LABOR minister Peter Garrett personally told Barack Obama his speech on an expanded US military presence was "inspiring" - almost three decades after he attacked the same armed forces in song.

The former Midnight Oil frontman yesterday insisted times had changed since he penned the 1982 classic US Forces and that the new deal to base troops in Australia came under different circumstances.

Controversy surrounding the song - which includes the lyrics "US forces give the nod, it's a setback for your country" - has grown since Mr Garrett's entry to politics amid claims he has sold out.

But the NSW MP said he expressed his gratitude to Mr Obama personally yesterday when the President met informally with members.

"I will always be proud of the music and songs created by Midnight Oil, at a time of considerable concern about nuclear issues in the Cold War era," Mr Garrett said.

At the very heart of the new Pacific region

"More than 25 years later, President Obama's speech laid out clearly the values that underline American participation in our region.

"These included building co-operation, emphasising the importance of democratic freedoms, including freedom of expression, and celebrating activism, too. It was an inspiring speech and I told him that."

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Originally published as Garrett changes tune on forces