I love your reaction to this. I love your compassion and emotion. There is another great Australia Comic Band called The Axis of Awesome. I really recommend you do Four Chord Song so you see what they were originally like. Then do Elephant in the Room. Elephant in the Room involves a big change so you must first see the earlier song otherwise it will not make sense. There have been lots of reactions on the earlier song (which is wonderful) and worth doing, but none on Elephant which is a massive injustice.

[@marionbray6774]

Love, love, LOVE your reaction and analysis. As an Aussie there's so many iconic artists and iconic moments in this, so fitting for an iconic building.

[@jackwhitbread4583]

If youre looking for Tim music videos The Aeroplane is beautiful yet simple as is I'll Take Lonely Tonight. The Aeroplane was written for Tim's smash hit tv show Upright in which he is both the main character and the co writer and Ill Take Lonely Tonight is from his Apart Together album. Airport Piano is also a real cool song and music video.

[@allisonbergh4429]

The Absence of You has one of the best music videos ever, and the behind the scenes of it it just as good

[@kel1985]

It’s funny that an orange peel makes up part of the silhouette of the SOH, because the architect was inspired when he was peeling an orange -the sails make a sphere. Jimmy Barnes is the "rock voice"when Tim moves the couch

[@Dr_KAP]

Ah that’s become a well entrenched myth thanks to KZbin reactors lol. It wasn’t actually the architect at all it was a completely different architect years earlier who was inspired by a grapefruit but then used an orange in his presentation to show others. Utzon then built on this concept to develop his design of the opera house.

[@kel1985]

It’s a myth that an orange peel was used at the beginning of this video?? @@Dr_KAP

[@Dr_KAP]

@@kel1985 lol an orange peel was used at the beginning because as I said in my comment, the concept was developed by a former architect and he was inspired over breakfast by a grapefruit. Later he presented this to the world using an orange. This was not the Opera House architect however. The Opera House architect built on this idea. It’s all on their official website. Have a good one.

[@kel1985]

@@Dr_KAP 's all good.😄 But which came first, the colour orange,or the fruit orange ?🤔

[@Dr_KAP]

@@kel1985 lol definitely the fruit. The fruit existed before we gave it a name lol. But the next question would be did we name the fruit or the colour first. Again I believe we named the fruit first 😃😃

[@jemxs]

I love this, brilliant tribute for the iconic Opera House. Love your reaction and insights..I also well up watching this lol.

[@lanahands781]

I also love the marching of the dancers adding to the beat.

[@kathydurow6814]

The first "crowd" shot you noted may be a photo shoot by an artist known for their group nude photos...the other crowd sitting on the Opera House forecourt ( I think) may be one of the iconic shows where the band played on an offshore barge. This regularly happens every New Years Eve before the fireworks ( but the crowd is usually better dressed & maybe more inebriated). So my guess is maybe a Midnight Oil gig , or the Crowded House "farewell" concert singing "Don't Dream It's Over".

[@elli4210]

Ues, the naked people photo was by NY photographer Spencer Tunick in March 2010. I'm in there somewhere. 😆

[@lisagermany]

The crowd where you can see they are at a concert from behind the band - that was Crowded Houses "Farewell to the world" concert. I was there and it was incredible! Fireworks set off behind the Opera house from the harbour at the end of it

[@davidbrown9015]

Absolutely brilliant review by David of a brilliant performance and video by Tim Minchin! Sydney, 11/11/2023, Lest We Forget! 🕊

[@AutumnRavn]

I would love to see you analyse Tims Music, even if you already know it. You can still talk about what your first reaction was back when you heard it for the first time (if you remember). He's a muscial genius and I found him some five years ago when his 3 Minute Song randomly showed up on my youtube recommendations. I don't think I ever heard any reactor analysing his songs, which is sad because there is sooo much to talk about. I at least could do it for hours. Cute nod from Timmy the dog to Timmy the cat^^

[@mals4125]

What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful dissection of a magnificent piece of art.

[@reallollabunny]

HI David! so happy to see you reacting to Tim Minchin (and this song in particular). let's see if it brings you to tears too ;)

[@J03098]

What a fantastically in-depth analysis! Your passion for music, architecture, and cinematography is inspiring and you had many great insights into this video. This was a really enjoyable watch.

[@keirrac2]

The building was funded by the public from the running of the Opera House Lottery. Yes I bought some tickets at the time but unfortunately didn’t win anything. The interior of the concert hall has recently been refurbished and acoustics improved

[@peterdubois65]

Mate first time viewer and an avid Tim fan (saw him live in Melbourne last month) have you watched his TV series Upright?

[@CLabij]

Just a note: The image on the television screen on the theatre stage with Jim Barnes scene is the Dutch "Testscreen" that was shown in the old days when there weren't any programs left to be seen. So a kind of idle screen or standby screen. I have no idea why this was used or has any special meaning but it stood out to me.

[@NebraskaGonvilleJones]

Haha, that particular “test screen” (test pattern we called it) must have been ubiquitous. That one was definitely on Australian TV for many years. Not sure if you have listened to any Jimmy (Jim) Barnes or just Barnsey’s music before but it’s a whole world of great Aussie pub rock to discover 😊

[@Shookai]

The test card shown in the music video was designed by a Danish engineer, so that might be the reason for its feature 😃

[@carinarodebak9419]

You're most welcome to any coffees I can send your way ☕. I'm totally a tea person myself. About once a year I can get an Irish Coffee down though. Only way to get the whisky down as well, thanks to the whipped cream. Yes, I'm serious. My regards to sir Timothy. Writing this with a slerping cat on my lap, for the first time in a year. My sister relocated one of her felines early autumn and it's taken about 3 months for her to get this settled in. A most aloof personality from my previous companion. Thanks for the introduction to Tim Minchin. I've seen his name pop up now and then, but have never clicked on any of his videos. Having some pre- conceived ideas of what kind of artist he was I had never bothered. The picture with the man you wondered about, I belive that's Jörn Utzon, the architect. Think I recognized him. The advantage of being born before the operahouse in question is that I've read about it since it's foundation were laid.

[@lanahands781]

Really you had to question whether he wrote the lyrics for GHD, his word play is genius.

[@jenniferanderson1499]

This is a fabulous analysis of Tim's extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary creation. I can't think of anything to add - you've covered so many minutiae that I didn't know. I've had the honour of singing in the Concert Hall once in a rock musical, and standing on the stage and hearing your voice carry is awe inspiring. I was reminded of this video of Delta Goodrem's cover of Queen's The Show Must Go On, using the Opera House as a canvas to create a breathtaking backdrop. This video would also be perfect for a reaction! 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4TGpXiuaLJ-qJIsi=3wkeeaCxlzzpJFe-

[@majbrat]

Really gorgeous.

[@carpelibrarium8522]

44:40 also, barefoot, en pointe, and in heels are all associated with discomfort. A further reference to "discomfort you feel walking in another person's shoes"

[@allisonbergh4429]

Especially since I’m pretty sure that’s Courtney’s high heel, and drag is very much “walking in another person’s shoes”

[@peterdubois65]

And be good to see an analysis to Absence of you then the behind the scenes. If you haven't watched both vids you need to

[@LoppyJen]

I love this! I haven't heard a lot of Tim Minchin, but I've loved what I have heard. Act your age! The age I look, or the age my body *think* I am? Oh, and the stuff on your desk? You might want to keep some salt or iron on your desk, just in case it happens again.

[@CrazyMaryJo]

Mathilda won BAFTA !

[@KaaSerpent]

Yeah, re: the Pope...if I'm not terribly mistaken, Tim's not just an atheist, he's antitheist. :)

[@lanahands781]

Did you do any other Tim reactions?

[@katetoner3077]

too many interruptions

[@glenod]

the design was from an orange, if you line all the sails up, it will form a globe like the segments in an orange. pollies and public scorned it 50 years ago as a waste of money... and now its an icon.