About the Song
"Down Under" is a song recorded by Australian rock band Men at Work. It was originally self-released in 1980 as the B-side to their first local single, "Keypunch Operator", before the band signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. Both early songs were written by the group's co-founders, Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. The early version of "Down Under" has a slightly slower tempo and different arrangement from the later Columbia release. The best-known version was then released on Columbia in 1981 as the second single from Men at Work's debut studio album, Business as Usual.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of "Down Under" can be read as a celebration of Australian culture and identity. For many listeners, the song evokes feelings of nostalgia and pride, highlighting a sense of adventure and belonging. It paints a vivid picture of the landscapes and lifestyle unique to Australia, allowing listeners to connect with their own experiences or aspirations of travel. Additionally, the song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody reinforce themes of joy and freedom, inviting everyone to appreciate the essence of life Down Under.
Did You Know?
- Men at Work are an Australian rock band formed in Melbourne in 1979.
- They were best known for breakthrough hits such as "Down Under", "Who Can It Be Now?", "Be Good Johnny", "Overkill", "It's a Mistake" and "High Wire".
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: Business As Usual
- Genre: Rock
- iTunes release date: November 9, 1981
- Track runtime: 3:42
Video Snapshot
- Video title: Men At Work – Down Under (Official HD Video)
- YouTube channel: Men At Work
Quick Facts
- Artist: Men At Work
- Song: Down Under
- Album/collection: Business As Usual
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: Down Under (song)
