Blue Sky Mine

Midnight Oil's 'Blue Sky Mine' is a poignant commentary on the plight of workers and the environmental and ethical issues surrounding industrial corporations, particularly mining companies. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by laborers who toil under harsh conditions for meager wages, all while corporate greed continues to exploit both human and natural resources. The repeated lines about food on the table and pay in the pocket highlight the basic needs that drive workers to endure such exploitation.

The 'blue sky mine' serves as a metaphor for the false promise of prosperity that companies offer to their workers. The blue sky, typically a symbol of hope and freedom, is ironically the very thing being mined, suggesting that the workers' dreams and health are being extracted just like resources from the earth. The mention of 'candy store paupers' and 'truth makers' alludes to the manipulation and deceit practiced by those in power to maintain their wealth and control. The song's chorus, with its desperate plea for salvation, underscores the sense of helplessness felt by the workers, who are left wondering who will come to their aid when the companies they work for are the cause of their distress.

The song concludes with a somewhat hopeful note, suggesting that despite the ongoing exploitation, there is a possibility for renewal and justice. The rain washing the streets of the 'blue sky town' symbolizes a cleansing force that could potentially bring about change. Overall, 'Blue Sky Mine' is a powerful protest song that calls attention to the need for social and environmental justice in the face of corporate malfeasance.