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
For many listeners, "Down Under" evokes a sense of pride in Australian identity and culture, blending elements of both celebration and nostalgia. The song's upbeat rhythm can be read as a joyful tribute to the landscape and lifestyle of Australia, highlighting the uniqueness of its people and their spirit. Many find that the lyrics reference themes of travel and exploration, capturing the carefree essence of life's journey while acknowledging the deeper connections one has with home. This combination makes it a timeless anthem that resonates with both Australians and those who appreciate the spirit of adventure.
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: MenAtWorkVEVO
- Video published: February 7, 2013
- Video runtime: 3 minutes, 41 seconds
- YouTube views when drafted: 507,219,548
- YouTube likes when drafted: 3,150,167
- YouTube comments when drafted: 103,384
Quick Facts
- Artist: MEN AT WORK
- Song: DOWN UNDER
- Album/collection: Business As Usual
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: Down Under (song)
