Colin Hay Condemns Far Right’s Use of ‘Down Under’ at Rallies

Colin Hay, frontman of the iconic Australian band Men at Work, has voiced strong opposition against the far-right group “March For Australia” for their use of the band’s hit song “Down Under” at their rallies. Hay firmly stated that the song, which has become synonymous with Australian culture, should not be associated with any movement that promotes xenophobia.

In a statement shared via social media, Hay emphasized the song’s intent, declaring, “Let me say that I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of ‘Down Under’ for any ‘March For Australia’ events.” He added, “’Down Under,’ a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people.” Hay highlighted that the essence of the song lies in celebration, pluralism, and unity, urging the organizers to create their own anthem rather than appropriating his work.

Hay signed off with a poignant reminder of his own background, stating, “Colin Hay (immigrant).” This remark underscores the importance of inclusivity that he associates with his music.

Success of ‘Down Under’ and Legal Challenges

“Down Under” was released in the early 1980s and quickly became a global phenomenon. The track reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for four weeks, and has sold over two million copies in the United States alone. Men at Work achieved remarkable success with their debut album, Business As Usual, which made history by topping both the singles and albums charts in the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously.

This is not the first instance of controversy surrounding “Down Under.” In a legal battle beginning in 2009, Hay and co-songwriter Ron Strykert were challenged over the song’s flute riff, which was claimed to have been lifted from the children’s campfire song “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree.” The court ultimately ruled in favor of Men at Work, requiring them to pay only 5% of royalties from the song.

Reflecting on the song’s significance, Hay expressed his concerns about Australia’s development and loss of its unique identity. In a 2023 interview with Billboard, he remarked, “When I wrote the song, I had a lot of fear and trepidation about Australia becoming overdeveloped… and on the other side of the coin, there was this beautiful uniqueness… of the country which I thought, ‘we don’t want to lose that.’”

Longevity and Recent Success

“Down Under” continues to resonate with audiences, amassing over one billion streams across various platforms. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity when it was reimagined by Australian producer Luude, incorporating Hay’s original vocals into a drum-and-bass remix. This new version reached the top 10 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, peaking at No. 5 in 2021.

Men at Work’s contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades. The band was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1994, and Hay received the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2023 APRA Music Awards.

Colin Hay’s latest statements reaffirm his commitment to the values that “Down Under” represents, advocating for a message of unity against divisive ideologies. As the song remains a cherished part of Australia’s cultural landscape, Hay’s call for respectful use resonates deeply with many fans and supporters of the original message.