Jimmy Barnes's Working Class Man film clip brought to life by cane farmers

It was the anthem of 1980s Australia and a career-defining moment for one of the country's biggest rock gods.

Jimmy Barnes's Working Class Man was a song dedicated to his fans and his famous film clip, set among the burning cane fields of Far North Queensland, remains an enduring symbol of the era.

Barnes recently told the ABC about the excitement of filming in the cane fields after having done many tours through north Queensland.

"I'd seen them burning off in the distance, but this was my chance to finally get up close and see what went on," he said.

While cane farming is still an important industry in Far North Queensland, most farmers no longer burn the cane, opting for more environmentally-friendly practices.

But the fires were once commonplace.

And while the sweaty singer belted out his tune, in the background of that video was a group of true-blue working-class men bringing the lyrics to life.

Almost four decades later, cane farmers Arnold Carne and Johnny Jashar still laugh about their guest appearances on the day Barnes filmed on Mr Carne's Edmonton farm during crushing season in 1985.

"We were waiting for [Barnes] and the rain was starting to come and the contractor was getting cranky, so we decided we were just going to go ahead with the burn, with or without him," Mr Carne said.

Mr Jashar remembered people racing to cool the singer down.

"I remember a guy came and got a bucket of water to pour over Jimmy's head to cool him down, he carried a bucket of water halfway across the farm because the fire was really hot," he said.

Barnes said remembering his lines was the least of his troubles.

"As it burned, it created a whirlpool of fire and it wasn't long until I was in the middle of it," Barnes said.

"[In the clip], you'll see me looking back."

He said the flames were getting closer and closer.

"I thought I was about to go up in flames along with the cane," he said.

One chance to film

The film crew only got one chance to capture the fire scene because it was the last burn of the season.

"After it was all over, Jimmy came out cursing and carrying on, so we went home and then Jimmy came up to the house and thanked us and asked if they could get some more footage the following day."

In the daylight hours, the production crew filmed the workers harvesting the cane.

Mr Jashar was captured cutting cane, driving the bin tractor and hauling the cane, but had no idea what the footage was for.

"My boss had said, 'Comb your hair tomorrow because the cameras will be there,' but didn't explain much more," he said.

"I actually had one of his tapes, a Cold Chisel tape, but in those days I just knew the songs and I didn't know that was him."

Mr Carne, being more of a Slim Dusty fan, also didn't realise he was in the midst of rock royalty until long after filming had wrapped up.

Working class people

Barnes said the Far North Queensland landscape left an indelible mark on him.

"I've been drawn to the tropics ever since and I wanted that landscape to be a part of this song," he said.

"It was a great experience and it all went too fast. The story of my life really."

It's been 37 years since the release of Working Class Man, the title since used for Barnes's self-penned memoir.

Mr Carne has since sold his farm and retired, but Mr Jashar still owns a cane farm and works the sugarcane.

"I like working out in the open, I like the country and the dust," Mr Jashar said.

"The city is too fast for me."

He said the famous song and its accompanying film clip resonated with Australians and especially with the cane farmers of the Far North because it summed up rural life.

"It was good to be part of it, it's a good song and really shows what life is like in Australia," he said.

"That's what they are, working class; that's what we are."