Released: 1981
Right off the bat, “Who Can It Be Now?” by Men at Work throws you into a scene that’s as anxious as it is catchy. This tune isn’t just an earworm; it’s a deep dive into paranoia and the feeling of being watched. At its core, the song is about wanting to be left alone and dealing with the fear that someone, or something, is constantly after you.
The song starts with a person hearing a knock at the door and immediately wanting the visitor to leave. The lyrics, “Go ‘way, don’t come ’round here no more,” set the tone. It’s late, and our narrator is tired and not in the mood for company. There’s a strong desire for solitude, “All I wish is to be alone,” highlighting a need for personal space and peace that many of us can relate to. But there’s more than just a need for quiet—the mention of “Don’t come in, I’ll only run and hide” suggests a deeper fear and perhaps something—or someone—specific they’re trying to avoid.
As the song progresses, paranoia builds. The person is trying their best to stay silent, “Make no sound, tip-toe across the floor,” in fear that any noise might attract unwanted attention. This line not only adds to the mounting anxiety but also paints a vivid picture of the lengths the narrator is going to, in order to avoid detection. The lyrics, “I’ve done no harm, I keep to myself,” then touch on a sense of injustice or confusion as to why they feel besieged, insisting on their innocence and the right to their privacy.
The song then twists into introspection, questioning the nature of the fear. “Is it the man come to take me away?” suggests a fear of being institutionalized or controlled, tapping into a universal dread of losing one’s freedom. Yet, there’s also an acknowledgment that their fears might not be rooted in reality, “It’s just my fantasy,” hinting at an internal struggle between what’s real and what’s perceived.
Ultimately, “Who Can It Be Now?” is more than its catchy sax riff and upbeat tempo. Men at Work crafted a song that delves into the human psyche, exploring themes of isolation, paranoia, and the boundary between reality and imagination. It’s a track that, while seemingly straightforward, invites listeners to consider the deeper fears that lurk behind closed doors and the desire for solitude in a world that feels increasingly invasive. Through simple yet evocative lyrics, Men at Work captures a feeling that’s as relevant today as it was back then—making this song a timeless piece in the rock genre.
