Powderfinger's 'These Days' has been described by the band as 'one of their most simple, enduring and popular works'. Lyrically the song deals with bowing down to all the responsibilities and obligations of life. It also responded to an emotional scene of redemption, vengeance and justice in the film Two Hands (Gregor Jordan, Australia, 1999), for which it was written.

'These Days' was initially released as the B-side to the single 'Passenger' in 1999, then as the lead track on the film soundtrack. The success of the song saw it top the triple j Hottest 100 chart in 1999, and it was subsequently awarded Song of the Year at the 2000 Music Critics' Awards.

Powderfinger later re-recorded 'These Days' on their fourth studio album, Odyssey Number Five (2000). In 2009, These Days was voted No. 21 in the triple j Hottest 100 of all time.