Colin Hay's Strong Stance: 'Down Under' Used Without Permission by Anti-Immigration Rallies!
It seems a beloved Australian anthem is at the center of a passionate debate. Colin Hay, the iconic former frontman of Men at Work, has publicly and emphatically expressed his disapproval of the unauthorized use of the band's 80s smash hit, "Down Under," by groups organizing "March for Australia" rallies. Hay, who himself emigrated to Australia as a teenager, stated unequivocally that the song “does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia.”
In a clear message shared across his Facebook and Instagram accounts, Hay specifically called out the anti-immigration group March for Australia, whose rallies on January 26th have been promoted with the slogan, “Our national identity will not be erased.” Hay, proudly signing his post as “Colin Hay (immigrant),” declared his “most strenuous disapproval” of any unlicensed use of "Down Under" for such events.
But here's where it gets controversial... Hay emphasized that "Down Under," a song he co-wrote, is fundamentally about celebration, pluralism, inclusion, and unity, not division. He boldly stated, “Go write your own song, leave mine alone.” This direct challenge to the protesters highlights a significant clash between the song's intended spirit and its appropriation by a group with opposing views.
"Down Under," a collaboration between Hay and bandmate Ron Strykert, was a monumental success in the 1980s. It soared to No. 1 in Australia in 1981 and subsequently topped charts in numerous countries, including New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy. Its triumph continued in the United States, where it spent four weeks at No. 1 and sold an impressive 2 million copies.
The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of an Australian traveler, sharing tales of home with descriptions like “where women glow and men plunder” and “where beer does flow and men chunder,” with a memorable mention of a Vegemite sandwich. Over the years, "Down Under" has become an unofficial national anthem, frequently heard at sporting events.
And this is the part most people miss... The song's reach has expanded even further with popular covers by producer Luude and the Yolngu Matha and English-singing band King Stingray. In a testament to its enduring popularity, the original track surpassed an astonishing 1 billion streams in 2022.
Hay isn't the only prominent Australian musician to speak out against March for Australia's actions. Last October, country music legend John Williamson issued a statement after his song "True Blue" was reportedly played at one of their protests. Williamson asserted that "True Blue" is “a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division.”
Similarly, just a month prior, a representative for both Cold Chisel and Icehouse released a statement disavowing the use of their songs "Flame Trees" and "Great Southern Land," respectively, at a rally, noting that “no approval was sought, and no permission was given.”
The rock band The Living End has also publicly denounced the use of two of their songs at March for Australia rallies. They stated that the “goals and philosophies of these marches are abhorrent to us, and we don’t support them in any way.” The band emphasized their aim to use their music as a “positive influence,” believing in “a fair go for everyone” and writing songs “to bring people together not to divide them.”
What are your thoughts on musicians taking a stand against the appropriation of their work by political groups? Do you believe artists should have more control over how their music is used, especially when it conflicts with their values? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
