Damon Mcknight
The 1981 song Down Under by Australian rock band Men at Work includes the lyric He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich. The song describes the experiences of an Australian travelling the world and encountering people who are curious about their homeland. The song's music video comically plays out the events of the lyrics, including the band members riding in a Volkswagen Kombi van and eating muesli with a strange lady.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Name | Down Under |
| Artist | Men at Work |
| Album | Business as Usual |
| Year of Release | 1980 |
| Lyrics mentioning Vegemite sandwich | He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Down Under' by Men at Work is a song about Australian experiences
- Vegemite is a yeast extract spread made from beer by-products
- Vegemite is an acquired taste, often disliked by non-Australians
- The song's music video comically plays out the events of the lyrics
- The song ranked fourth on a list of the Best Australian Songs from 1926-2001
'Down Under' by Men at Work is a song about Australian experiences
"Down Under" by Men at Work is a song that captures and celebrates various aspects of Australian experiences and culture. The song's lyrics are filled with references and allusions that resonate with Australians and offer a glimpse into their way of life. One of the most iconic and well-known references in the song is to Vegemite, a unique Australian food spread made from yeast extract, which has become synonymous with Australian identity. The line "He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich" has not only become a part of Australian vernacular but also serves as a cultural password of sorts, instantly identifying someone as Australian when abroad.
The song also touches on themes of travel and exploration, with references to locations like Brussels and Bombay, reflecting the experiences of Australians venturing out into the world and encountering curiosity about their homeland... The use of a VW Kombi van in the song's lyrics and music video further emphasizes the theme of travel, as this vehicle is synonymous with the Australian road trip experience, often associated with freedom and adventure.
Another significant aspect of Australian culture addressed in the song is their reputation for drinking and the stereotype of excessive alcohol consumption. The line "Where beer does flow and men chunder" not only references this stereotype but also introduces Australian slang, with "chunder" meaning to vomit or regurgitate, adding a playful and humorous tone to the song.
The song also delves into the issue of overdevelopment and Americanization threatening Australia's unique identity. Band member Colin Hay explained that the band carrying a coffin across the dunes at the end of the music video serves as a warning to Australians about the potential loss of their country's identity due to these external influences.
"Down Under" has had a significant impact on Australian society and popular culture. It has been used to represent Australia on various occasions, including being played by Men at Work during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and being named one of the goal songs for Australia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The song's popularity and resonance with Australians have solidified its place as an enduring anthem that captures the essence of Australian experiences and continues to be celebrated decades after its release.
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Vegemite is a yeast extract spread made from beer by-products
The Australian rock band Men at Work's song "Down Under" mentions eating a Vegemite sandwich. The song was originally self-released in 1980 as the B-side to their first local single, "Keypunch Operator". The lyrics go: "Buying bread from a man in Brussels/He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich".
Vegemite is a thick, black, salty spread that is made from yeast extract. It is a by-product of beer fermentation and is often used as a spread on bread or toast. The process of making Vegemite involves adding salt to the yeast by-product and heating the mixture, causing the yeast cells to burst. Any remaining cellular material is then removed through filtration. While Vegemite does not contain any active yeast, it can be used as a substrate for other microorganisms that can ferment sugars and produce alcohol.
Vegemite is a popular food product in Australia, and it has also gained international recognition. It is known for its strong flavour, which some people enjoy while others find it unpalatable. In the song "Down Under," the reference to Vegemite conveys a cultural connection between the Australians and the Austrians. The song also mentions other Australian stereotypes, such as excessive drinking and the association with thunderstorms.
The song "Down Under" has achieved significant success and recognition. It was ranked as the fourth-best Australian song from 1926 to 2001 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). The song was also added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry in 2007. Additionally, it has been used in various contexts, such as the theme song for the crew of Australia II during their successful bid for the America's Cup in 1983 and as walkout music for Australian athletes.
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Vegemite is an acquired taste, often disliked by non-Australians
Vegemite is a food that is beloved by many Australians and often reviled by non-Australians. It is a thick, dark brown spread made from yeast extract, a byproduct of beer manufacturing. The spread is known for its salty, bitter taste and sticky texture. While Vegemite is popular in Australia, it has become a sort of cultural litmus test for foreigners, with some Australians assuming that those who like Vegemite must be Australian. This is reflected in the iconic Australian song ""Down Under" by Men at Work, which includes the lyric, "He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich." The song, released in 1981, describes the experiences of an Australian travelling the world and encountering people curious about their homeland.
The unique taste of Vegemite is often described as an acquired taste, and it is not uncommon for non-Australians to find it unpalatable or even disgusting. One source describes how they tried Vegemite in the Outback, spreading it on thick like peanut butter, and found the taste too strong. Another source mentions that Vegemite should be used sparingly, as its tangy taste can be overwhelming for those not accustomed to it. The strong flavour of Vegemite is also referenced in "Down Under," with the song's Australian singer acknowledging that the taste may be unappealing to non-Australians.
The song's lyrics convey a sense of cultural connection and camaraderie between Australians and Austrians, with the singer and the man from Brussels bonding over their shared love for Vegemite. This exchange is meant to highlight the idea that foreigners often love Australians because of their stereotypes, and Australians reciprocate this love due to their cultural connections. The reference to Vegemite in the song serves as a symbol of Australian culture and identity, and the song itself has become an anthem for Australians both at home and abroad.
The song's music video comically depicts the events described in the lyrics, including the Australian traveller being offered a Vegemite sandwich by a strange lady. The video reinforces the idea that Vegemite is a unique part of Australian culture, and the song's success has further cemented Vegemite's place in the Australian national consciousness. While Vegemite may be polarizing, it has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Australia's cultural identity, and its mention in "Down Under" has helped to spread awareness of this unique food to a global audience.
In conclusion, Vegemite is a food that is often loved by Australians and disliked by non-Australians, and its mention in the song "Down Under" by Men at Work reflects this cultural dynamic. The song's lyrics and music video showcase Vegemite as a symbol of Australian identity, and the spread's unique taste has become an iconic part of the Australian experience, whether one loves it or hates it.
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The song's music video comically plays out the events of the lyrics
The song Down Under by Australian rock band Men at Work includes the famous line "He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich". The song's music video comically plays out the events of the lyrics, showing the band members riding in a Volkswagen Kombi van, eating muesli with a 'strange lady', and eating and drinking in a café. The Kombi van is a reference to the "fried out combie" mentioned in the song, which is described as the "Australian poor man's road trip vehicle of choice".
The video also features band member Greg Ham sitting in a gum tree while playing the flute, referencing the copyright lawsuit surrounding the song's flute riff. The band is seen carrying a coffin across the Cronulla sand dunes in Sydney, symbolizing the warning about the country's dying identity due to overdevelopment and Americanization.
The "Vegemite sandwich" line in the song is significant as Vegemite is a beloved Australian spread, often considered an acquired taste. It is made from yeast extract and is a staple in many Australian households. The inclusion of Vegemite in the song and its music video reinforces the Australian theme and adds a touch of humor and cultural connection.
The music video for "Down Under" effectively brings the lyrics to life, combining humor with a subtle message about the state of Australia at the time. It showcases the band's playful interpretation of their song, adding visual depth to the already captivating and uniquely Australian narrative.
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The song ranked fourth on a list of the Best Australian Songs from 1926-2001
The song "Down Under" by Men at Work is ranked fourth on the list of the Best Australian Songs from 1926 to 2001. The song was originally self-released in 1980 as the B-side to their first local single, "Keypunch Operator". The best-known version was then released on Columbia in 1981 as the second single from Men at Work's debut studio album, "Business as Usual". The song went on to top the charts in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It also debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States in November 1982.
"Down Under" is a song that celebrates Australian culture and stereotypes. The lyrics mention a Vegemite sandwich, which is a popular food item in Australia. Vegemite is a yeast extract spread that is commonly eaten on sandwiches or toast and is considered a staple in Australian cuisine. The song also mentions other Australian stereotypes, such as excessive drinking and travelling.
The music video for "Down Under" comically portrays the lyrics, showing the band members travelling in a Volkswagen Kombi van, eating muesli with a strange lady, and drinking in a café. The band is seen carrying a coffin across the dunes at the end of the video, which Hay explained was a warning about the dying Australian identity due to overdevelopment and Americanisation.
The song has had a significant impact on Australian culture and has been used in various contexts. It was chosen as the theme song by the crew of Australia II during their successful bid for the America's Cup in 1983. Men at Work also performed the song at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. "Down Under" has also been added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry in 2007, recognising its importance in Australian musical history.
Overall, "Down Under" by Men at Work is a beloved and iconic Australian song that captures the essence of Australian culture and has left a lasting legacy in the country's musical landscape. Its ranking as fourth on the list of the Best Australian Songs from 1926 to 2001 is a testament to its popularity and impact.
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Frequently asked questions
The song Down Under by Men at Work mentions Vegemite sandwiches.
The song "Down Under" describes the experiences of an Australian travelling the world and encountering people who are curious about their homeland.
The lyrics that mention Vegemite are: "He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich".
