Released in 1981, 'Down Under' by Men At Work quickly became a classic anthem of Australian culture. This song, written by band member Colin Hay, reflects the experiences of travel and identity, capturing the spirit of the 1980s. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics make it a fantastic resource for English learners looking to improve their skills, especially with the use of the Simple Past and Simple Present tenses. The song's cultural relevance is heightened by its iconic references to Australia and its unique way of life.
Lyrics
Down Under — Men At Work
English
Traveling in a fried-out Kombi
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
She took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said
"Do you come from a land down under
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover"
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six-foot-four and full of muscle
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich
And he said
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover, yeah"
Lying in a den in Bombay
With a slack jaw and not much to say
I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me?
Because I come from the land of plenty"
And he said
[Chorus]
'cause we are […]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Simple Past - Passado Simples
The Simple Past tense is used to describe actions that took place at a specific time in the past. This structure is essential for narrating events and experiences, making it a key aspect of English language learning.
"I met a strange lady, she made me nervous" — This line uses the Simple Past to describe a completed action in the past.
"I said, 'Do you speak-a my language?'" — Here, 'said' is another example of an action that happened previously.
"Buying bread from a man in Brussels" — The use of 'Buying' suggests an ongoing action in the past context while the main action is referenced in Simple Past.
Simple Present - Presente Simples
The Simple Present tense describes habitual actions, general truths, and routines. It is a fundamental structure in English for expressing facts and ongoing situations.
"Do you come from a land down under" — The use of 'come' here is in Simple Present, asking about a general fact.
"Where women glow and men plunder?" — This line also uses the Simple Present to make a general statement about people from Australia.
"Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?" — 'Can' is used here to inquire about a present ability or reality.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1983, showcasing its international popularity.
Men At Work's 'Down Under' was inspired by Colin Hay's travels and the diverse experiences he encountered while backpacking in Australia.
In 2001, the song was voted as one of the top 10 Australian songs of all time by the APRA (Australian Performing Right Association).
A famous line in the song, 'Do you come from a land down under,' has become a cultural reference, often associated with Australian pride.
The song features a unique blend of rock and reggae influences that sets it apart from many other hits of the early 1980s.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning English through 'Down Under' is beneficial due to its mid-level vocabulary and clear pronunciation. The repeated patterns in lyrics help reinforce memory and understanding of the Simple Past and Simple Present tenses. Additionally, the song's vibrant imagery and cultural references provide contextual learning opportunities that are engaging and informative.
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