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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2141









Released: 2003
Length: 3:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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 (159)add comment
I feel like his voice has become, in some ways, better with age. Versions of this  song recorded after this one show even more depth, and complexity. Love this guy.
Posted 4 months ago by TurtleMan    [ Reply ]
A song worthy of the mystical 'epic' rating.  This one goes past 11.
Posted 4 months ago by islander    [ Reply ]
Up to 11 now.
Posted 5 months ago by Fabian_R    [ Reply ]
 drendin wrote:

I can't help but think of the show Scrubs and the use of his music and the montage they used



same with me... and I have no idea why it makes me feel a really strange way , like a temporal elsewhere where i feel so nostalgic). 
no doubt this sequence was great
Posted 6 months ago by clemLyQc    [ Reply ]
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 “
Posted 1 year ago by Pieter    [ Reply ]
What a brilliant song - Ghosts appear and fade away............
Posted 2 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
its always tough to make that distinction:  peppy or bouncy?
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Men at Work was one of the first 3 albums I ever had. Memories…
Posted 3 years ago by Ohio_Dog    [ Reply ]
Godlike
Posted 3 years ago by whaleboneman    [ Reply ]
Ack, accidental Colin Hay Green Day mashup at the end!  
Posted 3 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 3 years ago by cjdmusic    [ Reply ]
 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"! 
Posted 3 years ago by jkamm14    [ Reply ]
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"
Posted 3 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by nlarsen1    [ Reply ]
I love this acoustic
Posted 4 years ago by richjohnsonarts326    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 4 years ago by TLynneHenry    [ Reply ]
I can't help but think of the show Scrubs and the use of his music and the montage they used
Posted 5 years ago by drendin    [ Reply ]
It's my belief songs like this are enjoyed by individuals who like to rub topsoil into their hair.
Posted 5 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
Colin Hay sounds just as good today as he did in the 80s. His live videos on YouTube are definitely worth checking out.
Posted 5 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
I, for one, love his voice. Sweet song. And not only because my mother’s maiden name was Hay.
Posted 5 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
this version changes the whole thing into something much better
Posted 5 years ago by Triquel67    [ Reply ]
This song always makes me happy. This album art always makes me laugh.
Posted 5 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
9->10 because it's perfect right now.
Posted 5 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
Another fine song with lyrics you can understand.

(BTW, that's a Contrabass Saxophone in the back of Colin on the Wiki pic! )
Posted 6 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
So gooooooooood {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 6 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
I've got a ticket to see him next weekend.  I can't wait!
Posted 7 years ago by IrieTom    [ Reply ]
I'm liking this version. Don't think much of the corny cd artwork though...
Posted 7 years ago by VV    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 8 years ago by jab49    [ Reply ]
 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 
Posted 8 years ago by Rashley    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 9 years ago by Mannick    [ Reply ]
Nice cover
Posted 9 years ago by stalfnzo    [ Reply ]
Wow, I really like this mostly acoustic version!
Posted 9 years ago by ljhumbix    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 9 years ago by taswegian    [ Reply ]
Man at Work!
{#Jump} 
Posted 9 years ago by Vakse    [ Reply ]
One of those songs that I didn't understand as a young teen, but 30 years later... ohhhh.
Posted 9 years ago by Vandy005    [ Reply ]
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} 
Posted 9 years ago by rev_cletus    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by Stuff_n_Nonsense    [ Reply ]
Stinker - a rare RP stumble.
Posted 9 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Never......to.....hear....surf....music....again.

PSD > Rolling Stones — I Am Waiting
Posted 10 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Just go away, already. I didn't care for your voice in Men At Work back then... nothing's changed.
Posted 10 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 danoodles wrote:

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



 
{#Yes} {#Good-vibes}
Posted 10 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
    acoustic not so bad, Hay's voice not so good 
Posted 10 years ago by Jannne    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Never thought much of the original version back in the day, but this is really nice.
Posted 11 years ago by musikluvr    [ Reply ]
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}
Posted 11 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
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.  

 


Posted 11 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 11 years ago by pigtail    [ Reply ]
What a shame this guy didn't form a band and record back in the Eighties. 

That might have worked out pretty well.  
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 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" 
Posted 11 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
I like this acoustic version better than the original.  Maybe bc it reminds me of that excellent Scrubs episode :)
Posted 11 years ago by CrackerjaxATX    [ Reply ]
Very nice. A welcome reinterpretation of the classic (?)
Posted 11 years ago by misterimpatient    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 11 years ago by Sweet_Virginia    [ Reply ]
 danoodles wrote:

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

 
exactly what i just did!
Posted 11 years ago by dede70_78    [ Reply ]
Loving this
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
It's a neat cover of his own song!
Posted 12 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]

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


Posted 12 years ago by danoodles    [ Reply ]
Yes yes yes! 

IrieTom wrote:




This song gets better every time I hear it.

 


Posted 12 years ago by JeniQ    [ Reply ]
Acoustic > Original (at least in this case.)
Posted 12 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
 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)
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
Ghosts appear and fade away.
Posted 12 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 13 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by efaulkjr    [ Reply ]

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


Posted 13 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 mjensen1969 wrote:
Completely agree...the original was pretty good, but this is outstanding.
 
Never really liked the original, but this is much better.
Posted 13 years ago by curufinwe    [ Reply ]




This song gets better every time I hear it.

Posted 14 years ago by IrieTom    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
truely horrible!!!

 
WRONG.

Posted 14 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
truely horrible!!!

Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Love it!{#Hearteyes} Even if it was never on Scrubs, which of course, was one of the best Scrubs episodes of all!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 Albert1967 wrote:

Just thought that too . . .
  +1


Posted 14 years ago by StillListening    [ Reply ]
 Johnny_Wave wrote:
Gotta agree that this acoustic version is far superior to the original.
 
Just thought that too . . .
Posted 14 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 14 years ago by GriffinMN    [ Reply ]
probablemente la mejor canción de men at work!!!!!...muy buena versión!!!!{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by edwinaguirre    [ Reply ]
Gotta agree that this acoustic version is far superior to the original.

Posted 14 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
 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"?

Posted 14 years ago by posworld    [ Reply ]
A simply fantastic variation, love it.
Posted 14 years ago by Spud    [ Reply ]
Such Fun...  {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 14 years ago by meatballsmom    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 14 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Never cared too much for the Men At Work version of this song but this acoustic version kicks ass!
Posted 16 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
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} 
Posted 16 years ago by saltysanford    [ Reply ]
I love this song with the fire of a thousand suns. 

~HAPPY~
Posted 16 years ago by cavalaxis    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
NeuroJoe wrote:
Huh. Didn't know Phil Collins and Colin Hay were twins.
blasphemer!
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Kristi wrote:
Very nice version of this song. It's like hearing it new all over again!
Yes. Yes, it is.
Posted 16 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Very nice version of this song. It's like hearing it new all over again!
Posted 16 years ago by Kristi    [ Reply ]
ahoylola wrote:
Great episode. (click here)
Ditto!
Posted 16 years ago by starfishNcoffee    [ Reply ]
Sweet
Posted 16 years ago by Doogie    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by mjensen1969    [ Reply ]
This is a great song.
Posted 16 years ago by ekeyte    [ Reply ]
Huh. Didn't know Phil Collins and Colin Hay were twins.
Posted 16 years ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
Ah, the outstanding Colin Hay!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
well worth 99 cents i paid. love this version!
Posted 16 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
This acoustic verision is like rediscovering the song all over again in a different light.
Posted 17 years ago by rbigelo    [ Reply ]
Ummmm.... Is there anything wrong with this song at all? Besides me not writing it, I think not.
Posted 17 years ago by moocray    [ Reply ]
ahoylola wrote:
Great episode. (click here)
Thanks for the link. Classic.
Posted 17 years ago by ProfessorFrink    [ Reply ]
This by far is a better version that the MAW version. Most enjoyable
Posted 17 years ago by YA_MAN    [ Reply ]
~Michelle~ wrote:
I like the acoustic version!
I do too! Seems to give a little more depth to the lyrics.
Posted 17 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
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)
Posted 17 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
I like the acoustic version!
Posted 17 years ago by ~Michelle~    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by newyorkone    [ Reply ]
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?
Posted 17 years ago by Yamson    [ Reply ]
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?
Posted 17 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 17 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by catsoup    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by jubilantme    [ Reply ]
nice version
Posted 17 years ago by dogpound    [ Reply ]
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"
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
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?
Posted 17 years ago by jruhnke    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
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?
Posted 17 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
...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...
Posted 17 years ago by lovelifealways    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by araujokrl    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]