INXS

Songwriter: Michael Hutchence Andrew Farriss

Producer: Richard Clapton

Simple matters always seem
To make things complicated
I think of ways to understand
But it all get's away from me

I sense persuasion of a kind
It wraps itself around me
The changing message of your love
Rarely ever reaches me

Not talking only want action
Once you give in you are through
This is the night of rebellion

There used to be paint on the walls
But you're too young for money
They'd rather paint the whole town red
Than spend it on what they're told

Summer to winter is never the same
If it is then it's time to change
I don't want to rock your sacred boat
But there's holes in your sacred sails

INXS was originally formed in 1977 in Sydney, Australia as the Farriss Brothers. The lineup included the three Farris brothers: Andrew

(songwriter/keyboards); Tim (guitar); and Jon (drums), along with Michael Hutchence (lead vocals/songwriter); Kirk Pengilly (guitar/saxophone) and Garry Gary Beers (bass). They began gaining popularity playing in pubs before moving on to support other local Australian bands, including Midnight Oil.

In 1979, they changed their name to INXS and released their first single “Simple Simon” in 1980. They went on to release their debut self-titled album INXS in 1980, closely followed by their second album, Underneath the Colours, in 1981. Neither album gained much attention outside of Australia, however, in July of 1982 INXS released their single “The One Thing” ahead of their next studio album. The song began to climb the U.S. and international charts, thanks in part to music video’s heavy rotation on MTV.

more tracks from the album

Underneath the Colours

From the album

Underneath the Colours (1981)

INXS popular songs

Night of RebellionINXS

INXS

Underneath the Colours