Australia’s Signature Song: The Rise of Men At Work
Australian band Men At Work formed in 1979 in Melbourne, evolving from an acoustic duo into a full band with the unusual addition of a saxophonist who also played the flute. This would prove to be a masterstroke, as the flute riff helped their biggest hit, Down Under, stand out from the crowd.
Starting out on the pub circuit, they quickly gained a reputation as one of the most popular live acts in the country. This momentum led to a deal with CBS and the release of their debut album Business As Usual in 1981.
Down Under was the second single from the album and went on to become a global phenomenon. It reached #1 in the U.S.—as did the album—making Men At Work the first Australian act to top both charts in America.
They followed up with other notable singles like Overkill and Who Can It Be Now?, which also saw success, though none matched the impact of Down Under, which quickly became Australia’s unofficial anthem.
By 1984, internal tensions took their toll and the band dissolved, with frontman Colin Hay launching a solo career.
Though often remembered for their signature song, Men At Work were far from one-hit wonders. Their unique blend of New Wave, pop, and reggae influences placed them firmly in the early ’80s zeitgeist alongside bands like The Police, New Order, and Culture Club. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, their contribution to pop music is undeniable.
Men At Work Tunes | Related Pages
Down Under | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Down Under by Men At Work using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Bm A | Bm G A |
Traveling in a fried-out Kombi…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Down Under (Men At Work) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Men At Work on the web
