Short Memory
Echoes of Forgetfulness: Midnight Oil's Short Memory Unveils Global Amnesia
Lyrics
Conquistador of Mexico, the Zulu and the Navaho
Refers to historical conquerors like the Spanish in Mexico, the Zulus in Africa, and the Navajos in America, highlighting past conflicts.
The Belgians in the Congo short memory
Mentions the Belgian colonization of Congo, suggesting forgetfulness or ignorance of past atrocities.
Plantation in Virginia, the Raj in British India
Refers to the exploitation of labor, specifically mentioning Virginia plantations and British rule in India.
The deadline in South Africa short memory
References the racial segregation policy in South Africa known as apartheid.
The story of El Salvador, the silence of Hiroshima
Highlights the conflicts and tragedies in El Salvador and the silence surrounding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Destruction of Cambodia short memory
Speaks of the destruction caused in Cambodia, possibly alluding to the Cambodian genocide during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Short memory, must have a, short memory
Emphasizes the necessity of having a short memory, possibly sarcastically implying that forgetting these events is easier for people.
The sight of hotels by the Nile, the designated Hilton style
Describes luxurious hotels by the Nile, possibly indicating the opulence and disconnect of some from the struggles of others.
With running water specially bought short memory
Highlights the privilege of having amenities like running water while others suffer.
A smallish man Afghanistan, a watch dog in a nervous land
References a smaller nation like Afghanistan and a watchdog in a tense environment, possibly hinting at geopolitical tensions and interventions.
They're only there to lend a hand short memory
Suggests that aid or intervention might not always be genuinely helpful, perhaps hinting at ulterior motives.
Wake up in sweat at dead of night
Portrays a disturbed state of mind, waking up in fear or anxiety.
And in the tents new rifles hey short memory
Suggests the presence of new weapons or conflicts even in temporary shelters like tents.
If you read the history books you'll see the same things happen again and again
Advises looking at historical patterns, indicating that similar events keep occurring.
Repeat repeat short memory they've all got it
Reiterates the idea of repeated forgetfulness despite the recurrence of events.
When are we going to play it again
Rhetorically questions when these cycles of forgetting and repeating will stop.
Got a short, got a short, got a short, got a short
Repeats the phrase "got a short" possibly emphasizing the prevalence of short memory.
They've got a short must have a short they've got a short aah
Reemphasizes the prevalence of short memory in society.
Short memory, they've got a.
Concludes with the repetition of "short memory," reinforcing the central theme of forgetfulness regarding historical events.
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