The Meaning Behind The Song: Down Under by Men at Work
Released in 1981, “Down Under” has become an iconic song in Australian culture. The song topped the charts in numerous countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and earned Men at Work a Grammy Award in 1983 for Best New Artist. It’s catchy tune and lyrics about Vegemite sandwiches and the land down under made it an instant hit. But what exactly is the meaning behind the song?
Table of Contents
Overview of the Song
“Down Under” is a patriotic anthem that celebrates everything that is unique and beautiful about Australia. The song opens with a jaunty melody played on a flute, which is followed by the first verse that describes a man traveling the world and encountering different cultures. But no matter where he goes, he misses his home in Australia, which he describes as “a land of plenty.” The chorus, of course, is the most memorable part of the song, with its repeated refrain, “Do you come from a land down under?” The song’s light-hearted tone and catchy melody makes it hard not to sing along.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Down Under” are full of Australian slang and cultural references that may be unfamiliar to listeners outside of the country. Here are some of the key lyrics and their meanings:
– “Travelling in a fried-out Kombi” – A Kombi is a type of campervan that was popular in Australia in the 70s.
– “He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich” – Vegemite is a spread made from yeast extract that is popular in Australia.
– “He said, ‘I come from a land down under'” – The land down under is a colloquial term for Australia, which is located in the southern hemisphere.
– “Where beer does flow and men chunder” – Chunder is Australian slang for vomiting.
– “Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder?” – This line is a reference to the famous Australian song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
At its core, “Down Under” is a celebration of Australian identity and culture. The song’s lyrics focus on the unique aspects of Australian life, from the country’s beautiful landscapes to its quirky slang and culinary traditions.
One of the song’s most memorable lines is “Where women glow and men plunder.” This line is a reference to the indigenous Australian practice of “firestick farming,” where controlled burns are used to manage the land. The resulting grass fires create a beautiful glow, which is said to be why they refer to the women as “glowing.”
The song also makes references to Australia’s history as a British colony. The line “Buying bread from a man in Brussels” is an allusion to the fact that much of Australia’s early colonists were Irish, and many of them left Ireland to escape poverty.
The Legacy of “Down Under”
“Down Under” remains one of the most beloved songs in Australian history, and it continues to be played on radio stations and in sports stadiums across the country. The song’s popularity has even spawned a number of cultural references, including “The Down Under Bar,” a popular Australian-themed bar in New York City.
In 2010, the song was at the center of a high-profile copyright lawsuit. The band Men at Work was sued by the publisher of the children’s song “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree,” which they had used a flute riff from in “Down Under.” Men at Work was ultimately found guilty of copyright infringement and ordered to pay a substantial sum in damages.
Despite this legal setback, “Down Under” remains a beloved song that continues to capture the essence of Australian culture. With its catchy melody and lighthearted lyrics, it’s no wonder that the song has become an iconic part of Australian music history.
Conclusion
“Down Under” is a song that celebrates everything that is great about Australia, from its unique slang and culinary traditions to its beautiful landscapes and fascinating history. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it an instant classic, and it continues to be a beloved part of Australian culture even today. Whether you’re a native Australian or just a fan of the country, “Down Under” is a song that will continue to stand the test of time.
