Meaning of "Naked Flame" by Midnight Oil

"Naked Flame" by Midnight Oil explores themes of chaos, power struggles, and the feeling of helplessness in the face of societal turmoil. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where madness reigns, with characters like the minister and the woman in control, exerting their influence and sometimes facing challenges to their authority. The narrator's refusal to engage with the chaos, symbolized by the "naked flame," suggests a desire to distance oneself from the destructive forces at play. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the political and social unrest that the band may have been observing at the time, urging listeners to be conscious of the power struggles and conflicts in the world without necessarily becoming consumed by them.