Too Much Sunshine

Midnight Oil's song 'Too Much Sunshine' delves into the superficiality and stagnation of modern society. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where, despite the appearance of change and progress, the underlying issues remain the same. The opening lines, 'Haven't had so much fun since my daddy took the V 8 away,' evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss, hinting at a time when life was simpler and more genuine. The mention of 'resurrection day' suggests a longing for renewal or a fresh start, yet the subsequent lines reveal that this renewal is merely superficial.

The chorus, 'we got too much sunshine,' serves as a metaphor for an excess of superficial positivity that masks deeper problems. Sunshine, typically a symbol of happiness and clarity, is here portrayed as overwhelming and blinding, preventing people from seeing the true state of their lives. The repetition of 'we do the same things that we always do' underscores the theme of stagnation, where routines and habits remain unchanged despite the illusion of progress. The line 'nothing changes but the colour changes hue' further emphasizes this point, suggesting that any perceived change is merely cosmetic.

The song also touches on the idea of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. The verse about building a house in a town called 'pissitaway' and dreaming of marinas reflects the futility of chasing superficial goals. The imagery of being 'king for a day' highlights the fleeting nature of such achievements. The line 'you can sleep but you can't dream' poignantly captures the sense of disillusionment and the inability to envision a better future. Through 'Too Much Sunshine,' Midnight Oil critiques the hollow nature of modern life, urging listeners to look beyond the surface and seek genuine change.