[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Colin Hay — Overkill (acoustic)
Album: Man At Work
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2032









Released: 2003
Length: 3:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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 we'll 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
Come back another day

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
Comments (155)add comment
Saw him live not long ago in Sydney. He told a bunch of yarns, amongst others, the drunk guy that came up to him and told him his favourite song was “Goats appear and fade away “
What a brilliant song - Ghosts appear and fade away............
its always tough to make that distinction:  peppy or bouncy?
Reading the lyrics now, I can see that he probably should have transitioned to lapsang souchang tea. With the perspective expressed here, I sense a person who probably should escape the drink.
Men at Work was one of the first 3 albums I ever had. Memories…
Godlike
Ack, accidental Colin Hay Green Day mashup at the end!  
There is an awesome "Choir! Choir! Choir!" version of this song with Colin. This may be my favorite Men At Work song...doesn't always get the love it deserves...
 drendin wrote:
I can't help but think of the show Scrubs and the use of his music and the montage they used
 

They also used Colin himself, who appeared in the episode called "My Overkill"! 
Wow, this is an absolutely beautiful version of this song. This and Hay's "I just don't think I'll ever get over you"
Doesn't get better than this song. Stops me in my tracks every time. Then again, I do have "Ghosts Appear and Fade Away" tattooed inside of my arm.

Cause it's just that damn good and meaningful, to me.
I love this acoustic
 ppopp wrote:
It's my belief songs like this are enjoyed by individuals who like to rub topsoil into their hair.
 
How did you know?! I'm totally doing that right now.
I can't help but think of the show Scrubs and the use of his music and the montage they used
It's my belief songs like this are enjoyed by individuals who like to rub topsoil into their hair.
Colin Hay sounds just as good today as he did in the 80s. His live videos on YouTube are definitely worth checking out.
I, for one, love his voice. Sweet song. And not only because my mother’s maiden name was Hay.
this version changes the whole thing into something much better
This song always makes me happy. This album art always makes me laugh.
9->10 because it's perfect right now.
Another fine song with lyrics you can understand.

(BTW, that's a Contrabass Saxophone in the back of Colin on the Wiki pic! )
So gooooooooood {#Dancingbanana_2}
I've got a ticket to see him next weekend.  I can't wait!
I'm liking this version. Don't think much of the corny cd artwork though...
The commercial version of this song is so overplayed here in Oz, that I really can't listen to it. But I do like this acoustic version, which shows more of the raw talent of the man. Thanks for playing it!
 GuiltyFeat wrote:
Ghosts appear and fade away.

 
Search for the YouTube version where Colin explains the brilliant 'mis-heard lyric'. 

"Hey Colin! Are you going to play your goats song tonight?"

hehe 
 Jannne wrote:
    acoustic not so bad, Hay's voice not so good 

 
Yup! Not bad... until he tries to sing in his weird high-pitched voice!
Nice cover
Wow, I really like this mostly acoustic version!
More Colin James Hay please Bill.He's so much more than the ex front man of Men At Work and has a extensive list of great albums as a solo performer.
Man at Work!
{#Jump} 
One of those songs that I didn't understand as a young teen, but 30 years later... ohhhh.
Well, it's quite obvious the old adage - about how well opinions resemble a particular body orifice - holds up here as well as it does anywhere else...

I was particularly struck by this tune when it was originally released on the first Men At Work record, and can't help but think the outlook of some may be driven by the quirky silliness and FM/MTV overplay of the most memorable (for whatever reason) tune on that album, "Down Under," and could be unfavorably colored by all that.

Hay gives the tune a good workover here, and makes it even more enjoyable - however, your mileage certainly may vary.

{#Cool} 
 Larrygrrl wrote:
If you ever get a chance to see Colin live...do it.  His stories are almost better than his songs.  And his own recording label is "Lazy Eye Records."  The guy's got a wicked & wonderful sense of humor. {#Devil_pimp}

 
I concur.  He is great live.  His sense of humor, storytelling, and humanness are all part of what makes him one of my favorite artists.  If you like singer/songwriter-type performances you'd do well to see him.  Delightful.
Stinker - a rare RP stumble.
Never......to.....hear....surf....music....again.

PSD > Rolling Stones — I Am Waiting
Just go away, already. I didn't care for your voice in Men At Work back then... nothing's changed.
 danoodles wrote:

One of those tunes you just stop what you're doing and listen.



 
{#Yes} {#Good-vibes}
    acoustic not so bad, Hay's voice not so good 
 drewd wrote:

Anyone who's ever laid awake at night worrying about life can relate to this song... I know I can.



 
Unfortunately I do that wayyy too often and Colin captued the implication and indications of that condition perfectly in this ditty.
Never thought much of the original version back in the day, but this is really nice.
If you ever get a chance to see Colin live...do it.  His stories are almost better than his songs.  And his own recording label is "Lazy Eye Records."  The guy's got a wicked & wonderful sense of humor. {#Devil_pimp}
Agreed, I think he'd also do well as the soundtrack to a heartwarming, bitter sweet, schmaltzy American sitcom... 

 
kcar wrote:
What a shame this guy didn't form a band and record back in the Eighties. 

That might have worked out pretty well.  

 


 kcar wrote:
What a shame this guy didn't form a band and record back in the Eighties. 

That might have worked out pretty well.  

 
It still does nothing for me.......dust collector on the shelf PLEASE!
What a shame this guy didn't form a band and record back in the Eighties. 

That might have worked out pretty well.  
 MsJudi wrote:
It's a neat cover of his own song!
 
I'd put this in the same category as Lindsey Buckingham's slowed down acoustic cover of his own "Go Insane" 
I like this acoustic version better than the original.  Maybe bc it reminds me of that excellent Scrubs episode :)
Very nice. A welcome reinterpretation of the classic (?)
Men at work unfortunately became a bit of a cliche, it's a shame, there was a lot of talent there (and some injustice). Got me cravin' for a vegemite sandwich though...
 danoodles wrote:

One of those tunes you just stop what you're doing and listen.

 
exactly what i just did!
Loving this
It's a neat cover of his own song!

One of those tunes you just stop what you're doing and listen.


Yes yes yes! 

IrieTom wrote:




This song gets better every time I hear it.

 


Acoustic > Original (at least in this case.)
 Cynaera wrote:

I have to ask - do you actually LIKE the title of "Troll"??  Did Excelsior leave you in charge of snarky, dismissive, negative comments on random music?

I tried to understand you, but you're unfathomable - and not in a good way.  I'm rather grateful that I don't know you - chances are, you'd complicate my life impossibly, and I don't need that now. Perhaps you could just listen while your hands are duct-taped to a chair, thus sparing us your inane, sometimes incomprehensible, comments.

And, taking my own advice, I'm shutting up now.

 
Ah, duct tape! Yet another great Canadian invention... and you, dear Cynaera, have just found yet another great use for it! :o)
Ghosts appear and fade away.
 efaulkjr wrote:
I love this acoustic redux of the Men at Work original.  Colin Hay's voice is so distinctive and is highlighted so well with an acoustic guitar accompaniment.
 
What he said. {#Music}
I love this acoustic redux of the Men at Work original.  Colin Hay's voice is so distinctive and is highlighted so well with an acoustic guitar accompaniment.

Anyone who's ever laid awake at night worrying about life can relate to this song... I know I can.


 Stingray wrote:
truely horrible!!!

 
I have to ask - do you actually LIKE the title of "Troll"??  Did Excelsior leave you in charge of snarky, dismissive, negative comments on random music?

I tried to understand you, but you're unfathomable - and not in a good way.  I'm rather grateful that I don't know you - chances are, you'd complicate my life impossibly, and I don't need that now. Perhaps you could just listen while your hands are duct-taped to a chair, thus sparing us your inane, sometimes incomprehensible, comments.

And, taking my own advice, I'm shutting up now.

 mjensen1969 wrote:
Completely agree...the original was pretty good, but this is outstanding.
 
Never really liked the original, but this is much better.




This song gets better every time I hear it.

 Stingray wrote:
truely horrible!!!

 
WRONG.

truely horrible!!!

 Johnny_Wave wrote:
Gotta agree that this acoustic version is far superior to the original.

 
I agree.  By the time Men At Work came out I was into music that was much less mainstream.  I didn't dislike this band, but I didn't really care about buying their records or going to see them.  This version, though, reveals a lot more about Colin Hay's talent.

Love it!{#Hearteyes} Even if it was never on Scrubs, which of course, was one of the best Scrubs episodes of all!{#Clap}
 Albert1967 wrote:

Just thought that too . . .
  +1


 Johnny_Wave wrote:
Gotta agree that this acoustic version is far superior to the original.
 
Just thought that too . . .
I gave this an "8" because it reminds me when Hay was on the first show of the 2nd season of Scrubs and how they did this song. It was excellent and proved that the 2nd season was going to be even better than the 1st - and that was no small feat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrGmcuj44DQ
probablemente la mejor canción de men at work!!!!!...muy buena versión!!!!{#Clap}
Gotta agree that this acoustic version is far superior to the original.

 saltysanford wrote:
Men at Work was one of those group that I totally dug when I was in High School and their album came out.  They are also one of those bands that I liked but was too embarassed to admit it.  I would'nt say it was a "guilty" pleasure, but then again I wasn't going to proclaim my affinity to any of my peers.  Anytime I hear them know it takes me back to that time in my life.  Lots of music does that, but there is something bittersweet about that particular remembrence.  I guess it's the whole..."yeah I like them" (said with a bit of embarassment).{#Yes} 
 
I had no problem admitting to liking these guys even though I was a jazz fusion and prog-rock guy back then. I still like their stuff and am happy to proclaim it. Hey, how 'bout "Down by the Sea"?

A simply fantastic variation, love it.
Such Fun...  {#Dancingbanana}
{#Hearteyes}
 saltysanford wrote:
Men at Work was one of those group that I totally dug when I was in High School and their album came out.  They are also one of those bands that I liked but was too embarassed to admit it.  I would'nt say it was a "guilty" pleasure, but then again I wasn't going to proclaim my affinity to any of my peers.  Anytime I hear them know it takes me back to that time in my life.  Lots of music does that, but there is something bittersweet about that particular remembrence.  I guess it's the whole..."yeah I like them" (said with a bit of embarassment).{#Yes} 
 
There was definitely nothing to be embarrassed about.{#Music}
I didn't really pay much attention to Men At Work in the 80's.  I liked a few of their songs, but thought they were just a sort of silly pop band.  This version is really nice though; it has a lot more "feeling" to me.  Maybe it's just nostalgia for being in my 20's again.

Never cared too much for the Men At Work version of this song but this acoustic version kicks ass!
Men at Work was one of those group that I totally dug when I was in High School and their album came out.  They are also one of those bands that I liked but was too embarassed to admit it.  I would'nt say it was a "guilty" pleasure, but then again I wasn't going to proclaim my affinity to any of my peers.  Anytime I hear them know it takes me back to that time in my life.  Lots of music does that, but there is something bittersweet about that particular remembrence.  I guess it's the whole..."yeah I like them" (said with a bit of embarassment).{#Yes} 
I love this song with the fire of a thousand suns. 

~HAPPY~
newyorkone wrote:
Best Scrubs episode had Colin acoustically singing this tune! Awesome.
For a show that always has such great music on it, having Colin Hay on "Scrubs", and having him perform this song acoustically, was just awesome.
NeuroJoe wrote:
Huh. Didn't know Phil Collins and Colin Hay were twins.
blasphemer!
Kristi wrote:
Very nice version of this song. It's like hearing it new all over again!
Yes. Yes, it is.
Very nice version of this song. It's like hearing it new all over again!
ahoylola wrote:
Great episode. (click here)
Ditto!
Sweet
rbigelo wrote:
This acoustic verision is like rediscovering the song all over again in a different light.
Completely agree...the original was pretty good, but this is outstanding.
This is a great song.
Huh. Didn't know Phil Collins and Colin Hay were twins.
Ah, the outstanding Colin Hay!
well worth 99 cents i paid. love this version!
This acoustic verision is like rediscovering the song all over again in a different light.
Ummmm.... Is there anything wrong with this song at all? Besides me not writing it, I think not.
ahoylola wrote:
Great episode. (click here)
Thanks for the link. Classic.
This by far is a better version that the MAW version. Most enjoyable
~Michelle~ wrote:
I like the acoustic version!
I do too! Seems to give a little more depth to the lyrics.
jubilantme wrote:
that is one of the worst album covers i have ever seen. but alas, i can't hear this song without picturing him singing it as a corpse on scrubs.
Great episode. (click here)
I like the acoustic version!
Yamson wrote:
I uploaded a high quality version direct off the Lazlo Bane CD. It made a good run on the LRC, but was ultimately rejected . Here I thought I was the only one who remembered Lazlo Bane.
Best Scrubs episode had Colin acoustically singing this tune! Awesome.
Roverfish wrote:
Still another alternate version of this tune I enjoy is the one Lazlo Bane put out 10 years ago. I only have a 128 kbps version, else I'd upload it. Anyone else? By the way, Lazlo Bane perform Scrubs' theme song, "Superman." Small world, eh?
I uploaded a good quality version direct off the CD. It made a good run on the LRC, but was ultimately rejected . Maybe we can try it again?
I dig this version (and album) quite a bit. Colin continues to impress me as a musician who never takes himself too seriously to have a little fun, despite the multi-platinum success of MAW. Thanks, by the way, for the YouTube link to the Scrubs bit...had a great laugh. Still another alternate version of this tune I enjoy is the one Lazlo Bane put out 10 years ago. I only have a 128 kbps version, else I'd upload it. Anyone else? By the way, Lazlo Bane perform Scrub's theme song, "Superman." Small world, eh?
catsoup wrote:
There's an image I'll never get out of my head. Gee, thanks.
No, Terry Allen 'The Silent Majority' is the worst album cover ever.....check it out
jubilantme wrote:
that is one of the worst album covers i have ever seen. but alas, i can't hear this song without picturing him singing it as a corpse on scrubs.
There's an image I'll never get out of my head. Gee, thanks.
that is one of the worst album covers i have ever seen. but alas, i can't hear this song without picturing him singing it as a corpse on scrubs.
nice version
jruhnke wrote:
Ah, yes. And Big Oil is hiding the 100 mpg carburetor in a warehouse too, right?
An anonymous internet source from Houston Texas has publicly stated "Big Oil is hiding the 100 mpg carburetor in a warehouse"
bokey wrote:
As oil becomes even more scarce(read expensive) people working on alternative energy will mysteriously disappear like beer at a bowling alley.
Ah, yes. And Big Oil is hiding the 100 mpg carburetor in a warehouse too, right?
andesitic wrote:
What do you mean? This is about the most hilarious cover-art I have ever seen: Colin Hay, as Don Ho.
I'm just impressed as hell that you even made this connection. That must be some filing system you've got in that head of yours.
slugore wrote:
Able to listen to it during quiet dinners with the family and think about the good old days when the year 2007 meant we would all be driving flying cars.
Flying cars would require light,non petroleum based fuel. Never,ever gonna happen in our lifetimes. Never. As oil becomes even more scarce(read expensive) people working on alternative energy will mysteriously disappear like beer at a bowling alley. And as a result of countless hours of confused viewing as a young kid I can say that yes,that is Barbara Eden.
andesitic wrote:
What do you mean? This is about the most hilarious cover-art I have ever seen: Colin Hay, as Don Ho.
Is that Barbara Eden?
...I just don't think I'll ever get over this song...colin is a class act who continues to tour small theaters with a sit down story teller approach...
andesitic wrote:
What do you mean? This is about the most hilarious cover-art I have ever seen: Colin Hay, as Don Ho.
yowza, Don Ho.
andesitic wrote:
What do you mean? This is about the most hilarious cover-art I have ever seen: Colin Hay, as Don Ho.
I'd also like to point out that a ukelele like that is available for about $20 on sale from a large musician's supply catalog. I've been tempted.
Pyro wrote:
... but who was the complete goober who did Hay's cover design?
What do you mean? This is about the most hilarious cover-art I have ever seen: Colin Hay, as Don Ho.
I like this solo version beter than the orriginal.
Pyro wrote:
Thank you! I was trying to figure out who I had heard do this song...kept thinking "Police" or "Sting". Yep, MAW... Both versions ok, but who was the complete goober who did Hay's cover design?
Just making sure you know that Colin Hay WAS the singer from Men at Work, right?
Thistle wrote:
Heard this on SCRUBS. He played a guy busking. It was so cool to hear it. The song takes me back years! Some of the BEST 80's music. Ageless. No doubt.
I think he was meant to be a bit like Jonathan Richmond in Something ABout Mary. Kind of like a modern version of the Greek Chorus.
Superior version. This is listenable to.