Song meaning of Jimmy Sharman’s Boxers by Midnight Oil

The song "Jimmy Sharman's Boxers" by Midnight Oil tells a story of the struggles and sacrifices faced by boxers in the ring. The lyrics depict the harsh reality of these fighters' lives, who come from challenging backgrounds depicted by the line "Their days are darker than your nights." Despite the hardships they face, they stand their ground and refuse to be the first to fall. 

The song criticizes the exploitation of these boxers, with lines like "For Jimmy Sharman's boxers, it's no better if you win." It questions the purpose and justification for such physical violence, asking why people pay to see someone fall like "shrapnel to the floor." The repetition of the question "What is the reason for this?" emphasizes the confusion and frustration regarding the persistence of such brutal sports.

The lyrics also shed light on the repetitive nature of this lifestyle, with the boxers spending their days wasted drinking at hotels and constantly fighting for the crowd's entertainment. The crowd's demands for more violence and the boxer's resilience to meet those demands illustrate how some societal norms prioritize aggression and brutality.

Overall, the song seeks to convey a message about the inherent brutality of boxing, the exploitation of individuals involved, and the societal fascination with violence. It prompts listeners to question the reasons behind supporting and perpetuating such practices.