Overkill

Men at Work

About Overkill

"Overkill" is a song by Australian pop rock band Men at Work. It was released in 1983 as the second single from their second studio album, Cargo (see 1983 in music). It was written by lead singer Colin Hay. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100; No. 5 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart; and top 10 in Canada, Ireland, and Norway. The song was a departure from the group's style of reggae-influenced pop rock, featuring a melancholic feel musically and lyrically.  


Year:
1996
3:43
152 
#5

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I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications

Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
Perhaps it's just imagination

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation

At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night
From overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications

Especially at night
I worry over situations that
I know will be alright
It's just overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away 
Ghosts appear and fade away

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Men at Work

Men at Work is an Australian rock band who achieved international success in the 1980s. They are the only Australian artist to have a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single in the United States (Business as Usual and "Down Under" respectively). They achieved the same distinction of a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single in the United Kingdom. The group won the 1983 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide.[citation needed] more »

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Written by: COLIN HAY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Song Background
"Overkill" is a song by Australian band Men at Work. Released in 1983, it is the lead single from their second studio album, "Cargo". - The song was written by Colin Hay, the lead singer of Men at Work. It has been covered by several artists in the years since, most notably by Lazlo Bane for the soundtrack of the TV show "Scrubs".
Chart Performance
The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. It also reached the top 10 in Canada, Norway, and Sweden. - In the band's native Australia, "Overkill" reached No. 5 on the Kent Music Report singles chart.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of "Overkill" typify Men at Work's penchant for introspective and slightly melancholic themes. The song talks about insomnia, overthinking, and anxiety. - Colin Hay has been open about the song reflecting his own struggles with depression and loneliness while the band was at the height of their fame.
Musicianship
"Overkill" stands out for its heavy usage of saxophone, played by Greg Ham, which was characteristic of Men at Work's sound. - In live performances, Colin Hay would often play the guitar riff, which is a critical part of the song's appeal.
Legacy
"Overkill" is one of Men at Work's most enduring songs. Its popularity increased after its inclusion in an episode of the American medical drama "Scrubs". - The song has also been part of the soundtrack for various video games and movies, helping to introduce it to new generations of listeners.

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    "Overkill Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1473647/Men+at+Work/Overkill>.

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    Overkill

    35.3M
    180.5K     5,822

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #3


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