You never have to question which country Men At Work are from because they put it right in the chorus of their biggest hit: "I come from a land down under." That song, the chart-topping early '80s smash "Down Under," has apparently been played at recent events organized by March For Australia, an anti-immigrant movement whose website bears the motto "Our National Identity Will Not Be Erased." Colin Hay's not happy about it.
Hay, who himself emigrated to Melbourne from Scotland at age 14, shared the following message today on Instagram in a post assigned to his personal account and the band's:
Let me say that I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of Down Under, for any "March For Australia" events.
Down Under, a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people.
Down Under is ultimately a song of celebration. It’s for pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division.
Go write your own song,
leave mine alone.– Colin Hay (immigrant)
See Hay's post below.
