A Whimsical Journey Through the Land “Down Under”
Released in 1981 as part of their debut album, Business as Usual, “Down Under” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. This remarkable feat established Men at Work as the only Australian band to simultaneously hold the number one album and single spots in both the U.S. and the U.K. It was a cultural phenomenon, a quirky, catchy tune that painted a vivid picture of life in Australia for a global audience. The song’s success was meteoric, not only dominating airwaves worldwide, but also becoming an unofficial anthem for Australia, played at sporting events and tourism campaigns, solidifying its place in popular culture.
The story behind “Down Under” is as interesting as the song itself. The lyrics, penned primarily by Colin Hay and Ron Strykert, are a collection of Australian slang and cultural references, woven together to create a narrative of a travelling Australian. The song tells a tale of a man traveling the world, encountering fellow Australians and sharing experiences that resonate with their shared nationality. It’s a whimsical journey filled with imagery of vegemite sandwiches, Kombi vans, and the distinct sounds of kookaburras. The lyrics, while seemingly lighthearted, touch upon themes of travel, identity, and the Australian spirit. The line “Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie” vividly captures the backpacking culture of the time, while the mention of “buying bread from a man in Brussels” highlights the global reach of the traveler’s journey.
The music itself is a blend of rock, reggae, and pop influences, creating a sound that is both catchy and unique. The distinctive flute riff, played by Greg Ham, is perhaps one of the most recognizable instrumental hooks of the 80s. This melody, with its almost whimsical and slightly melancholic tone, adds a layer of depth to the song, perfectly complementing the storytelling lyrics. The song’s instrumentation, combined with Colin Hay’s distinctive vocals, created a sound that was instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy. It was the perfect soundtrack for the era, a blend of new wave energy and pop sensibilities, all wrapped in a uniquely Australian package.
Beyond its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, “Down Under” carries a deeper meaning. It’s a celebration of Australian culture and identity, a snapshot of a time when Australia was beginning to make its mark on the world stage. It’s a song about shared experiences, about the connection between people who share a common heritage, even when they are far from home. For many Australians, especially those who were living abroad during the 80s, “Down Under” became a symbol of home, a reminder of their roots and their unique cultural identity. For the rest of the world, it offered a glimpse into the laid-back, adventurous spirit of Australia, a land of sunshine, wide-open spaces, and unique wildlife.
In later years, the song faced some controversy regarding similarities between the flute riff and the children’s song “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.” This legal dispute brought renewed attention to the song, reminding people of its enduring popularity and its place in music history. Even with this controversy, the song has remained a staple on radio stations and in popular culture, continuing to evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the adventurous spirit it embodies.
“Down Under” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of music to capture a moment in time and to connect with people across cultures and generations. It is more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact, a symbol of Australia’s rise on the world stage, and a reminder of the power of music to evoke memories and emotions. Its impact on music and popular culture is undeniable, cementing Men at Work’s “Down Under” as a true classic.