Overkill
Men at Work
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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 PerformanceThe 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 ThemeThe 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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Overkill Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 20 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5245169/Men+at+Work/Overkill>.
Discuss the Overkill Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In