When the Generals Talk Midnight Oil

[Verse 1: Rob Hirst]
Up there, up there, up there on the platform
He is speaking to the people
The people are responding
With clapping and a cheering
But the meaning of the message
Not revealed to those assembled
They're taken for a ride
Taken in his stride

[Chorus]
When the Generals talk
You better listen to him
When the Generals talk
You better do what he say
When the Generals talk
You better listen to him
When the Generals talk
You better do what he say

[Verse 2: Rob Hirst and Peter Garrett]
There's a rumour in the ranking
Someone's talking insurrection
General has a purge
He wants to win election
With the certain satisfaction
That the people are appeased
Long live the revolution
The General's very pleased