I've Been To Bali Too — Redgum Lyrics

The Song's Meaning:

The song is a sarcastic look at Australian tourism in Bali, Indonesia. It makes fun of the traditional experiences and attitudes of Australian tourists visiting the island. The statement "I've been to Bali too" is used cynically, implying a sense of superiority or worldliness that the storyteller claims to have obtained from their tourist trip. The lyrics playfully highlight several features of an average Bali vacation for Australians in the 1980s, including: Cheap lodging and transportation. Sunbathing and partying in tourist destinations like Kuta and Legian Renting motorcycles despite the lack of experience. Having "Bali belly" (traveler's diarrhea) Shopping for souvenirs and counterfeit items. Visit cultural places and enjoy traditional performances. The song emphasizes the shallow nature of mass tourism and how some visitors assume they have learned profound cultural insights from a brief, packaged vacation experience. Redgum was an Australian folk and political rock band that performed from 1975 to 1990. The song was written by John Schumann, Redgum's lead singer and principal songwriter. It was released in 1984 as a single from the live album "Caught in the Act." The song mentions various Bali locales, including Kuta, Legian, Poppies Lane, Peliatan, and Ubud. It mentions traditional Balinese art forms such as legong dancing, puppet displays, and gamelan music. The lyrics make references to businesses and services popular among travelers at the time, such as Qantas (an Australian airline), American Express, and rent-a-car services. The song "I've Been to Bali Too" expresses a variety of emotions and attitudes, especially through its satiric tone. Here's a summary of the feelings and emotions expressed in the song: Irony and Sarcasm: The prevailing emotion is one of ironic comedy. The repeated remark "I've been to Bali too" is uttered with sarcastic pride, mocking visitors who believe their quick stay qualifies them for worldly or cultural status. Superiority: The narrator takes on a faux-superior attitude, indicating that their Bali experience distinguishes them from others. This is intended to be amusing and self-deprecating. eagerness: Despite the fact that the new experiences are derided, there is an undercurrent of eagerness. The references to renting motorcycles, attending cultural events, and sampling local delicacies all hint to the excitement of travel. Naivety: The song depicts a sense of naivety in the tourist experience, with the narrator stumbling into circumstances they are clearly unprepared for, such as riding a motorcycle with "no brakes, bald tires." Physical discomfort is jokingly mentioned with terms like "Bali belly" and "tropical rash," highlighting the less glamorous sides of travel. Mild Frustration: There are undertones of dissatisfaction with tourist traps and costly services, such as the truck ride that "wasn't worth a buck." Cultural Fascination: Despite the humorous tone, there is a genuine interest in Balinese culture, as evidenced by references to gamelan music, puppet shows, and traditional dancing. Regret: The concluding lines about leaving the camera in the airport bar imply a sense of regret or absentmindedness, which is frequent at the end of a hectic holiday. regret: While criticizing the tourist experience, the song also expresses regret for the carefree nature of such getaways. Overall, the song attempts to amuse listeners who identify these tourist tropes, either via personal experience or cultural understanding.