A VIBE!| FIRST TIME HEARING Men At Work - Overkill REACTION

[@tomknj3356]

If you want a real treat, check out the Colin Hay acoustic version of this song. Absolutely incredible.

[@dalelawrence8374]

Glad you mentioned the acoustic version.... I was going to mention it, too. It gives a whole different feel to the song. He played the acoustic version on an episode of Scrubs! One of my favorite episodes of the show.

[@fan123casual8]

Came here to say this. (Colin Hey is the singer of Men at work and wrote most of their songs).

[@KevinSchmitt77]

@@dalelawrence8374 As I recall, he "kinda" played the song. Wasn't he interrupted by JD and Turk? Okay, now I have to go rewatch that episode!

[@rhalarda4088]

I actually prefer the acoustic version, not that I don't like this version either.

[@dalelawrence8374]

@KevinSchmitt77 If I remember correctly, he ended up playing the whole song in parts/segments. I kind of remember the episode of being something like "a day in the life of JD at the hospital" kind of vibe, and that Colin would pop in singing verses. I think I, too, need to go back and watch that episode again (it's been awhile.... lol).

[@lovinlorne]

Love this song. It always comes down to either this song or “It’s A Mistake” for my favorite

[@jnbennett6496]

yes , its a mistake is my fav, a little reggae

[@rickr949]

Same.

[@mkmstillstackin]

For sure, "It's a Mistake" is a great tune.

[@michaelfrazia4569]

both are great

[@kelliedee]

I was going to suggest this one too!

[@nataliestory2614]

I’m in my 60’s. Been a fan of Men At Work since the beginning. Colin Hay has such a unique voice.

[@Gordonroyce]

Me too. Iam 57 yo.

[@carltonbakerii8274]

62 checking in!

[@seanswinton6242]

​@@carltonbakerii827455 also from the AARP crew joining in!😂😂

[@pmR32red]

👍

[@thatfelladownunder9396]

60yo here, Business as usual.

[@luciemurphree1597]

OMG.....I FREAKIN LOVE THIS SONG!! The vocals and the emotion❤❤❤❤ They have an acoustic version which is just as amazing!

[@WeirdAlpha]

omg that acoustic one is soooooo gooood

[@Starlesslight]

Definitely my favorite song of theirs.

[@MattSmith-wz1xh]

First time I heard the acoustic was watching Scrubs. Great song and show!

[@michaelburggraf2822]

​@@MattSmith-wz1xhThat's really a very special episode of Scrubs and certainly one of my favourite ones.

[@chezellis]

Ever since it came out, this has always been my favorite Men At Work song. Second comes in with Be Good, Johnny.

[@andrewpetik2034]

I love that song! Both Business As Usual and Cargo are pretty amazing albums.

[@debrafong8899]

I came to say the exact same thing.

[@walterrutherford8321]

🤣 I first misread that as, “Ever since I came out…” 🤣

[@jayjayjase9796]

Be Good Johnny is a classic

[@nomicrowave]

Overkill and It's a Mistake are my two favorite Men At Work songs.

[@nealeger8154]

The show 'Scrubs' had an episode called 'My Overkill'. Lead singer Collin Hay was in it and sang an acoustic version of this song in a clever way interspersed through the story line .

[@mkmstillstackin]

My Favorite Men At Work song BY FAR!! The lyrics of this song are Brilliant! Colin Haye is just a genius. His solo acoustic version on this song is also great!

[@doplinger1]

Colin also released an acoustic version of this and it's awesome - also featured on an episode of "Scrubs"!

[@Trapper50cal]

He was a good sport in his cameo role on scrubs.

[@laurakali6522]

Brilliant episode.

[@laurakali6522]

I’ve seen Colin Hay perform many times. Solo acoustic, with a full band and with Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band. Always a great show. He’s really funny and tells great stories.

[@reneeheknowsmyname6771]

That is such a GREAT episode of Scrubs!! It gets me every time!!

[@Marant2327]

Yes! This always reminds me of Scrubs! Love this song. 💙

[@ericstaton6896]

Jay & Amber, great reaction! A very good song by Men At Work is "It's a Mistake"! It's an anti-war song by them! As always Love, Peace & Blessings!!!

[@adrianwright1702]

"Ghosts appear and fade away" such a brilliant phrase for real life situations. Brilliant sax, guitar and everything, plus Colin Hay is fabulous.

[@robertcrawford1791]

When he comes in later in the song after the instrumental bridge and shouts ‘I CANT GET TO SLEEP!!’ I get chills. Couldn’t tell you why but it focuses a lot of emotion into five words and I love it.

[@PlateOshrimp499]

Not to be too analytical, but he both amps up the energy after the (seriously great) guitar solo, also he takes his whole vocal up and octave which gives it a big lift. My fave MaW song, by a pretty long way!

[@jamiedianne6778]

Looove this song! ❤ Music today is severely lacking in its use of the saxophone! I love that 80’s music is just full of the sax. Definitely sets the atmosphere.

[@scottyg3406]

The sax 🎷is the most underutilized musical instrument in modern music. Soooooo many 80's hits had a saxophone sound and it always added to the song 🎵!

[@eclecticexplorer7828]

Mainstream modern music lacks musicians, period. There is still a lot of music out there with sax.

[@seanswinton6242]

​@@scottyg3406As a saxophonist who began playing learning about Rock as a young Black lad in the mid 70's, I totally agree. I was a frustrated guitar learner. I always heard sax in Rock and in movies. David Sanborn's horn on James Taylor, Bowie, and other records did it for me. I learned many songs and solos, because I could play by ear. The 80's were truly the last great decade for the saxophone on hit studio recordings as synths took over. I've always said it, "Lead saxophone and horns, there is no substitute!"

[@seanswinton6242]

​@@eclecticexplorer7828Sadly the saxophone in popular music by the end of the 80's. You saw them in concerts to add color and bolster the synth horns. Some jam bands like David Matthews band, The Dead, and Blues bands still had them. You don't see it as much, because of the cost and maintenance of a saxophone along with the decline in music programs in schools.

[@arthurgatward7369]

Music today is just severely lacking full stop.

[@stpnwlf9]

One of my favorites. Colin Hay is an amazing songwriter and singer. He still performs this as part of Ringo-Starr's All Starr Band. He also had a guest appearance performing this song on Scrubs.

[@blueeyedraven396]

As a teen that suffered from severe depression during the '80's, songs like this helped me because it made me feel that others felt the way that I did, so I didn't feel alone. The song that first made me feel like others felt the same way I did was "On the Outside" by Oingo Boingo.

[@christopherlievens]

You’ll have to do the unplugged version of Colin Hay , The lead singer of men at work sing and play overkill. A good one is from Bob and Tom radio show.

[@SRGots]

My favorite Men At Work song! I'm glad you liked it.

[@GrantReedIII]

I think about "It's a Mistake" from time to time. Its a good song. I have to say, I do not recall if "Be Good Johnny" was released as a single, but is from the album "Business As Usual" (Had both Down Under, and Who Can It Be now?) was a pretty upbeat song. Overall excellent album. To Be Fair Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive was fun.

[@chuckemory6004]

One of my favorite songs of the 80s. Thanks for this.

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

Unique band, Scottish lead singer and 4 aussie musos RIP Greg Ham

[@rockyshields9122]

This is my favorite Men at Work song as an adult. In the 80's it was Who Can It Be Now. This song is just so well written and played.

[@monolithic87]

This song is about anxiety and the fears that come trying new things… Pretty deep message I easily overlooked back when this came out but that line, “Ghosts appear and fade away”, is one of the greatest I have the pleasure of understanding now... Favorite Men At Work song, hands down!

[@Trapper50cal]

The acoustic version is incredible as well.

[@marksimpson1991]

Have you heard "Going Somewhere"? I'm sure you have. If you haven't you'll love it.

[@cmholmes1067]

Yes it is!!

[@cjk5115]

I honestly think the acoustic version is better because it seems to really punctuate the lyrics that much more and of course lets Colin Hay's voice shine. In either case, it's a fantastic song, no matter which version you prefer.

[@Trapper50cal]

@@cjk5115 I feel the same way...more lonely and echoing darkness.

[@The_OneManCrowd]

A majorly underrated but influential band from the 80's. They played an interesting tempo of music and the songwriting was top notch. Huge fan of Men at Work.

[@obananagato]

one of the greatest songs about anxiethy ever written for sure

[@emilywilhite5807]

I loved Men at Work back when this came out but the lyrics didn’t mean much to me back then. Now this song hits hard as I deal with severe anxiety and depression.

[@marksimpson1991]

YES! Great band! Colin Hay is awesome. One of my favorite singers, with such a recognizable voice, and a brilliant songwriter.

[@ruff500]

Colin was born in Scotland but moved to Australia with his parents as a teeneger

[@lisemzarate4029]

This one is special for me because it spoke about feelings I couldn't quite understand fully as a 13 year old. Anxiety and fears about dreaming weren't situations there was even language for in that time. It's like the line in Bittersweet Symphony, I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, this song was that for me❤

[@ryanfeit1420]

1983 was a great year for Men At Work. Another great Men At Work song that came out in late 1983 was "Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Jive". Great reaction guys!!

[@362chop]

The uniqueness of Colin Hay's voice. Such a good song.

[@stephanieo2509]

I love it because of the subject matter that is something so many people can identify with--overthinking situations and anxiety.

[@laurakali6522]

And insomnia….the worst.

[@johnboehmer6683]

Yes. So common to The Human experience, so unbelievably rarely dealt with in song.

[@BrianHa00]

Love this song so much!! “It’s a mistake” is a must :)

[@CousinWhatIsIt]

"It's a Mistake" was the biggest single from this album, but a favorite of mine is the somewhat silly "Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive", which has a funny video as well.

[@jeri-annabbott1896]

I love both of those tracks. for me they are more enjoyable than their two big radio singles.

[@TD411A]

I like both of those! Another silly one I've always enjoyed is Be Good Johnny from the Business as Usual Album

[@motodork]

This album came out when I was 12, and I got it for christmas when I turned 13. I still listen to it often and it always reminds me of that wonderful time when I was becoming a teenager, and the world was getting smaller.

[@garycp70]

I got Business As Usual as a cassette for Christmas in 1982 and I bought the Record Album for Cargo. Played both all the time! Great memories in the MTV era!

[@julieheath9507]

“Be good Johnny” is another good song.

[@MarkChappell1]

I've been listening to this song since it came out. I never get tired of it. The harmony with his voice almost sounds like ghostly whispering. And his voice is so original and distinct, no one like him.

[@paimannamazi1128]

Brings back memories of when I was younger in the 80s. So much happier back then, the best decade for me.

[@lesscarmel5527]

Fun fact: the first fan letter I ever wrote was to Men at Work, specifically to sax player, Greg Ham. I loved him and that band so much. Saw Colin a few years back and he was amazing-a great storyteller and songwriter.

[@minxiv7]

This is my absolute favourite of Men At Work ❤ such a great song about overthinking and anxiety. Colin’s voice is freaking amazing in this. ❤❤❤

[@sunnybearbuds]

Great! Most people forget Overkill and only remember Down Under...thanks for this nice memory!

[@maha77]

I've literally been playing this song 10x a day for the past 2 weeks. In fact if you go check out the video there's a comment from me 12 days ago lol. This song has such a beautiful nostalgia, It fits so perfectly with these beautiful sunny afternoons on this big ball _of earth hurtling through space to an unknown destination, all of us, together_

[@jjr007]

"Be Good Johnny" will put a smile on your face, really fun and my favorite song by them!

[@ginamyers5238]

Love this song as well, when you get the chance listen to the acoustic version with just the singer Colin Hay. Was used in en episode of Scrubs with him singing it in the episode , love that version too!!!

[@gdoggatl]

Spring, 1983!! Loved it. This and "It's a Mistake" from their second album were my favorites!!. Their best!!

[@amauriabreu146]

The whole Business As Usual Album is a masterpiece.

[@tandemteachingmoments1109]

His solo work is simply amazing! "Are You Looking At Me" is great....a vibe for sure.

[@raytorres2685]

🎶 Co-hit from this "Overkill" album is "Be Good Johnny" Blasts from the Past" Catchy lyrics parents can appreciate 👍

[@kennethcoon7547]

Johnny Be Good! Is my favorite song from them. It really rocks!👍

[@derek5168]

The Melbourne suburb of St kilda was the perfect place for the film clip to match the mood of the song

[@MASolko]

Colin Hay (the lead singer) has a gorgeous solo song "Waiting on My Real Life to Begin" worth checking out. It's incredibly powerful!

[@lorilemley5348]

Another gem I’d forgotten about from the eighties until just now! Love your channel!❤❤❤

[@k.p.h.j]

Colin Hay is phenomenally talented. When he hits those notes to the chorus after the bridge...

[@weezerang]

Men at Work just might be one of the most overlooked bands of all time. Like Big Country, they have a very unique sound. I agree that "It's a Mistake" should be next, either that or "Be Good Johnny".

[@flairfan4life1]

Saw Them LIVE! Love COLIN HAY! He's quite talented.

[@Apostrofe]

One of the best sax parts in all of rock/pop.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Not only my fave Men At Work songs, but one of my fave 80s songs! Also one of the best 'Nite songs! dbl ♥

[@mitchelldruckman1452]

One of the deepest and greatest songs of all time!

[@joeyjojo5986]

agreed. it just puts me in a mood like most songs can't.

[@danielwolf1673]

Thank you. Absolutely.

[@jadakid6942]

My favorite Men At Work song and one of my favorite songs period.

[@arconeagain]

The location in the video is instantly recognisable, some very well known landmarks. It is shot in St Kilda, a now trendy suburb of Melbourne. I would frequent the area (my mate lived in nearby Elwood), especially The Espy (Esplanade Hotel, featured here). The Espy is, or was, one of the best music/gig venues in Australia. You want genuine pub bands, Melbourne music with the full cultural experience, including the sticky carpet, this is the place. Just walk in and look over all the band posters on the walls. This is it, you're immersed in one of the greatest music scenes in the world. I used to love having a late afternoon pot of beer and gaze out the window at the bay as the first band warmed up. Walk the Esplanade and out on the pier just like Colin here.

[@BaccarWozat]

Back in my school days I used to sing it as "Day after day, we have beer". Speaking about Australian groups, how about some more INXS? "Just Keep Walking" is a nice early point in their career to focus on.

[@moanman1776]

This was a great song from the 80s. Colin's slower, more stripped-down version (recorded later) makes you realize how lyrically-potent this joint remains, Glad you guys dig it as well.

[@kimcutts6153]

What a voice. Most (if not all) their songs are catchy. You just cant help joining in. ❤🎙🎼🎷🎺

[@warrennicholsony.fernando4513]

Who Can It Be Now, Everything I Need, and this are my favorite songs from this group.

[@rsmith2491]

His acoustic version of this is great. He also does with Choir, Choir, Choir and that is really fun to watch.

[@Vinylrebel72]

My FAVORITE Men at Work Song, Colin Hay is one of the greatest singers.

[@ladyamythyst69]

I love Colin Hay’s voice. If you want to hear a really moody Men at Work song listen to Down By the Sea. Such a beautiful song with great sax.

[@johnboehmer6683]

YES! I had to scroll down about 150 to find yours, the first request for the masterpiece that is Down By the Sea. Simplistic, but extremely atmospheric and beautiful, with lyrics that really paint a picture, and put you right there on this cold, windy Australian shoreline. And the somewhat stripped-down instrumentation really brings out the power of Colin Hay's vocals. Love this song.

[@hickokhaley]

Love their music and Colin's voice!

[@rickyriggs1854]

I just saw Ringo Starr and Colin Hay is currently touring with him as part of his All Star Band. It was incredible and they did this song. Amazing. Men At Work are amazing. Solo Colin is impeccable. Loved this reaction!

[@davidjones6389]

Flash back to when MTV showed music. Great song....

[@Gladiator0719]

He used to do cameos on Scrubs and would cover this song as well. Great classic song and group, longtime fan.

[@user-gz1mc6hr8g]

Absolutely a great song but I’m astonished that I can’t seem to find a reaction to an absolutely great band from Australia called Cold Chisel. I would start with either Khe Sanh or Cheap Wine or Flame Trees but to be honest any of their other 20 hits or so are fire . Hopefully I will get to see your reactions to Cold Chisel soon . Cheers Jay and Amber

[@Nicksterino]

Guys this has always been my favorite MaW song, and your reactions were spot on! Thanks for keeping this channel going!

[@andymageen5308]

Just watched Colin perform this song a few weeks ago with Ringo Starrs All Star Band, his voice has preserved very well. ✌️

[@xoxxobob61]

This is my favorite Men at Work song! I wrote an Email to Colin Hay telling him how much I loved this Song and he replied back saying it was one of his favorites too!

[@salmuscles]

Hi bob

[@xoxxobob61]

@@salmuscles Hey sal !

[@DorkThink]

Literally one of my favorite songs of all time, ever ✨ I sing/play it daily

[@emilymcpaul4204]

My favourite is Colin's appearance in Scrubs. Beautiful acoustic version woven into the storyline. Done so well too. Must check it out. You won't regret it.

[@bertisjordan1085]

Men At Work had a nice run of hits here in America in the early 80's. What was really cool is that i worked with some Australians. First time I ate Vegamite!

[@terrylewis_]

I love Colin Hay's voice. I really like his song "Waiting For My Real Life to Begin" and "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" are two of my favorites of his solo stuff. I also highly recommend his live performances - I think he is a great live. :)

[@Vader1138]

The singer Colin Hay has a very thick scottish accent in real life. He moved with his family to Australia as an older child and met the rest of the band in school. They broke up late 80's and he moved to California. I saw him last year on tour. He plays solo and between songs tells humorous stories about himself. Awesome guy and an amazing song that brings back memories.

[@johncook2765]

Love the acoustic version of this song, also the version Colin did with Choir Choir Choir. That is a must reaction.

[@beokayian5378]

Love the Choir! Choir! Choir! version

[@joeyblowey123456]

"Ghosts appear and fade away" Great line , great song.

[@traci4187]

This is my favorite of theirs - good choice!

[@kevinwilson28]

Men at Work were at the top of their game here. Find the couple of episodes that Colin Hay did on Scrubs. You'll enjoy them.

[@yolandabrooksqueenofsevens]

My Birthday Twin is hitting in this song. I love Men at Work 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sherrihayward4500]

One of my all time faves!!!! Colin hay still tours. My era!! Another is Level 42 Something about you!!

[@marksimpson1991]

Don't think they've done Level 42(?). No idea what they're missing!

[@BaccarWozat]

That group has done a lot of songs that are sadly neglected. I wouldn't focus merely on their hits. Something more like "Micro-Kid" or "The Sunbed Song"

[@sherrihayward4500]

@@marksimpson1991 I've been requesting Level 42 for over a year. One of these days!!!

[@marksimpson1991]

@@sherrihayward4500 I'll join you. More hits there than Al Capone.

[@gregclarke2183]

Motörhead also have a song called Overkill…and it’s one of the best songs of all time!!!

[@user-wk2vg3hg7h]

Another terrific MAW song is I Can See It In Your Eyes. Colin Hay has such a unique voice quality. Catch his individual song Looking For Jack. Great song.

[@joeevett9007]

Men at Works "Business as Usual" was the first album (cassette) I ever purchased on my own. Overkill is my favorite Men at Work song.

[@ButtonPhonics]

Colin Hay and his solo career and songs and acoustic versions of Men at Work songs are FABULOUS!!!!!! (I don't think I'll Get Over You, one of many).

[@mbohlin01]

My daughter has true OCD. Love how these lyrics capture the anxiety one can have and sometimes have a hard time controlling.

[@manna6618]

Imagine coming up with this off the top of your head ... mental!!! One of the best original works EVER!!!!

[@stephenhamel9464]

I FINALLY got to see Men at Work last summer at the Hard Rock in Tulsa. It was awesome! One of my favorite childhood bands. You should also check out these songs by them: be good Johnny, dr heckyl and me jive, it’s a mistake, down by the sea….I’m sure I’m forgetting something but that’s a good start.

[@ShujinTribble]

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE... There is a version of this sung by Colin Hay (The Lead Singer) with "Choir, Choir, Choir", it is GORGEOUS!

[@markzalubas5793]

Absolutely love Colin Hay's voice. It's an instrument on its own.

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

Indeed! It's mesmerising live & acoustic. ..& still as strong as ever to today. ( & Playing in Ringo's all-star band ✌️❤️)

[@DV80s]

Men at work had a couple of great songs. They were always a joy to listen to on the radio when they came on back in the '80s.

[@rubyswaim1441]

Suggestion: "Johnny, Be Good"...from the same album.

[@ValentinasWatching]

I love Men At Work and this is one of my favorite songs of theirs, because it speaks of anxiety and insomnia - and it's so real. But it's also a happy song when it comes to the music, so it kind of gets me through those tough moments. They are great musicians and his voice is soulful and slightly raspy, but poppy at the same time - and I just love them. I get goosebumps every time he raises his range at that one part.

[@RitzyTrailerII]

Heh.. it's so cute to see you guys enjoying this piece of work. This song was darker and more edgy in the 80's than it seems now, though. Almost every human being on the planet was terrified of nuclear war with Russia after Ronnie Ray-Guy (our then-President) took office in 1981, and immediately started rattling sabers with our non-allies, and we (collectively) especially in the United States were waiting for the worst to happen. "Day after day, my heartbeat shows the fear" - "especially at night, I worry over situations that I know will be all right - it's just overkill" It was about the insane nuclear arms race. But as only Colin Hay could - he portrayed our feelings with this epic song perfectly. I have both a nostalgic love for this song, but also a memory of being a young 20 year old, terrified of the world state of affairs. Thanks for the reaction!

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Yay! One of my favorites from MAW - Colin Hay is actually Scottish and his musical family moved Down Under when he was a teen. He had to mock up an Aussie accent to keep from getting beat up daily. This wound up as Colin's signature solo hit, performing it acoustically and sometimes with audience participation. Another one from them you must hit is DOWN BY THE SEA - either studio cut or Live stage performances, it always manages to raise my hairs a bit (probably my favorite by them, or Colin solo). He moved to L.A. long ago, and recently became a US citizen.

[@williamjackson6705]

The lead singer of the group, Colin James Hay, also recorded an acoustic version of this for the television show Scrubs. He also appears in the show singing it. Both versions of this song are awesome.

[@nnoddy8161]

In 1983, I loved this song and its boppy tune. In 2000, I started listening to the lyrics. In 2024, it is therapy. Thank you MAW and Colin. RIP Greg.

[@Whitebrowpriest]

Songs like this makes me miss the 80s. What a time it was! ❤😊