Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Midnight Oil
Canonical path: /midnight-oil/when-the-generals
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
When The Generals
Read When The Generals lyrics by Midnight Oil on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
When The Generals
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
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
When the generals talk
You better listen to him
When the generals talk
You better do what he say
There's a rumour in the ranking
Someone talking insurrection
So the general has a purge
'Cos he wants to win elections
With the certain satisfaction
That the people are appeased
Long live the revolution
The general's very pleased
Sitting on the fence both ears to the ground
The fat cat's still push the thin cats around
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "When The Generals"?
Midnight Oil performs "When The Generals", and this lyric page sits inside the Midnight Oil catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "When The Generals"?
Yes. The related section below points to Armistice Day and Back On The Borderline with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Midnight Oil?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Midnight Oil's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on When The Generals yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.