Men At Work: "Overkill" (1983)

"Overkill" is a song by Australian band Men at Work and featured on their 1983 album Cargo. It was written by lead singer Colin Hay. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at #28 in April 1983 and peaked at #3 in early June.

A solo acoustic version by Hay featured in the Scrubs episode "My Overkill", along with a cameo of him singing it. When it was first released, it was a departure from the typical Men at Work's style of reggae pop. "Overkill" instead had hard-hitting lyrics and blues and roots feel.


- Lyrics:

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 its 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