This Men At Work Live Performance of "Who Can It Be Now" Is Flawless!

[@Boogenhagen100]

That saxophone is instantly recognizable to anyone born between 1970 and 1980. What a hook.

[@1005corvuscorax]

1969 here, so very very close :) This song plays on the "oldies station" every once in a while and I turn it up when it's just me. And of course, the amazing song "Down Under", a very silly video, but good gods I LOVE his voice so damn much

[@theresamilne9101]

Rejoicing for your husband's recovery from the brain tumour. May your joys keep multiplying ❤❤❤❤

[@davelindstrom6005]

Alhamdulaiallah!!!!!!!

[@MarcBoltres]

Yep. Brain tumor here also. Had seizures and was taking epilepsy meds for about 15 years until I had one that they couldn't stop. A trip from the crappy hospital here to the Cleveland Clinic and they stopped it finally. I lost about a week where I was pretty much out. The doc reccommended surgery. Was scheduled within less than a week and I literally came home the next day. Amazing how medicine and surgeries have come so far. I figured that would be at least a week of healing in the hospital. I think I posted about this in previous video comments. This was 14 years after surgery and no issues at all. I hope your husband is doing as well. I still take meds and refuse to change anything since there hasn't been any issues and I obviously don't want or need any.

[@Cadinho93]

The singer Colin Hay said he wrote the song about a time when he lived in Australia, in an apartment, he lived on the bad side of town, he lived next to drug dealers and sometimes other drug dealers would get his apartment mixed with the actual drug dealers next door…he said that so many people would knock at his door and it unnerved him to the point he never wanted to answer the door. He was terrified! So basically the song is about being paranoid. Also, as I get older I understand the sentiment in this song. I'm becoming more of a homebody that wants to be left alone.

[@TJWilson]

"It's not paranoia if they're really out to get you."

[@Jus7aguy]

As I understand it, it's a combination of this as the setting with a sub-story of dealing with mental disorder, never being quite the same person from day to day, intrusive thoughts and voices, and other disturbing aspects.

[@foreveralone11w]

I just want someone to be antisocial with 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[@richardtodd6843]

That octopus never moves. Normally they only stay out of water for a couple minutes, but maybe that's only true during the daytime when they're exposed to UV light.

[@craigdarby9533]

​@@foreveralone11wThat's my problem too.

[@richeels68]

I really enjoyed the Scrubs episode when colin was following JD around and singing all day!

[@JonathanForres-de1jo]

Until Perry takes Colin's guitar and smashed it into kindling! Ha ha

[@woofspider330]

Colin actually did a solo album called Man @ Work with a bunch of acoustic / stripped down covers. It's my favorite version of Land Down Under

[@JPod279]

That episode was one of the first where it really used music to attach to the emotion of the show. It was great because it helped convey the comedy and seriousness of certain parts of the scenes.

[@jayscottbaker3414]

Colin’s solo work now is remarkable. Especially his acoustic workings. Well worth review. True genius.

[@pillarhood471]

“Next Year People” is a KILLER song. Gets me every time. I’d love for her to do an analysis of it.

[@davemiii]

You are so right! I had only knownhis hits with MaW so I just went down the rabbit hole a bit and checked out his live acoustic version of Waiting for My Real Life To Begin from 2010. SO GOOD!

[@jefftanaka1448]

Plus one on his post-Men At Work music. “Waiting For My Real Life To Begin” gets to me like an anthem and then there’s “Land of the Midnight Sun.” It’s just a fun song.

[@davemiii]

@@jefftanaka1448 agreed, shared it with some of my college buds the other day.

[@stpnwlf9]

Colin Hay still performs this song as part of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band and he is still killing it!

[@drmemento]

I sat in an Outback Steak House one night years ago, eating alone, and this song came on in the background. I got a sense that maybe they played it a lot. Nobody perked up, but at the point with the simulated door knocks, it seemed that everyone in the whole restaurant knocked on their table in unison - including me!

[@IvarMeijer]

Colin Hay is a genius songwriter with an incredible voice, much overlooked by many but I consider him to be one of the greats...

[@bipolarbear7325]

I'm a widower alone on a four thousand acre ranch with a dog, 5 cats, a possum, 20 horses, and 800+ cows. It's an hour drive to the nearest town. Everyday I watch CV in the morning to start my day with a smile and a connection to the outside world. Honestly, I cheat and skip to Elizabeth smiling and blowing a kiss at the end before I watch the video. Thank you to everyone working at The Charismatic Voice. Y'all will never know what you do for me. ❤

[@mikereimer5419]

You are alone dealing with four thousand acres, almost a thousand animals, and no connection within hours round trip to any ….. I’m sorry for you. My little Alaska homestead is a few acres on a lake, dog, little cabin, I feel charmed. You must feel completely overwhelmed and condemned. How can one man do that?

[@bipolarbear7325]

@mikereimer5419 It's not always sunshine and roses but I put two daughters through college and watched them marry two good men. I've got both mountains and valley on the property to look at, and decades of adventures to reflect on. The music helps a lot too. 🙂 I'm even thinking of buying another tv! The dog accidentally broke my last one a couple of years ago.

[@Jcruzer70]

I was lucky to see them live in 1983 here in NY. What a show and what a voice Colin Hay had/has. Overkill acoustic is an absolute MUST!

[@Plan9-3127]

Collin Hay is an absolutely underrated preformer...His acoustic guitar work is beautiful and some of the renditions of the stuff from the 80's are incredible to hear. His solo work is phenomenal and full of wonderful stories and heartfelt emotions...We got to see him a few summers ago here in Grand Rapids Michigan and the show was beyond anything i could have expected...

[@brokl26]

It seems there is at least one person that needs to make the comment stating the artist is “underrated.” I wonder why that is. If everyone is underrated, how come many of these underrated artists sell millions of records? First, Colin is not what is considered a great vocalist. As far as the guitar skills he shows, it’s pretty average. I’m not saying he’s a bad player, but he only shows us average playing. Now, his real talent is being a fantastic song writer and performer. I was lucky enough to see them live back in the 80s and it was one of the greatest concerts I’ve ever been to. As great as or better than the studio versions. By the way, my favorite tune by Men at Work is “Be Good Johnny”. A fantastic tune. But underrated, he is not. I’m not trying to troll here. I’m simply disagreeing with your comment, which may actually be correct. It’s so subjective when Colin is considered.

[@Plan9-3127]

@brokl26 It's just an expression... Things don't always translate well via text. Maybe what I should have said was "I really enjoy Collins music. He's full of great stories and a pretty funny guy to listen tell story's." "His music helped me get through a really rough time in my life. The song " Waiting for my real life to begin" was an especially poignant one for me." "I had lost my job of 15 years, my wife cheated on me and took off with some guy in South America, and cause me to lose my house to foreclosure." I think he has a very unique voice and his music spoke to me in a very helpful way... But what do I know? I'm just a fan and opinions are like assholes... Everyone has their own...

[@dougingram4519]

As an Aussie who first heard Men At Work in my final year of high school, back in 1981 and someone who's visited Grand Rapids about three times, I have to say how happy I am that you like MAW music and that you got to see them play in your lovely city!

[@Plan9-3127]

@@dougingram4519 Thank you for the kind words my friend... Just to clarify, I didn't get to see MAW. It was Collin and his solo band. Of course he played all the hits and finished the show with a 15 minute version of "Down Under" that was amazing! Funny thing about him and that song. Maybe you already know this but he's not from Australia. And neither is the band I think. Everyone just assumed that because of how well the song did... He tells a funny story about a guy who used to always yell out "Play that song about that place you're not from!" 😂😂 His acoustic guitar work is beautiful and his music really helped me during a hard time in my life. It was fun to see him live. Do you have friends or family here in GR?

[@garymaidman625]

And the ironic thing is that he's not actually from the land down under, he's actually Scottish.

[@Torhque]

I just saw him live in Charlotte, NC a couple weeks ago, and bro, he has still got it. Didn't miss a beat. One of my favorite shows of all time lol. Colin Hay is the best

[@thelatentobserver121]

Yep, he's still really great. I recommend everyone see him while you can.

[@carljwnc]

I was at the Charlotte show!!! It was excellent. I saw Men at Work in 1982 open for Fleetwood Mac...I liked Men at Work better. I also saw Colin solo seven or eight years ago in a smaller venue. He's as great a storyteller as he is a musician, and funny, sides hurt from laughing so much. Highly recommend Colin Hay live.

[@Torhque]

@@carljwnc haha yes! He sure can work a crowd, yeah. Such a sharp, funny dude

[@ketorecipiesandhealthystuf5539]

Wish I would have known. I live in Greenville SC and would have gladly drove up to see him

[@mitchellbeston1033]

I'm very jealous, and i'm Australian. Colin Hay is a hidden gem...i love his discography and voice, and fuck he's funny...excuse the language but as i said, i'm Australian lol.

[@claudiavallee2568]

As an introvert, no mystery to this song... Still listen regularly to this magnificent album.

[@bossdog1480]

I'm glad you can see Colin's feelings from his eyes. He is blind in the right one and now unfortunately also legally blind in the left one due to complications from lifelong diabetes. He would probably be pleased that he is showing such emotion to his fans. I have similar problems and will gravitate more towards music rather than visual arts as my eyes worsen. This song has several causes, one of them being Colin's battle with anxiety. He's actually quite an affable fellow as a normal person you may meet in a pub somewhere. I'm sorry your experience of Covid was so bad. Luckily where I live it was optional. The gym was shut for a while but everything else was still operating.

[@johnqsmartypants]

This brought me back to my childhood and it’s comforting to know Elizabeth is geeking out about this song as I did when I was a kid. I still think Colin’s voice is amazing and it’s nice to know a professional in the field thinks so too.

[@joelhahn2501]

After this, you need to hear Men At Work's song "Overkill"; it has a much more laid-back & massively melancholy feel than either Down Under or Who Can It Be Now.

[@christopherwinkler4451]

She did it a couple months ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZyzgmSFpqtgrdU

[@courtney5796]

One of my favorites from them for sure. So soothing despite the lyrics, but I think she already reacted to it. Edit: Yup. christopher got you covered!

[@joelhahn2501]

@@christopherwinkler4451 Thx for pointing that out. I don't know how I forgot that she'd already analyzed that one.

[@jeffmcclure4047]

I would like to see her go back and do the acoustic version.

[@xtrememayhem]

@@jeffmcclure4047 acoustic version is definitely the better version - especially when it was on scrubs

[@TR-cy5fg]

I recommend "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin " from Colin Hay's solo material. It deserves more eyes and ears on it.

[@martyboymedia]

This sone and Beautiful World are masterpieces.

[@benjaminhendrickson5435]

I like "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" as well, hits me in the feels every time.

[@metheus108]

@@benjaminhendrickson5435 That one always reminds me of "Maggie" which also hits me right in the feels

[@TR-cy5fg]

@@metheus108 Maggie is a fantastic tune

[@matthewgonzales3970]

I always loved how much fun they were, but never realized until I was older and a musician myself just how great a songwriter Colin Hay is.

[@mattinsley1721]

The entire "Business as Usual" album is full of great stuff. Down by the Sea is a beautiful and often over looked treasure as well. This man is a wonderful song writer. I need to see him live for sure.

[@CoastPropertyBuyers]

Agree 100%. Epic track!

[@itseperkele181]

Agree 100%! Epic album!

[@Peter-Warton]

Down by the Sea is amazing - still sweeps me away after 30+ years. And I know it's not everyone's favorite, but there are some great tracks on _Two Hearts_ as well. "Sail to You" and "Snakes and Ladders" are both serious bangers.

[@klutchkargo3283]

Yep nailed it. A beautifully crafted song.

[@kdisley]

I have chronic anxiety, and this is basically my theme tune... Unless I'm expecting a knock at the door, I am genuinely filled with a feeling of dread if someone turns up. All my friends know to either arrange a specific time or to text me before they arrive, because if I'm having a particularly bad day I might just not answer and cower in the corner. I'm not so bad these days, but I have literally lived this song so many times in the past that I was considering getting a customisable doorbell I could put a sound file of this on! With regards to the singing (and the musical style in general), this song in particular and a lot of Men At Work songs in general have a similar feel to The Police (who were big in the charts at the time these guys were coming up) - that octave jump at the start of the second chorus and that _"Ey-yeah!"_ before the sax solo just sound almost exactly like Sting in songs like "Message In A Bottle". Once youu hear it, it's difficult to ignore... I will say that there is a bit more of a fun energy to the recorded version, and the video is so silly it's worth a watch for a laugh.

[@matthewdever2118]

"I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" is gorgeous songwriting and beautiful singing.

[@ReactionsByJeff]

I keep wanting to sing "Josie's on a vacation far away" when the introduction first started.

[@ZEPnALE]

Yes, me too! The Outfield.

[@Arquibus]

I had to check the title of the video to make sure I hadn't lost my mind.

[@Ronster64]

The song "Overkill" really highlights his vocal range

[@darylclifford]

you should watch her covering “Overkill” - i enjoyed it a lot

[@mitchfritz6047]

Colin looks the way he does because he actually wrote and MEANS everything he's singing. He's not a social person from everything I've heard, this song solidifies that. Paranoia and anxiety is exactly it.

[@eauhomme]

Sounds like David Byrne. Byrne has said he is on the autism spectrum, and knowing that makes Talking Heads' music make so much more sense. Tina Weymouth (the bassist) has said that Byrne is almost completely incapable of maintaining a social life.

[@vaportrails7943]

His voice towards the top of his register is one of the best I’ve ever heard. Clarity and power. Cuts like a knife. His singing towards the end of this song makes the whole thing. Really impressive. They stayed very faithful to the studio version here. If you watch the music video, you’ll see that they dealt with it somewhat comically, so it shouldn’t necessarily be taken too seriously. Perhaps some hyperbole on the subject of feeling like you’re going crazy.

[@mattburgess5697]

I think what I like about it is that it’s clear, but it’s not totally clean. There’s a grit to it that just gives it more power.

[@jyesucevitz]

his solo concerts are amazing. he is such a good story teller. very funny man.

[@fordcottoniii8972]

Yeah, Elizabeth, I'm feeling it for sure! This is one of my favorite songs. I have heard this song thousands of times since it was released in 1981, and now I'm watching you listening to it and I'm on the verge of tears. I totally know and understand how this feels. Oh, and I play saxophone too, so thanks for the positive comments there! 🎷😊🤗

[@KristinA-bt5pc]

The world needs more saxophone! Or at least I do. I miss it!

[@gregcox7347]

These guys wrote such amazing songs that I didn’t fully appreciate as a 10 year old kid in the 80s. The whole reggae influence flew right over my head back then. Maybe because the melodies and hooks were just so insanely catchy and didn’t sound like The Police, The Clash, The Specials or other post-punk bands of that era. M@W just always sounds like M@W and Colin’s voice is still unmistakable 40 years later. Overkill is probably my favorite single of their’s if you think about revisiting the band. ;) ;) There may be some interesting examples of note selection and technique that are inherent to the merging of reggae and pop(?). Regardless, I promise an attentive listen of Overkill will stick with you for days. There’s something about the vocals that’s both melancholy and optimistic at the same time which the best word I can think of to describe would be contemplative. Anyhoo, happy subscriber for about 6 months now and look forward to more content… oh, and the crossover with Justin Hawkins was really enjoyable :)

[@orchidwave2574]

A M@W song that seemed to be overlooked as just an album track that I rank over most of their singles... a silly little gem...is 'Settle Down'.

[@jackiemulligan9441]

She’s done Overkill 😊

[@davidhester9897]

They were on a roll with their original video to that song and others constantly playing on MTV back in the day.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

"The eyes are the window to the skull, my friend, the windows to the skull." -- Bill McNeal

[@Emilie-one]

Thanks for being so open Elizabeth. I have some similar feelings. I used to be a hugger pre pandemic and now I barely hug anyone . I have to really know that person and their lifestyle before I would hug them. And like you, if I go into a store and I hear someone coughing a lot I leave immediately. I trust no one. I used to go to the symphony concerts monthly ( I had Season tickets) I no longer do that because I would have to sit for hours shoulder to shoulder with strangers in a full concert hall. this song had a different feeling for me when I listen to it back in the 80s… Now it takes on a different meaning since the pandemic. I find it interesting lesson. All about the interpretation.

[@lover-of-fate]

odd, surely if you had the shots and they work, why would you be concerned about Covid, of course if covid shots was how covid was created than you should not be surprised that your immune system has become weak due to shots.

[@Emilie-one]

⁠@@lover-of-fateI am not an anti- vaxxer. I believe in science. I absolutely got vaccinated. I also don’t want to get it. You do know that the vaccine doesn’t prevent you from getting it, just makes it so your body can fight it easier. I took it seriously and so far I have never had Covid.. I have asthma so I don’t mess around. I am happy to stay out of big crowds. I never felt comfortable in huge crowds even pre-pandemic.

[@thetulpa]

No matter the day I'm having, your reaction always brighten my day. Always so much joy.😊

[@martinnogales2259]

Remember my sweet 15 years in the 80 's an for an entire global generation this song remembrance the happy youngs days , school , discos , pretty womans , wonderful music , Who can be now the charts around the world Nro 1 and splendid Australian band , Man of the work forever will stay in our hearts , long live Australia , from Bolivia

[@Jedi_Jeff]

I was fortunate enough to have seen Men at work in LA in `84. Just an amazingly talented band. I would also suggest Oingo Boingo. Danny Elfman is the front man. They were the sound of the 80's. Did a lot of music for films & TV. I'm joyful to hear about your husband's recovery. God bless.

[@jamesgonzales5285]

Men At Work, are one of many, many great bands from the Land Down Under! The Divinyls "Sleeping Beauty" is a must. R.I.P. Chrissy Amphlett. 🙏🏼🎙🎤🙏🏼

[@eddysgaming9868]

Yes. I had such a crush on her back then.

[@davidgreene438]

Colin Hays’ acoustic solo version of this is also amazing!! Very much worth checking out as well!

[@christhompson2006]

This is the first band I ever saw live in concert. It was 1983, and their opening act was a relatively unknown artist named Stevie Ray Vaughan.

[@paulrodsted3905]

Wow really..... SRV is my all time favourite guitarist.... Saw him in Perth Western Australia in about 1986.... amazing

[@zyffyr]

Me too. Caught the show in Portland,OR. Sadly, they had the volume cranked way too high during SRV's act, and most people went to the outer section to dampen the sound.

[@darylclifford]

i never noticed Colin’s voice had more power than the saxophone - and i heard this on Aussie radio for years. I needed to hear this live version to realise that

[@tedjung3700]

I had the pleasure of seeing Colin perform this song live with Ringo Starr's All Star Band when they came to town last summer. He still sings and performs very well all these years later. As a bonus, he brought his great sax player along for the ride.

[@brianboye8025]

I appreciate this song so much more after seeing this live performance. Thanks so much.

[@joelspaulding5964]

The "feels" is from a "perfectly" composed and performed masterpiece. Every part, every rhythm, every tone - it just works.

[@gabrieltrujillo6133]

The acoustic version of Overkill 🤌🏽

[@JMichaelRox]

“Overkill” is a case study, especially after listening to this so intensely. Those two taken together tell you more about a writers mindset than almost anything else. Musicians are always trying to share but I can’t think of another artist that can do it with two songs. Great analysis!

[@MatthewGreffen]

You really should listen to “Down By the Sea”. It’s not one of the most popular songs but it’s hypnotic. Makes me feel like I’ve been transported to a scene in my head just by listening to a song. Amazing.

[@garymcmurdie6058]

The whole album is really wonderful. 'Be good Johnny' is brilliant too

[@Lyvvie]

This song is the inner thoughts of my cat. He runs to hide under the blankets when he hears the doorbell. I am his childhood friend as he's been with me from a kitten. He doesn't like other people, I am his only trusted human and he feels safest and most comfortable with me. "The Man," is probably the Vet who removes my cat to another room to do the "testing". Is that who's stomping up the stairs onto the deck and ringing the bell? Better run under the duvet!

[@doughyguy2663]

This song always reminds me of a particular period in my life where things were, frankly, falling apart. Quit my job, gave up on everything, spent all my time alone and abusing substances, etc. Basically the low point of my life. Speaking from a personal standpoint, certain songs have always been a bit of an emotional surrogate, allowing me to feel or express things that I had trouble articulating myself. When I listened to the song, it was almost like me telling myself "No, really, I'm OK in here and don't need anyone, I'm fine here by myself." Almost like the song was me reinforcing my denial of how bad my situation had gotten. Things are better now, but whenever I hear this song it always takes me back to that period of my life where there were people literally knocking on my door and I couldn't face them, so I would lower the TV/music and try to make it seem like I wasn't home until they went away.

[@SmithandWesson22A]

Your personal revelations lifted my appreciation for the song, and your channel. Thankyou. As an Aussie, I loved Men at Work for years.

[@jamesleasure8836]

Colin's voice is highly addictive, smooth yet with judicious use of impressive power.

[@EzequielMeilij]

You need to complete your list of awesome artists from Australia with Midnight Oil!!! ❤❤❤

[@blakerbnsn]

The Oils! Great suggestion! I'd go with Dreamworld or Forgotten Years but any would be awesome!

[@blakerbnsn]

Of course if you do Midnight Oil, you have to give some love to Spilt Enz from New Zealand. Listen to "Message to my Girl" and tell me it's not the greatest love song ever written. If I ever get married, it will be played at the wedding.

[@dondumitru7093]

I mean, Divinyls, please.

[@h.p.chicken]

I really want Elizabeth to get into some Cold Chisel; Bow River (2003 live of course) and When The War Is Over from the same concert (was it In The Round? Somebody correct me if needed). Also Breakfast at Sweethearts. Ooh, and Ian Moss singing Georgia from the Barking Spiders tour.

[@mikew9106]

Fantastic band and unique vocalist. Great suggestion.

[@TR-cy5fg]

I saw Colin Hay perform on his American Sunshine tour in 2009. It was in a small club and there was maybe 500 people in there. The stage was about 5 feet off the ground with no barriers or security. So I stood right next to the dude for his entire set. Its one of my favorite concert experiences ever. I was completely shocked how powerful his voice was in person. Such an underrated artist. I highly recommend his solo stuff to anyone who listens to Men at Work.

[@jasonpratt927]

That vocal jump was spine tingling ! 😳❤

[@RGCJ8763]

THE "CHILDHOOD FRIEND" IS THE ANXIETY HE'S FELT AS LONG AS HE CAN REMEMBER

[@rchuckins]

This was one of your very best videos, both for the song choice and narrative you provided.

[@danielgoldberg2129]

I first understood the acting from the eyes when I watched Susanna Hoffs on MTV. (Walk Like An Egyptian.)

[@anthonycata9419]

When I was in elementary school, my music teacher always used to play this on his key board , growing up and hearing it for the 1st time many years ago brought back memories

[@MyCaptainPugwash]

Seen Colin live a few times, and he moves between a spoken word type presentation to singing effortlessly

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Elizabeth, that's such a brilliant observation, what if there was a thought that's knocking on the door of his mind in the middle of the night. That's really wonderful.❤

[@4ll3ytr4sh]

It's a great embodiment of what anxiety and paranoia can feel and be like. I always have a tear to this song because I struggle with very similar feelings but one day at a time.

[@jefferson66]

One of my favorite songs of all time is Colin's solo song "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin." Amazing lyrics, and such a beautiful song. It's one of those songs I love singing full blast in the car, two or three times in a row.

[@c.j.swonger1650]

If you want some real melancholy from Colin, listen to "Just don't think I'll ever get over you", beautiful acoustic solo.

[@matthewsullivan9598]

That song is so beautiful. Collin makes his normally powerful voice sound so vulnerable.

[@stephenkeen6044]

Or possibly "Waiting for my real life to begin".

[@johncitizen-h6w]

I would recommend another Australia band with the song, 'Under the Milky Way' by The Church with Steve Kilbey on vocals, kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWq7f3pur5WgrpI

[@blai5e730]

They really only had hits with this and "The Unguarded Moment". I remember seeing them in a triple-header (they were the middle band) along with headline band, Jimmy & the Boys at the Silvania Hotel. Steve was AWOL when they were due to go on and it took around 30 minutes to track him down passed out drunk in his car. He went on and mumbled through a few songs and left; the audience wasn't amused!

[@nurgle11]

@@blai5e730 You forgot "Almost With You"

[@neilmacleod7882]

Colin did a video with choir choir choir where he had the audience participate in overkill. It was wonderful to watch the audience sing with him

[@alankilby954]

As an Australian, I was so proud of this band in the 80's. I was amazed when they were actually spoken about in the movie Footloose. A band from downunder getting a mention in an American movie, wow. Also, I love this song and have had it as my ring tone on my phone for some years now. It always gets a reaction when the phone repeats "Who can it be now?" When a call comes in. CV, I love your work, well done, keep it up and keep doing those Aussie artists.

[@aussie405]

Do you want to answer the phone when you hear the song? I used to have ELOs "Don't Bring Me Down" and I was like Pavlov's dog wanting to answer my phone.

[@davidvsr]

"A very different way" never heard it put that way before, but i like it, and couldn't agree more. so crisp, his voice

[@BoBo15507]

Nothing beats the day when the said song got released to the world

[@YaMumsSpecialFriend]

Yeah, you really would enjoy a lot of his solo work - beautiful world, waiting for my real life to begin and so much more. Amazing artist✨

[@knusperworks]

As has been said many times, Colen Hay is a wonderful story teller.

[@eddysgaming9868]

Your videos have helped me rediscover and appreciate Men at Work and Colin Hay's songwriting talent all over again. Thanks, Elizabeth.

[@Franco-d1g]

No wonder, this is the most requested song. It's just one of those songs that never get old and will always light me up. There's also an amazing version just Colin Hay and his guitar. to die for.

[@MegaSargent1]

Great performance by Colin Hay I'm really impressed by his high notes this is one of the songs I have heard from Men At Work on the radio and the other one is Down Under my cousin was a big fan of this band

[@jeffjdt]

This song always instantly transports me back to Middle School. I loved these guys.

[@garyknox4993]

Anything from Colin Hay’s solo career is well worth delving into. Remarkable songwriter. 😊

[@avoncalling7886]

Elizabeth, I can SO relate to your Covid experience. I moved to AZ from NorCal in summer of 2020, all by myself. As I was working from home, I was (and still am) very isolated. It really changed not only the physical world, but also our own inner “worlds”.

[@caseyclausen2627]

You're probably finding things to do, but MeetUp is a pretty cool site where you can find a group that has common interests. Photography, science, movies, hiking, etc. A lot of them get together at a restaurant and just hang out. Have met some cool people this way.

[@OZRIC1985]

You are such a keen observer! You gave me a new perspective on the lyrics of this song which I first heard in 1982. Thank you again for another brilliant analysis of a another great song! :)

[@Red.Christopher]

As a teenager in the 80's I loved all this music. I dare say it defined me in many ways. But, It has dawned on me that I never really paid much attention to the lyrics. Now that I am much older and still listening to, and loving, this music, I find myself being drawn into the context of the lyrics. I'm discovering that all of my favorite artists of that time had much more to say to me than I was comprehending. As an example, and speaking of Men At Work, "It's a Mistake" has become one of my new old favorites because I experienced first hand the times the lyrics refer to.

[@ryancampbell2192]

Definitely check out "Overkill" & "It's a Mistake" from them... When Land Down Under was released, they seemed to be pigeon-holed as a goofy group, but their songs actually were more grounded & insightful than they got credit for.

[@n5iln]

Co-signed on "It's A Mistake".

[@daviddunrud9228]

She already did Overkill.

[@ryancampbell2192]

@daviddunrud9228 noted...thanks!

[@davesunhammer4218]

"It's a Mistake" is very timely...

[@nmernst]

Oh goodness I am SO glad to hear you and your family are okay. This song definitely discussed issues no one wanted to deal with back in the day...and still struggle to 😢. Best wishes.

[@sjnunez3]

I saw Colin Hay solo in a small theater. Amazing show. You should look at his acoustic stuff.

[@Shawn-d5n]

Sorry to hear about your husband and glad that he is better now. I’m going through the same thing right now. Prayers for you and your family for a long healthy life. 😊

[@clintonwallett4861]

Overkill is a must, my favourite from another great Aussie band.

[@petermalik2536]

She did that 2 months ago.

[@jason13_1]

Colin has a lot of good acoustic stuff online, a master.

[@OgreLXXV]

What makes Colin so great is the earnestness of his lyrics. So many amazing songs from his solo career for you to dive into, and so many more ‘feels’ to experience.

[@hallacar]

When I was stationed at Subic Bay in the Philippines, there was a bar called "The Body Shop" where a bunch of guys from my unit would hang out. This song was a favorite of the place. When it got to the point the three drum-strokes simulate the knocking on the door, all the employees would bang big glass ashtrays on the bar. We had no idea the first time and we all jumped a foot out of our seats when it happened. We still chuckle about that.

[@adrianmorris5546]

This is absolutely incredible all about being paranoid a very hard time and this was made in the 70s to 80s

[@MonkeyJedi99]

The instrumental intro had my brain bring up The Outfield's "Your Love".

[@copoopoo9113]

Fantastic stuff! I remember buying this on cassette wen it first came out in 1983,,,such a great album! Another great song by them to analyze would be "It's A Mistake." There are sone wonderful vocal choices in that one.

[@philipjeffries3928]

Elizabeth, thank you for a most informative and heartfelt reaction. This song means so much more to me now, as opposed to 40-odd years ago!

[@eightiefiv3]

I was about 10 and 11 when these guys were first popular, and your intuition about the feels is, IMO, absolutely spot on!! Much of their music is for me very emotionally based, more so than plenty of music that I loved at that time or since.

[@eightiefiv3]

The entire first album is just such a gem! LOTS to love about the band!!!

[@seaztheday4418]

I am adoring your exploration of Australian music. Please don't ever stop

[@divid3d]

my mum was a huge fan of this song and I've loved it since I was a little kid. i don't think i ever could have imagined how much I'd relate to it as an adult though. if someone knocks on my door, my response is to run and hide 😅

[@RetiredRoadTrips]

The inspiration behind Men at Work's "Who Can It Be Now?" comes from lead singer Colin Hay's personal experience of living in a bustling apartment complex in St Kilda, Melbourne, where he often heard knocks on his door from unwanted visitors like drug dealers, leading to a sense of anxiety and uncertainty about who could be on the other side, wanting something from him; essentially, a desire for peace and quiet disrupted by constant interruptions.

[@Zbehdnrhcjrben]

Men at Work were my favorite band when I was 10 in 1983. I did not know what intense anxiety was back then, but I do now.

[@rossharper-ds4dn]

I saw them live a number of times in small Melbourne music venues in the early 1980's I think and they were a great live band.

[@splitimage137.]

DOWN BY THE SEA is the best song from this album.

[@keithjones5309]

IMO, it's the best song from any of their albums. I bought that album when I was like 12 years old and have really loved that song ever since. I'm not sure why it was the one to really stick to me, but I fell in love at first hearing.

[@mattinsley1721]

Agreed.

[@alexdrummer2175]

Yes!!

[@clintlandrum9498]

"Down by the sea" is SO good.

[@jdbne]

Great song from my childhood. Good job.

[@metheus108]

I saw Colin Hay as Men at Work (with some other musicians that were never in MaW before) last summer and it was such a great show! Thanks!

[@eclecticNhectic]

I think the feels building you mention is part of the "dry" to soaring, and the reverb builds with pace, volume and the vocal, which starts in an almost nonchalant annoyance at a knock, to become a more frenetic, fearful expression of inner angst. Listeners take that ride, like climbing the roller coaster ramp to be released into an emotional acceleration. Just my $.02 I always wondered if I'd overstayed my welcome at friends' when this came on MTV!😅

[@AndyPresto75]

It's so great seeing Greg Ham (RIP) in all his glory and while it's obviously not as famous as his flute part from Down Under the sax really makes this great song epic. I was too young to see them live back in the day however seeing Colin and his band play MAW's biggest tracks at Bluesfest a few years back was an unforgettable experience. For the non-Aussies, the song's title was used as the name of a segment on an awesome comedic music TV quiz show (RockWiz) where the contestants had to deduce the famous artist from a series of clues. Coincidentally (or maybe not?), the show was filmed at an iconic live music venue (the Esplanade Hotel, aka the Espy) in the beachside Melbourne suburb of St Kilda which from memory is the setting for the song and where Colin lived. Thanks, Elizabeth.

[@martyboymedia]

Daniel Johns doing Smells Like Teen Spirit live at the piano for JJJ concert.

[@francwieling4475]

So happy you did this song and especially the live version. It's my favorit song by them