Introduction
The Land Down Under, also known as Australia, is a country with a rich culture and a vibrant music scene. One of the most iconic songs that represent the Australian culture is “Down Under” by Men at Work. This song has become a classic and is loved by people all over the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of “Down Under” and explore the meaning behind them.
Verse 1
The first verse of the song talks about a man travelling in a “fried-out combie” (a van that has been converted into a camper). The lyrics mention that the man is “travelling from the land of the thunder” which could refer to New Zealand, as it is known for its thunderstorms. The line “where beer does flow and men chunder” is a reference to the Australian drinking culture, where alcohol is a big part of social gatherings. “Chunder” is an Australian slang term for vomiting.
Chorus
The chorus of the song is the most recognizable part, with the catchy “I come from a land down under” line. The line “where women glow and men plunder” could be a reference to the beauty of the Australian landscape and the history of colonization. The line “Can’t you hear, can’t you hear the thunder?” is a nod to the previous mention of thunder in the first verse. The line “you better run, you better take cover” could mean that the man is warning others about the dangers of the Australian outback. The reference to the Vegemite sandwich is a nod to the Australian food culture, as Vegemite is a popular spread in the country.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song mentions a man buying bread from a “man in Brussels” which could refer to the European influence on Australian culture. The line “he was six foot four and full of muscle” is a reference to Australian football players, who are known for their physical strength. The line “I said, do you speak-a my language?” is a nod to the language barrier between different countries. The line “he just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich” is repeated, emphasizing the importance of this iconic Australian food.
Chorus (Repeated)
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the importance of the Australian culture and landscape. The mention of thunder and warning others to take cover could also refer to the dangerous wildlife in Australia, such as snakes and spiders.
Bridge
The bridge of the song talks about a man who has been to different parts of the world, but still longs to return to the land down under. The line “I said to the man, are you trying to tempt me?” could mean that the man is being offered opportunities elsewhere, but he still chooses to return to Australia. The line “because I come from the land of plenty” could refer to the abundance of natural resources in Australia, such as minerals and wildlife.
Chorus (Repeated)
The chorus is repeated one last time, emphasizing the love and pride that Australians have for their country.
Conclusion
“Down Under” by Men at Work is a classic song that represents the Australian culture and landscape. The lyrics are full of references to Australian slang, food, and history. The catchy chorus is loved by people all over the world, and the song has become an anthem for Australians. The next time you hear “Down Under,” take a closer listen to the lyrics and appreciate the rich culture that they represent.
