Beds Are Burning

Devilment's rendition of 'Beds Are Burning' is a powerful anthem that addresses the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. The song's lyrics vividly describe the harsh, arid landscape of the Australian outback, with references to 'bloodwood and the desert oak' and 'boiling diesels' painting a picture of a land that is both beautiful and unforgiving. This setting serves as a backdrop for the song's central message: the need to acknowledge and rectify the wrongs done to the Indigenous people of Australia.

The recurring lines, 'The time has come to say fair's fair, to pay the rent, to pay our share,' emphasize the urgency of addressing these injustices. The phrase 'pay the rent' is a metaphor for recognizing the sovereignty of Indigenous Australians and compensating them for the land that was taken from them. The repetition of 'a fact's a fact, it belongs to them, let's give it back' reinforces the idea that the land rightfully belongs to its original inhabitants and that it is time for restitution.

The chorus, 'How can we dance when our earth is turning, how do we sleep while our beds are burning,' serves as a poignant reminder of the moral imperative to act. It questions how society can continue to live normally while ignoring the suffering and displacement of Indigenous communities. The imagery of 'beds burning' symbolizes the urgency and severity of the issue, suggesting that it is impossible to find peace or rest until justice is served. Devilment's powerful delivery, combined with the haunting lyrics, makes this song a compelling call to action for social justice and reconciliation.