Vocal Coach Reacts to Midnight Oil - 'Beds Are Burning' | Australian Protest Song Breakdown

[@BethRoars]

📖 Get Your Signed Copy of My Album "Fable": www.bethroars.com/shop Grab a limited edition signed copy of my album "Fable" ☀ Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1W0He1MTuQoG0Yt2ccmhyL?si=b5qm82DmSRip8L4abe2-nw Stream my music on Spotify and follow me for the latest releases. 🥁 Support My Work on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bethroars Join my Patreon community for exclusive content, early access, and more! 🎙 Check Out My Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/6qagi7psuVNhdIBYB302Rj?si=945f180e7c6c4ec7 Dive deep into music, vocal techniques, and interviews with top industry professionals in my podcast.

[@oscararzate7956]

@@BethRoars mi H Prrj ❤🇲🇽

[@blortmeister]

Well, I'd recommend it. It's really solid work worthy of attention. Lead Me From the Forest keeps getting stuck in my head. And the physical packaging is beautiful, if you're into that sort of thing (I am!).

[@0grob0]

You need to listen to this song 10,000% "The red clay strays- Drowning

[@blortmeister]

Been fans since '87 in this household. In the late '80s while the band was touring North America, they played this at the Carmanah protest camp on Vancouver Island, BC. At the time, over 95% of BC was not covered by treaties with the First Nations, and the Carmanah valley's 1500+ year old trees were being "harvested." Brought a lot of international attention to the issue at the time--after all, the Oils were probably at their biggest during this tour. But they took the time to come out to a forgotten valley on the West Coast of Canada to lend their voices to the protest. Much of the Carmanah is now protected from logging. Mad, mad respect for this band.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Do you think he sounds like Gord Downie? Cause when I first heard this song, I thought it was a Hip song.

[@blortmeister]

@@RobbieFitzgerald I get that, but I heard this, what, 20 years before I heard the Hip. So Peter is the original for me. Had I come at it the other way around, yeah, I probably would.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

@@blortmeister I grew up with the Hip but I dont think I heard this song until the early 2000s. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@blortmeister]

@@RobbieFitzgerald It always fascinates me how we miss cultural events. We're just standing in front of a fire hose of film, music, tv, plays, and on and on. This is one of the reasons reaction videos are so popular: old folks can't believe that noobs haven't absorbed their cultural touchstones. I just look around and think "Hmm. I've never heard of...[insert your favourite artist or cultural event here]" There's so much stuff! Me missing the Hip? The fire hose blew them past me. Midnight Oil? Fire hose got me in the face. No harm, no foul. Just the way this stuff works, eh?

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

@@blortmeister You got that right!

[@rosco1pug]

Peter G is the first person to disavow any claims to a singing voice, so interesting to hear analysis of his vocal mannerisms by a proper voice coach!

[@filmkid541]

Beth, there is a great video of Midnight Oil playing in front of the Exxon building in New York - protesting their off shore oil sites and how they are hurting the planet. They rented a flat bed truck and set up their gear and parked in front of the building. There were huge crowds supporting them!

[@S0ldeed]

Midnight Oil makes you dance Exxon Oil makes us sick

[@sonofeloah]

You really should use their official video of this song. The video is of them going out and about the Aboriginal peoples. The song is much more clear than the live show version.

[@carriepybus8929]

Yes 🤘🙂🤘

[@NewFalconerRecords]

True, but the complexity of this performance was really interesting. I'd never seen it before.

[@raemack1969]

I agree, there's something off with Peters voice on this.

[@happydude2163]

Yea agree, a full play through of the full song. People watching this likely not knowing the song or the band don't get a chance to really enjoy the song, especially the polished original or the album.

[@davidgeisler9885]

They’d have to pay copyright fee whereas live performances they can use for free (I think)

[@barrythatcher9349]

One of the best Australian Rock bands. Thank you for showing this. A grateful Australian. Not all of the British convicts that Empire imported were from the Southern England. There were many Irish, Welsh & Scots were sent here as well in the late 1700's - 1850s's.

[@greggerypeccary]

Plenty of Scottish names in Oz! Nowhere else on earth do you encounter people with names like Lockie Leonard or Dessie Doolan...

[@steveberkery6128]

AC/DC didn’t start in a vacuum… Unwanted Scots sent to the colonies…

[@raulcardenas8115]

you are sooo cute the way you got emotional. its a great song from a most underrated band

[@EL_Duderino68]

Midnight Oil is a very political band. I saw them live many times when I was young. Then a couple of years ago my daughter, who is a real activist for the environment, Indigenous and generally human rights asked me to take her to their farewell tour concert in 2022 (when your 16 year old daughter asks you to do that, you pay attention, it's not always easy connecting with your teenage daughter). It was so good. Thanks for your insightful review of this song.

[@markagerman1223]

The Greatest live band I have ever seen in the last 40 years.

[@Jasper0o0]

I’ve always loved this song. What a moving performance. In Canada, we have a similar history. If you’re interested, look up the “residential school system “.

[@TerenceShortman]

After moving down under from the UK in 1977 the Oils became my favorite Ausie band Exceptional lyrics and music Peter is such a striking front man, he is 6ft 4 tall and with his bald head eclectic dance movements stands out from the crowd he is and always has been an Actavis for indigenous rights, workers and the environment and is a highly respected individual.

[@tonypeake467]

100%

[@dagfincarp1113]

How can we dance when our earth is turning? How do we sleep while our beds are burning? These lyrics apply to so much happening in the world. A powerful call to action.

[@kidztruthproductions]

I've been waiting years for this! Midnight oil are my favourite band, and I knew you'd have an interest in Peter Garrett's voice. I hope you get to do other songs of theirs like "Forgotten Years" "Truganini" "My Country" and "One Country". The last song also shows off their Bass player's angelic voice. Great video!

[@galvinklatt5273]

Really enjoyed seeing you a little surprised with emotion at this important song. 💛 they have so many powerful numbers. May I suggest Truganini from them for the next song? Also, Blue Sky Mine is a banger. Midnight Oil are musicians who activate your conscience while freeing your heart to dance. There is no others like them, in my experience. You won’t be disappointed continuing with their compelling, activist catalog. Thank you!

[@garymaidman625]

Don't forget Power and the Passion and The Dead Heart.

[@kirby1ist]

Hi Beth , love your pieces, love your songs. I live in Canada and we are doing something about our indigenous peoples, treaties now and as far back as 1780 are being honored, we as a world still have a long way to go , this song from my youth was a wonderful first step. You have a great day.

[@martinmckowen1588]

His dancing is legendary and unique, also I believe he is 6’6”. The wobble board you called out is a didgeridoo (or yidaki to use its proper name)

[@garymaidman625]

Actually, yidaki is not it's proper name, it's the name one nation uses, other nations use different names, including mandapul and mako.

[@Wizardofgosz]

The studio version is killer.

[@rainerszesny8593]

Milestone in music history.

[@IMheady]

You really need to watch Stand in Line live...Oils on Water gig. Best performance ever by Mr.Garrett! Some amazing vocals!

[@oscararzate7956]

Bravo 👌 para comenzar el día me llenaste de energía con una gran canción señorita Beth 👏👏🍀🍀

[@buddhamack1491]

If you want an example of another Aussie who sings with a very Australian accent then check out Missy Higgins. She was very popular and has plenty of hits to choose from.

[@missy0096]

love her music.

[@nicholashaines8481]

I love the performance of Scar that Missy Higgins did at the Live Earth concert in 2007.

[@patheddles4004]

They performed at the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, in front of then-PM John Howard who was /not/ on board with this message - Howard had been refusing to give an apology for the Stolen Generation, among other things. Midnight Oil stood there in black T-shirts with the word "SORRY" in huge text, and performed this song for the world. Absolutely iconic.

[@jamesjohnston9225]

Again, I'm really enjoying the pop-ups you've put in. It was cool to see graphics of the mechanics of singing. Really helpful for the layperson! Great band and a deep message in this song. Very cool audience participation. Another of theirs that got airplay in the US was Power and the Passion. Worth a listen IMHO

[@ianmontgomery7534]

the Honourable Peter Garret AM can belt the songs out.

[@michaellavella2377]

This song is so nostalgic for me. My childhood was filled with road trips and my father started each one off with this song. For whatever reason his unit loved this song and played it on deployment so he brought it home and played it on road trips.

[@krismiller5474]

Love this song! Always moved me!

[@def1ghi]

I have to say, Midnight Oil were one of the best live bands I've ever seen. So amazingly tight. Sound even better than the recorded music.

[@mals4125]

Seriously the greatest live band ever. Check out 'Power and the Passion' live at Oils on Water - life changing.

[@scotttaylor7767]

This performance of the song is from a concert the band gave in South Africa in 1994. In Johannesburg at Ellis park to celebrate the release of Nelson Mandela. Midnight Oil had been banned from playing South Africa because of their stand against the apartheid laws of the government at the time. In 1994 they were one of the first big bands to play in South Africa. So this concert was a special one for the band and the audience.

[@WayneKitching]

@@scotttaylor7767 South African here. Had no idea. I know that they toured South Africa in the 90s,but at the time I was still in high school and lived in a small city that rarely had international concerts.

[@scotttaylor7767]

@@WayneKitching I think this was the only time the band played in South Africa? But it was a memorable concert!

[@rods6405]

And hows all that working out for South Africa?

[@scotttaylor7767]

In the original recording I think his voice was double tracked in the first verse. That’s why it sounds like an old man around the camp fire. Rob Hurst got the title of the song when he went to a art exhibition in Sydney. There were paintings of resistance forces to Nazi occupation in Italy in 1944. And one of the resistance leaders had made the comment. Apparently Rob loved the phrase and rushed home and wrote the song. Then midnight oil went out to the outback in 1986. When they came back to record the song they had a backing track without words. Rob apparently put the words on to the track. Their producer when they had finished recording it. Said guys you have just recorded your first number one !! Lol

[@pfeilchen]

Another great song about the rights (and lack therof) of aboriginal Australians is "Truganini". There are two names mentioned in that song, the title and Namatjira. When i researched a little about those, i was completely flabberghasted and actually , really shocked. It is amazing what things you are NOT told about in school. Same thing happened to me when a few years ago Colm McGuinness released his version of "Come Out Ye Black And Tans" and i started to read about the names and events mentioned in that song. Never would have guessed that i didn't know anything about an important part of european history.

[@thomashiggins9320]

This is the band that cost me part of the hearing in my right ear. I got *way* to close to the stack during a concert at the Field House on the campus of the University of Colorado, in Boulder.

[@thedarcbird]

There is a song by Queen that is similar (though it's about Native Americans) it's called "White Man"and was written by Brian May

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

Seems they have always had a political bent. The Stupidest thing the Olympics ever did was have Midnight Oil play the closing ceremony on the Sydney 2000 olympics and apparently telling them to "don't get political".... Ooopps!

[@lazzar1903]

Take a look at Midnight Oil - Treaty (Live At The Domain, Sydney) ft. Yirrmal

[@MrsBazzy]

Check out the videos of Midnight Oil's final concert at the Hordern Pavillion in Sydney 2022 Peter sang for almost 4 hours at almost 70 yrs and didn't falter. His voice is amazing, and so are the whole band, Jim Mogenie , Rob Hirst & Martin Rotsey (RIP Bones Hillman)

[@BigTroyT]

30+ years ago, I was working a day job and delivering pizza at night, and after the pizza place closed and we got all the customers out and were cleaning up the store, we would blast music, and this song got played almost every night. It's the kind of song that can amp you up and get you to the finish line when you are worn out. I know every note and every beat, and it's just as good today.

[@carolmartin4413]

Not too familiar with Midnight Oil but they do their share of conscience songs. As an American product of the 60's...I'm pretty familiar with protest songs...and I respect them all.

[@MrsBazzy]

As an Aussie I remember really thinking the London Cockney accent had similarities when I was in London, strong roots 😉, most of my fam are Irish. PG is a legend 🖐

[@stevedockeray]

Inter-generational Trauma - First Nations kids were Sexually & Physically abused in Residential Schools along with the Emotional Trauma . Most addictions come from childhood trauma as it hurts the developing brain etc & the recent History of First Peoples proves this . A lesson we all need to learn & protect all our kids . Addiction numbs the brain to hide the pain .

[@amandstunts]

Peter Garret went on to become a member of parliament

[@politenessman3901]

and was a complete failure at it.

[@stephaniebell4272]

@@politenessman3901at least he tried

[@politenessman3901]

@@stephaniebell4272 He was responsible for the deaths of apprentices in roof spaces because he was incompetent and didn't insist on safeguards or standards.

[@stephaniebell4272]

@@politenessman3901 ok. (He wouldn’t be the only politician who’s made an error.)

[@politenessman3901]

@@stephaniebell4272 He killed people.

[@nicholashaines8481]

Hello Beth, I’m an Australian who has loved this song for decades but I hadn’t listened to it for a while. It was special to watch that live performance that Midnight Oil did in South Africa in 1986, which I had not seen before, and to reconnect with the song through the perspective of a singer with a refined musical sensibility and expert knowledge. It was also valuable to hear your perspective on the song as a Scottish woman. Your commentary really magnified the impact of the song. I’ve admired Peter Garrett for ages but I’d forgotten how charismatic he is. Thank you for analysing this song. Perhaps one day you could analyse the performance of the song Scar that Missy Higgins did at the Live Earth concert in 2007. It’s an iconic performance in the history of Australian music. Missy Higgins sings with a proud and expressive Australian accent.

[@hitaih750]

Paid a whole $1.50 to see this band before they became famous. Best money I had spent. Saw them live many times, even ended up doing security work at their concerts for them. So hard to be a profession and not dance like an idiot. The drummer is in my top five in the world

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

The other interesting fact is that this concert wasn't in Australia but at Ellis Park in South Africa which only confirms what you were saying about the resonance of the song and it's reach - both the message and the music

[@shauns5680]

Like Peter costello dancing in parliament to this - comedy gold 😂

[@N0rnagest]

As you've noted Peter Garrett went into politics ... He did this because of his belief in social equality and justice for the underdog... this is evidenced by the songs he wrote (and also by the fact that he brought audience members onto the stage to effectively join the band).everyone could be involved and make music. My ex-wife used to see 'The Oils' in Sydney back in the 80's... and Peter Garrett used to come out front at the end of the gig just to talk to the audience... he really cared about his fans and the conditions they were dealing with and living in... I have so much respect for this man.

[@garymaidman625]

And then was minister in charge of a policy that caused the deaths of multiple people and forced him out of politics.

[@markagerman1223]

The video was filmed at a concert in South Africa

[@christopherkearney5843]

There are more Australian songs that would be great to listen to

[@BobSiefken]

I realized from listening to Van Morrison (and also a few years hanging around an Irish pub whose owners were from Belfast area) that Northern Irish say face in a unique way.

[@felipesilvadifilippo1972]

"Diesel and Dust" was the 10th album released by Midnight Oil.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Wikipedia says its the 6th album.

[@paulrosenberg4227]

Tx for this amazing band reaction. Midnight Oil. Dynamic emotive power. You rock Beth!

[@guanyin19]

This was the first album I ever owned. When CDs were the new thing. I still listen to it regularly.

[@tileux]

Never thought Id see a foreign streamer doing a video on the Oils. You should have a listen to the late Gurrumul Yunupingu (apologies for using his name - natives will understand). Listen to the song "Wiyathul". It will blow you away. Im not sure which language its sung in. Its sung in one of the Yolngu dialects.

[@johngudgeon7454]

Didgeridoo...One of the worlds oldest if not the oldest instrument. Hearing one live is an experience almost out of this world... I used to go driving late at night chasing thunderstorms with traditional didge music playing on the car stereo. Mind blowing...

[@davidwild66]

For a classic early Midnight Oil song, try "Don't Wanna Be The One" from their 1982 concert at Wanda Beach.

[@redsword1659]

I can see myself dancing in that video at wanda (oh dear)

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

SO glad you've done this version rather than the often used music video - which is great - but this is an object lesson in controlling an audience and being an epic frontman - thanks !

[@wintermoonomen]

As always I learn something new about vocals, technique when I watch your videos. By the way I'm really enjoying your album Fable. The more I listen to it the more I discover. Thanks!

[@BethRoars]

Thank you!!

[@WayneKitching]

He sounds a bit out of breath. On the album version he sounds more punk.

[@mottoth]

Long time fan, and I eventually had the chance to see them live a few years ago in Lyon. Peter Garrett stage presence and energy are insane. You should check 'Oils on the water" 1985 live in Sydney, one of the best gig ever catched on video.

[@nnoddy8161]

You need to check out their earlier stuff...'.Oils on the Water' concert is epic!

[@XolaresTiberius]

Another Aussie legend! 😊

[@pwsegal]

I've seen them live several times, absolutely brilliant gigs. If you check out any more Oils, I suggest you try and find their Oils on the Water gig. Done for local radio Station JJJ, from Goat Island in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

[@garybrown7513]

Thank you from the bottom of this Australians heart for sharing and exploring this song with such emotion. The Aboriginal issue is so raw and the compassion and empathy for the lyrics and the courage to honestly share the impact is to be applauded. Thank you.

[@shmick6079]

Check out their concert video “Oils on the Water” - one of the greatest shows ever. Such an iconic band.

[@mattmid7012]

Yes! Stand in Line the pinnacle for me but it's a tough choice.

[@shmick6079]

@@mattmid7012 for the dance moves alone! It’s an epic gig.

[@leighd4908]

Amazingly, neither a trained singer nor a trained dancer … unbelievable! 😂

[@steveberkery6128]

Peak Oils is “Hercules”… They closed their recent farewell tour with that number… Brought the house down…

[@0grob0]

Not sure how to recommend a song to you, but i HIGHLY recommend listening and reacting to "the red clay strays -drowning" It is SOOO GOOD

[@DaniloGomes-jh7wu]

Emily Armstrong in linkin park is amazing! Next Vídeo!

[@Cubesy73]

Love the Oils. I wish I had got tickets to their final tour. I saw them live only once. If you want to understand more of the Indigenous Australian story via song Archie Roach " They Took the Children Away". Yothu Yindi "Treaty" and The Warumpi Band "My Island Home" would be worth a listen.

[@jayweb51]

Peter Garrett, lead singer of Midnight Oil, entered federal politics with the Australian Labor Party in 2004 and retired from Parliament in 2013. In the Labor Government, he was Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Art from 3 Dec 2007 to 14 Sept 2010; and the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth from 14 Sept 2010 to 26 Jun 2013.

[@rods6405]

and completely failed!

[@divarachelenvy]

Aussie legends.

[@dramoth64]

One of the things about the Australian accent is that while it sounds all drawn out, we actually speak a lot faster than every other English dialect out there. And when two Australians are talking, it's hard for other people to understand us because we tend to do away with nice things like work spacing :D

[@joannecunliffe8067]

Beth - you HAVE to check out Johnny Clegg and Jaluka/Savuka - especially Scatterlings of Africa (used in the film "Rain Man"), Dela (used in "George Of The Jungle") - and "I've Been Looking" ft. Jesse Clegg (so powerful). In terms of Midnight Oil, the song that tears me to pieces is "Forgotten Years" - wow. They are just brilliant.

[@blai5e730]

Like most pub bands of the 70's/80's, they had humble beginnings with their home base being my local pub - The Royal Antler in Narrabeen (Sydney, Australia). Funny how you spoke positively about his body language, my father (in his 90's) brings this up with monotonous regularity in a derogatory sense... he thinks he goes on like a deranged idiot.

[@scgreek1114]

Just reiterating, definitely listen to the studio version. Far better sound quality. There's also a contemporary music video.

[@jonathancapps1103]

This reminds me of an Amanda Palmer show I went to. She said she didn't like to perform The Jeep Song live, because it needed the backing vocals. But she asked for volunteers and made them swear they knew the part, then brought them on stage. The backing vocals are just "Bah-bop-bah-bah" in a few places.

[@alasdairmacdonald9838]

It's hard to overstate the significance of Midnight Oil and this song in helping to shine a light on the indigenous community in Australia and their struggle. Their oppression and the ongoing impact of colonisation was not discussed nor understood much at the time. Even today there is still a deep undercurrent of racism here in Australia that goes largely unaddressed. Changes are made around the edges but the root issue of land rights and cultural oppression goes still unchecked.

[@garymaidman625]

The Dead Heart is arguably bigger and more important.

[@rods6405]

What crap! Nobody did any thing to anyone ! Aboriginal Australians horrible things to each other long before white man appeared with better tech! And still do horrible things to each other !

[@joshd2013]

The official video is so much better you can actually hear what he sounds like properly

[@briannicholls2893]

As any Aussie who has seen them live will tell you, The Oils were one of the world's best live acts, and Garrett one of the most charismatic front men, though not necessarily the greatest singer. Their political steadfastness has also been admirable. Short Memory next?

[@WayneFairweather]

Love your analysis and enthusiasm - love your opinion on John Farnham with Human Nature - Every Time You Cry - great cover

[@marybill1429]

Love this song

[@roo72]

Good companion video to Todd in the Shadows one on this song

[@martincole5141]

While on band break the Oils minus Garret played with Brian Ritchie, bass player from the Violent Femmes. Together they made a few surf music albums no vocals.

[@tonypeake467]

As an Australian, thanks Beth for this reaction. I've seen the "Oils" live, and they were awesome. Lead singer Peter Garrett is a great Australian, a man of the people. Cheers Beth

[@dggeers]

Peter Garrett (the singer) became a politician and minister in a national Labor Government.

[@rods6405]

and totally f_cked up!

[@DaveOz-mx5oh]

You need to try dancing like Peter Garrett

[@shredvenom]

You gotta give credit to Rob Hurst on the drums belting out those harmonies! One of Australia's most iconic and influential drummers!!!Please watch this live video from 1985 on Sydney Harbour, called When the General's Talk....1985! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH-vZKuerayjgZo

[@inspectre27]

I had Blue Sky Mine stuck in my head all last week, so this is timely. Also: live versions are almost universally inferior to the album version.

[@belaygear8889]

In 2010 a slightly changed version of the song was used for Kofi Annans "tck tck tck: Time for Climate Justice" campaign and featured over 50 global artists.

[@petejones879]

White Australians pretty much did the same to Aboriginal Australians as white Americans did to the native American Indians

[@rods6405]

What crap! Nobody did any thing to anyone ! Both Aboriginal Australians and the native American Indians where doing "these things" to each other long before white man appeared with better tech!

[@Blend42]

Definitely check out the studio version too. Midnight Oil are probably the premier "political" band of Australia and almost every song delves into something important. This song really broke Midnight Oil out of Australian and into the world going to #17 in the USA, No.1 in Canada and New Zealand and #6 in Australia as well as top 10 charting in France, Netherlands and UK. The Album this is on (which has an excellent 2nd single The Dead Heart (and is a great album overall) also went #1 in Australia, Canada and New Zealand #21 in the USA. Possibly the best Australian band of all time!

[@ekner]

Please do a video with Postmodern Jukebox - Lovesong! It's got my favorite vocals right now and I really wanna learn from it!

[@trevorpowell6951]

✊🏾❤️💛🖤 FNQ Australia.

[@wolandbegemotazazello]

There are a lot of debates over the origins of the Aussie “tongue”. Personally, I can hear a lot of Cornwall English in Australian. By the way, Australian and Kiwi English do differ. Check out the Oils on Water videos. It represents the Oils at their zenith and is one of the great live performances of one of the all-time great live bands. The Oils and Crowded House are a national treasure for both Aus and NZ. See the Crowded House farewell in front of the Sydney Opera House in 1996. By the way, are you familiar with the American duo The Civil Wars?

[@johnspathonis1078]

I think Peter Garrett went to the Joe Cocker School of Dance.

[@redsword1659]

They were in no way "shocked". They and me and mine know ALL about it, since we were children.

[@aravel5249]

I love watching Peter G dancing, its like someone unexpectedly stuck a wild ferret down his pants and he is desperately trying to get it out while still singing...🤣

[@vit0766]

Beth, react to an angra song called “holy land”, its one of the most beautiful song of the band.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

I was listening first time round Beth ... and yes it digs deep into the problems of first nations people everywhere but its still a problem..

[@maxwellsmith80]

10-1 best album