Born in the 60s A fan of Men at work in the 80s, and listening to the artist Colin Hay breakdown Overkill in the year 2023, this song in an acoustic version is pure gold.
For me it’s exactly the same ,born in the 60s listening to men at work then Colin hay and now listening to him teach us to play it ! Perfect !! My guitars are very very happy ! Thanks Colin ! You are a great person !
Like you, brimming with appreciation. Technology can be such a wonderful thing. But without geniuses like this man, it’s useless. Anyone going to be clamoring to watch modern “artists” do a tutorial in 20 years? Now THAT would be overkill.
@@curtrod Notice the quotation marks genius. The other comments are mine. BTW, did you also notice the main riff was "borrowed" from Jim Peterik's tune Hold on Loosely.
curtrod I gave up Camels decades ago. The “ main intro riff” specifically on the recorded electric version by his band Men at Work. Not the whole tune. Pay special regard to what’s said in the quotes.
A pity that this is such an exeption: The artist himself showing the fans how to play his song properly. I so wish other artists would follow his path. Thank you so much Colin for the insight!
true, though thanks to youtube we are seeing more of it. no one is doing a better job than james taylor. check out his website for lessons from the man himself.
My 5 year old daughter is obsessed with Men At Work. Watches their old videos all time. So, Colin just know there’s a 5 year old little girl in Asheville NC that loves your music and thinks you’re the best.
"Overkill" is a brilliant song; one of my favorites. Colin's voice is nothing shy of amazing. If you haven't seen the "Choir, Choir" video of him playing this song, you have to check it out. It might be the best version of this song I've ever heard.
Thank you Colin. I was an aimless young man when this song came out and it gave me comfort as I knew those thoughts were not exclusive to me. Now, all these years later, I face my own mortality as I age and this song still holds so much meaning to the uncertainties in life I thought would have long since been behind me. All good though - it puts a smile on my face and humbles me. Thank you for a lifetime of honest, heartfelt music that speaks to one's soul. Thank God for you!
I love this. My dad would listen to this a lot when I was a kid. I knew he was going through something but he never showed it. Just through his headphones after I was put to bed 🛌. Supposed to be in bed at least, but I don’t think he knew I saw him so vulnerable. Great song
@@ctw8735 thank you for acknowledging my comment. As a special insight if this memory, when this took place, my mother had not allowed much visitation for him. He spent 7years trying to get custody of me, and when I finally visited him, this song was his anthem. It spoke what he was enduring. Ca felt children should be with their mothers in the 90’s but he persevered from Sacramento, to L.A every month to try and visit with me and visit his attorney. He dedicated 7 years of this just to have me… I’m grateful to have such a father who loves me, with a mother who battled with her own demons via addiction and a toxic cultural upbringing . Sadly she passed after he got custody of my 8 years after, which I hadn’t seen her throughout no she thought it was best not to conflict my heart while I focused on my schooling etc. I next saw her after the courts awarded my dad full custody 8 years later in her casket to identify her body, as that would be the only chance I’d have to see her before she was buried. Although an extreme turn of events, I learned to forgive her as he did, bc love conquers all and this song now comforts me as it once did him. Such a wild turn of events, but yes, this song was present throughout my entire upbringing revolving around these sad yet character building moments in our lives. Cheers man. Thanks again for the positive remarks. God bless you and yours-
@@DSZ58 ok. You made me cry again. Do something with your story Gilbert. Not here. Books man. Screenplay? At least a poem. Big love to you my brother for being so strong with your gentle heart.
"There you go, hope that helps.." Indeed. One of a kind class act, besides authoring some of the most iconic pop records of the 80s and masterfully re-inventing himself and his music long since and beyond.. Armed with his acoustic, a mic and that signature Scot brogue, he's put on some of the most intimate, hilarious, melancholy and human performances over the course of the past few decades. Sea Dogs, Into the Corn Fields, Water Song, Wayfaring Sons, Send Somebody. The list goes on. Thank you, Colin. You planted the seed in my head as a boy in the 80s to want to write and play and songs, and you gave me a gift of a lifetime as a result.
@@tigerheaddude, Yes, unselfish and generous; it is the defining characteristic of the greatest musical geniuses that they pursue music out of a deep and passionate love, a deep NEED for the expression of an inexpressible longing common to most everyone but found manifested by only a few tortured souls. If you cannot imagine it, it is because you do not possess it. This song is, of course, autobiographical to Colin, as it is for those who long to play it; you have to express the pain and longing or it will consume you, and the expression and pursuit of it heals you (catharsis). It is paradoxical that if you set out to write a 'hit song', then you will fail, and doing it for material reasons always corrupts the art, while the pursuing of art for art's sake will bring you the wealth you were not seeking. You can see this in how Metallica's music declined as they became obsessed with destroying Napster, and Jimmy Buffet's music declined in direct proportion to his obsession with preventing his music from even being performed as covers (what a fucking HYPOCRITE..), and how Sting wrote much of his greatest music after he'd sold all rights to it (past and future-yet-to-be-written), and Tom Scholz was financially incredibly well off working as an engineer and pursing his music as a hobby/passion when he created that divine work, and countless other examples in categories beyond music. I truly 'pity the fool' who does not understand this..
@@tigerheaddude, Yes, unselfish and generous; it is the defining characteristic of the greatest musical geniuses that they pursue music out of a deep and passionate love, a deep NEED for the expression of an inexpressible longing common to most everyone but found manifested by only a few tortured souls. If you cannot imagine it, it is because you do not possess it. This song is, of course, autobiographical to Colin, as it is for those who long to play it; you have to express the pain and longing or it will consume you, and the expression and pursuit of it heals you (catharsis). It is paradoxical that if you set out to write a 'hit song', then you will fail, and doing it for material reasons always corrupts the art, while the pursuing of art for art's sake will bring you the wealth you were not seeking. You can see this in how Metallica's music declined as they became obsessed with destroying Napster, and Jimmy Buffet's music declined in direct proportion to his obsession with preventing his music from even being performed as covers (what a fucking HYPOCRITE..), and how Sting wrote much of his greatest music after he'd sold all rights to it (past and future-yet-to-be-written), and Tom Scholz was financially incredibly well off working as an engineer and pursing his music as a hobby/passion when he created that divine work, and countless other examples in categories beyond music. I truly 'pity the fool' who does not understand this..
Colin is a true artist. It takes a big man, secure in his own skin to teach his fans how to play one of his own songs. That's selflessness. Thank you Colin.
Not only in my 36 years of age am i loving everything Colin Hay has done. But now hes teaching me overkill and saying "the G-String is open" while staying completely composed. ❤😂
I'm just staggered by Colin's down-to-earth attitude, his warmth and generosity. The song is so beautiful. Greetings to all from lockdown here in Sydney
Thanks, Colin. I saw you live in 1983 and still have your songs on my favorites playlist 40 years later in 2023. Congratulations on writing some sensational songs and a great musical career. Much love, peace, and health.
This is a real guitar lesson - not just a how-to. All I paid was the price of 1 record in 1983 and a CD in 1988, and for that Colin sits down & instructs note by note not just how to play one of his songs, but how to tune and play advanced guitar in general. Thank you Colin!
I never realized how great a guitar player Colin is. I just remember him as the front man for Men At Work. He is much more then that. Hope to see him at Merlefest 2020.
who needs a band when you have a voice like that! can't tell you enough, Colin, how much this song has meant to me since I was a young teenager when it first came out. Cargo was the first album (cassette!) that I ever bought with my own money. much love to you 🙂
I LOVE MEN AT WORK!!! When I was a kid I listened to those cassettes over and over!!! Thank you so incredibly much for being such a great part of my life!!!
I woke up singing this song this morning, then I played it and then I found this video. I always wondered what drew me to it, it sounds timeless and now I believe I understand that the dropped tuning on both E strings gives it that Uniqueness and attractive sound, almost an expressive sadness as you run through the chord progression. Mrs Hay is right about the Vague Chords, they make all the difference then you add Colins finger picking and voice which just teleports your mind to a different place and time. It sometimes gives me goosebumps. Not many songs do that to me. Thankyou for the good times.
Colin my man, I suck at guitar... but I was following your instruction and suddenly you were singing it. And I was playing it ..and I heard it plain as day... and it put the biggest smile on my face... thank you sir
I've hopefully just overcome alcoholism, and this is one of the greatest songs I've heard. Will endeavour to learn guitar and hopefully this will be first song learn Mr Hay. All the best from Glasgow Sir.
Bless this man's heart! Thank you, Colin, for showing us your beautiful arrangement. I look forward to seeing you with Ringo's Band in S.F. June 2023. Cheers mate!
This song is so very timeless, and forever relevant. Especially today. Hard to believe it's been nearly 38 years since its release. Thank you, Colin, for such a masterpiece.
I have seen many versions of him playing this soung acoustically. It is yet another one of those "80's songs" that shows itself to be far far better than it appeared to be when it was a radio hit. It is a beautiful, creative, powerful, wonderful song. Colin: THANKS for showing the open tuning tricks for playing it acoustically! I will enjoy playing it that way much more than barring the D's all the way down.
I ramdomly saw you playing this on a Norm's Rare Guitars video and my jaw dropped at realizing what a beautiful piece of song writing this is once stripped down to your voice and guitar. So I had to look it up to learn it and OMG there you are !!! How generous of you to take the time to share this. By the way, your voice keeps acquiring so much depth and emotion; I'm so exited to explore your latest work !
How on earth can you give this video a thumbs down....I mean really. Colin Hay is such an impressive package, playing, writing and singing.... Great stuff. Thanks for the vid. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Still the loveliest man, so humble, never lost his nice soft Scottish brogue, i love this song, hopefully i can learn it, it is a classic song. Great video
I have loved this song from the moment I first heard it. I got to hear Colin perform it live about 20 years ago at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Washington. Colin playing Overkill is the thing I remember most about that concert.
Been wanting to play this since i saw this in scrubs when i was 12 years old back in 2002...... could never work out those suspended chords...... The 12 year old me thanks you greatly :)
They aren't as obvious on the original recordings as they are on the acoustic versions. I never realised the 1st string was also dropped though. Very cool.
I remember hearing my older brother playing this when I was a kid and then realizing it was from Scrubs, my brother’s favorite show at the time. I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like, but playing/bearing this song always makes the distance seem not so far.
Yep, James Taylor has a whole suite of RUclips videos also, passing on their musical legacy, like Colin. But it is so magical to see and hear Colin Hay just casually playing an iconic song. For 4 years, Men at Work dominated the whole world's music charts and radio let's not forget! What a talent he is...😊
Mr Hay I know this next statement will seem outrageous but of all musicians I've ever listen to in my 53 years, your music has given me the greatest satisfaction. The 1980's will always be my favorite era because of Men at Work. Thank you for creating such iconic music.
Colin, you are a very special man. Thank you for your contribution to this mad mad world to make it a little bit easier to get along in. Your music is so timeless.....again, thank you sir.
never expected to find a "how to" featuring the man himself! This song means so much more now that I've discovered insomnia. "I worry over situations I know will be alright" didn't mean so much I first heard this song. Great video!
@@beano1eye According to a school classmate speaking in the movie "Waiting for my real life" Colin was a talented musician when he arrived off the boat.
I realize I’m late to this party, but it sometimes takes us a while to get the latest news here in Texas. I concur that Mr. Hay is indeed a Scottish national treasure, but there are numerous other creative musical geniuses from your beautiful homeland. Off the top of my thinning head the names Ian Anderson, Gerry Rafferty, Nazareth, Bay City Rollers, Average White Band, and a cooky kid named Donovan (whose paisley getup of the mid 60’s was obviously the primary inspiration for Prince’s wardrobe) come immediately to mind.
You present the chords almost as if the song was just another song… but it's not. There's something absolutely sublime about it, extremely poetic, especially when you arrive at the two last chords before getting back to the A section. Like a luminous darkness, suspended time. I was a kid living in Paris when the song played every single day on French radios. I'm nostalgic tonight.
I wasn’t a huge 80s pop fan but there was always something about Men At Work that caught my ear. Now that I’m older and understand music much better, I realize it’s because this guy is a helluva songwriter with an incredible voice.
This is so smart of Colin. He wrote this great song and I’ll play it till I die and before I do I’ll teach it to many others and it will live on for generations to enjoy. 30 years later it’s better than ever.
The true test of a song is how it sounds 30 years after it was written..and even though i grew up with Men at Work in the 80's Its only now that i truely appreciate his talent and generosity in sharing his genius .
I really thank you as a guy from from the hills of south western Pennsylvania very close to West Virginia. My family is of Scots Irish English. I learned my music from generations of folk tunes passed down. You are a guy I would treat as family, just sitting around and playing music and possibly having a dram or two of your favorite. I know your favorite might not be mine. God Bless. I put you up there with the Fab Four!
I am 35 still listening to them! In 2024 , that song was recorded back in 1982 I did not exist back then, I am from Mexico my dad is 58 still listening to Man at Work.
im 67. saw them in pubs in Melbourne before they broke big, but we knew what we were seeing. they seemed to come from nowhere fully formed. An integral part of 80s Australia. A great time to be alive.
Loved this song since it came out in the early 80s. Heard it some years later on Scrubs with Colin playing it acoustically. I was hooked again and have played it ever since at gigs as solo/duo and band. Brilliant song. Thank Colin.
Lined up waiting to board a flight and chatted with him in line. Nicest bloke you'd wish to meet! Unlocked a few mysteries here for me, thanks Colin! Gorgeous song.
Colin Hay, not only are an INCREDIBLE MUSICIAN, but more importantly, anyone who goes out of their way to show someone how to play a song, let alone their song, let alone their INFINITY POETIC SONG, just proves they’re a truly a heart❤️. Thank you! For everything, thank you’ ❤️
I've been playing over 30 years, all sound and feel. I remember the days of sharing music, in bands, and social settings. "What chord/note are you playing" ... "I have no idea, but it looks/sounds like this". Music is amazing. Love watching you play and story tell. Very real, and amazing sound. Love the drop D tuning, as well.
Colin, you're an awesome guy to do this tutorial man, I've listened to your music since I was a kid in the 80's, I remember vividly seeing your men a work album at my neighbors house, and being so jealous that I didn't have the LP myself
One of my musical heroes since the early 80's, and so generous to take a few minutes to dissect this great song for all 429 of us! Of course, I'm sure he spat out a modestly small number of the actual folks who have no doubt asked over the decades. Thank you, sir!
Just watched the wonderful Documentary about Colin ( on YT of course) ! & now here he is with his outstanding generosity & talent showing us how to play “Overkill” 🙏 What a bonzer bloke 🤠🍻
few years ago I made a comment on a website about "wishing I knew the guitar chords to a Billy Joel tune called "New York State of Mind". Later that day some guy replied and said, "You know that's a piano song. It has no guitar chords." So I said, "Yes, I know, just really like it. Sorry." Few hours later the same guy sent me an email with the chords laid out, with words to the song beneath them. That person was Howard Emerson, played with Billy Joel for years. It was a surreal thing. He was very gracious, and said he was happy to do it.
That this is, in my opinion, hands down the best tutorial for "Overkill" on the internet, which seems logical. And if you want a good time, check out Colin's Santa Cruz Guitars 40th birthday bash monologue and version of Down Under. I'm not even Scottish but I gotta say its' fookin' breelyant.
Hay Colin! This is such a beautiful rendition and simple to teach. I’m a huge fan of your music and am waiting for you to come to Arizona… C’mon brother!
Colin that's a beautiful chord progression. I love that Colin plays like i do; he plays what sounds good to him and couldn't tell you the exact name of the chord lol
lespaulfanofsparta I see that the back strumm with the middle finger while the thumb and index as well as the pinky going in the opposite way while using a pick almost as crazy as Knofler
Learned (or so I thought) to play this when I was 12. 32 yrs later and, Colin is saying in not so many words, to change the batteries in my brain and play it right. Much love to this guy.
Colin .: You were amazing in WA State a couple weeks ago --- loved hearing you play this. ("Are you gonna be playing Overkill?" ... "Do you think I'm crazy?") You've massively raised-the-good and the collective tide in our current dimension over the years...Keep on and warm winds mate.
@@CBDM777 you are making me want to hear disturbed do with 'overkill' what they did with 'the sound of silence'... that song blew my father away, he disliked disturbed and other similar music out of instinct and, after i showed him the scrubs/accoustic ver of 'the sound of silence' he really liked it.....even later admitted it was better then the original he has in 3 versions on cd... i gave him a copy of 'overkill' and a couple others (used itunes to rip them since hes still stuck in the iGarden) i have a very few songs i go to consistantly when i just need to try and disconnect and stop the "overthinking" that plagues life in the modern day.
They are some beautiful chords Colin. In the 80's you couldn't turn on your radio without hearing a Men At Work tune, and this one is my favorite track . I saw Colin play at a little bar in Annapolis Maryland, he sounded fabulous. Thank you for taking the time and sharing with us how to play one of your classics.
He really, really is. I've met him a couple of times as he is so generous with his "meet and greets". Colin will give you a great big hug, whether you asked for it or not. He's a wonderful, genuine person. What you see is what you get.
Did anybody born in the 1970s ever think they would see a world where we could see Colin Hay teaching his songs like this? 🇦🇺
Born in the 60s A fan of Men at work in the 80s, and listening to the artist Colin Hay breakdown Overkill in the year 2023, this song in an acoustic version is pure gold.
For me it’s exactly the same ,born in the 60s listening to men at work then Colin hay and now listening to him teach us to play it ! Perfect !! My guitars are very very happy ! Thanks Colin ! You are a great person !
Like you, brimming with appreciation. Technology can be such a wonderful thing. But without geniuses like this man, it’s useless. Anyone going to be clamoring to watch modern “artists” do a tutorial in 20 years? Now THAT would be overkill.
😁🇭🇲
I was born IN 1970. Never in a million years would I have expected such a gift.
"I don't know what that chord is, but it sounds pretty." That's pretty much the essence of music that I like.
I found that comment pretty damn inspiring
That’s what my teacher always said, “does it sound good” doesn’t matter what its name is
D11 i think
@@curtrod Notice the quotation marks genius. The other comments are mine. BTW, did you also notice the main riff was "borrowed" from Jim Peterik's tune Hold on Loosely.
curtrod I gave up Camels decades ago. The “ main intro riff” specifically on the recorded electric version by his band Men at Work. Not the whole tune. Pay special regard to what’s said in the quotes.
A pity that this is such an exeption: The artist himself showing the fans how to play his song properly. I so wish other artists would follow his path. Thank you so much Colin for the insight!
true, though thanks to youtube we are seeing more of it. no one is doing a better job than james taylor. check out his website for lessons from the man himself.
skunk anansie guitarist does Hedonism..
Rik Emmit from Triumph does this also.
Simon from biffy clyro shows how to play..many of horror..
Dr Christoph Schäfer right on
Only a true legend would do this for his fans, thanks Colin for being that legend.
Agreed!!
Agreed, thank you Colin, you rock ✌️❤️🤘
There are no false legends.
My 5 year old daughter is obsessed with Men At Work. Watches their old videos all time. So, Colin just know there’s a 5 year old little girl in Asheville NC that loves your music and thinks you’re the best.
That's when you know you're a good parent
Colin, if you ever read this. Your song helped save my life in 1983. I won't bore you with details.
Thank you
-Rick from PA
❤
@@Vikt68
Thank you for the love!
Still married to her...
The fact that Colin took the time to explain and teach one of his masterpiece songs with all of us...
He's just a LEGEND.
Such a generous and thoughtful person eh ? Genuine. ❤ Giving Colin’s our best features.
"Overkill" is a brilliant song; one of my favorites. Colin's voice is nothing shy of amazing. If you haven't seen the "Choir, Choir" video of him playing this song, you have to check it out. It might be the best version of this song I've ever heard.
Scrubs is the best version. How dare you
True!
Just coming over here from that "Choir!.." version. Found it just about an hour ago actually.
A massive version, for sure 👍🏻
Thank you Colin. I was an aimless young man when this song came out and it gave me comfort as I knew those thoughts were not exclusive to me. Now, all these years later, I face my own mortality as I age and this song still holds so much meaning to the uncertainties in life I thought would have long since been behind me. All good though - it puts a smile on my face and humbles me. Thank you for a lifetime of honest, heartfelt music that speaks to one's soul. Thank God for you!
I love this. My dad would listen to this a lot when I was a kid. I knew he was going through something but he never showed it. Just through his headphones after I was put to bed 🛌. Supposed to be in bed at least, but I don’t think he knew I saw him so vulnerable. Great song
Fuck mate. That is a poem. You made me cry. Thank you. (do something more to share your poem)
@@ctw8735 thank you for acknowledging my comment. As a special insight if this memory, when this took place, my mother had not allowed much visitation for him. He spent 7years trying to get custody of me, and when I finally visited him, this song was his anthem. It spoke what he was enduring. Ca felt children should be with their mothers in the 90’s but he persevered from Sacramento, to L.A every month to try and visit with me and visit his attorney. He dedicated 7 years of this just to have me… I’m grateful to have such a father who loves me, with a mother who battled with her own demons via addiction and a toxic cultural upbringing . Sadly she passed after he got custody of my 8 years after, which I hadn’t seen her throughout no she thought it was best not to conflict my heart while I focused on my schooling etc. I next saw her after the courts awarded my dad full custody 8 years later in her casket to identify her body, as that would be the only chance I’d have to see her before she was buried. Although an extreme turn of events, I learned to forgive her as he did, bc love conquers all and this song now comforts me as it once did him. Such a wild turn of events, but yes, this song was present throughout my entire upbringing revolving around these sad yet character building moments in our lives. Cheers man. Thanks again for the positive remarks. God bless you and yours-
@@DSZ58 ok. You made me cry again. Do something with your story Gilbert. Not here. Books man. Screenplay? At least a poem. Big love to you my brother for being so strong with your gentle heart.
"There you go, hope that helps.." Indeed.
One of a kind class act, besides authoring some of the most iconic pop records of the 80s and masterfully re-inventing himself and his music long since and beyond.. Armed with his acoustic, a mic and that signature Scot brogue, he's put on some of the most intimate, hilarious, melancholy and human performances over the course of the past few decades. Sea Dogs, Into the Corn Fields, Water Song, Wayfaring Sons, Send Somebody. The list goes on.
Thank you, Colin. You planted the seed in my head as a boy in the 80s to want to write and play and songs, and you gave me a gift of a lifetime as a result.
Scrubs man. Scrubs introduced me to this guys beautiful music.
The soundtrack of the whole series is just fantastic.
This guys beautiful music introduced me to scrubs! I was trying to find his song and found a scene from scrubs. I'm a big fan now!
Scrubs introduced me to the acoustic version of Overkill, and from there a whole new appreciation for this amazing artist.
That one particular episode that featured this song and the artist was amazing!
It’s one of the greatest shows ever
They had great songs. I loved both albums. But Overkill is a masterpiece
men at work hit it big in 1983....what a great summer that was for music and falling in love❤️
thanks Colin. i love the accoustic version of this song ...its so pretty.
its very unselfish of u to share the 'how - to' with us all.
cheers. : )
Here Here! Unselfish.
I agree totally...another sweetie is the Ron Sexsmith, helping out his fans figure out the chords to his songs.
Unselfish... generous???
@@tigerheaddude,
Yes, unselfish and generous; it is the defining characteristic of the greatest musical geniuses that they pursue music out of a deep and passionate love, a deep NEED for the expression of an inexpressible longing common to most everyone but found manifested by only a few tortured souls. If you cannot imagine it, it is because you do not possess it. This song is, of course, autobiographical to Colin, as it is for those who long to play it; you have to express the pain and longing or it will consume you, and the expression and pursuit of it heals you (catharsis).
It is paradoxical that if you set out to write a 'hit song', then you will fail, and doing it for material reasons always corrupts the art, while the pursuing of art for art's sake will bring you the wealth you were not seeking. You can see this in how Metallica's music declined as they became obsessed with destroying Napster, and Jimmy Buffet's music declined in direct proportion to his obsession with preventing his music from even being performed as covers (what a fucking HYPOCRITE..), and how Sting wrote much of his greatest music after he'd sold all rights to it (past and future-yet-to-be-written), and Tom Scholz was financially incredibly well off working as an engineer and pursing his music as a hobby/passion when he created that divine work, and countless other examples in categories beyond music.
I truly 'pity the fool' who does not understand this..
@@tigerheaddude,
Yes, unselfish and generous; it is the defining characteristic of the greatest musical geniuses that they pursue music out of a deep and passionate love, a deep NEED for the expression of an inexpressible longing common to most everyone but found manifested by only a few tortured souls. If you cannot imagine it, it is because you do not possess it. This song is, of course, autobiographical to Colin, as it is for those who long to play it; you have to express the pain and longing or it will consume you, and the expression and pursuit of it heals you (catharsis).
It is paradoxical that if you set out to write a 'hit song', then you will fail, and doing it for material reasons always corrupts the art, while the pursuing of art for art's sake will bring you the wealth you were not seeking. You can see this in how Metallica's music declined as they became obsessed with destroying Napster, and Jimmy Buffet's music declined in direct proportion to his obsession with preventing his music from even being performed as covers (what a fucking HYPOCRITE..), and how Sting wrote much of his greatest music after he'd sold all rights to it (past and future-yet-to-be-written), and Tom Scholz was financially incredibly well off working as an engineer and pursing his music as a hobby/passion when he created that divine work, and countless other examples in categories beyond music.
I truly 'pity the fool' who does not understand this..
What a legend ❤
It’s unfortunately rare that artists take the time to show the fans how to properly play their songs. Thanks Colin!
Wow! Straight from the horse's mouth! It's great to have a lesson firsthand rather than someone else's interpretation of it. Thanks for that, Colin.
Colin is a true artist. It takes a big man, secure in his own skin to teach his fans how to play one of his own songs. That's selflessness. Thank you Colin.
There are no false artists.
Not only in my 36 years of age am i loving everything Colin Hay has done. But now hes teaching me overkill and saying "the G-String is open" while staying completely composed. ❤😂
I'm just staggered by Colin's down-to-earth attitude, his warmth and generosity. The song is so beautiful. Greetings to all from lockdown here in Sydney
What a great guy. Not many stars would take the time to do that. Thank you
Thanks, Colin. I saw you live in 1983 and still have your songs on my favorites playlist 40 years later in 2023. Congratulations on writing some sensational songs and a great musical career. Much love, peace, and health.
This is a real guitar lesson - not just a how-to. All I paid was the price of 1 record in 1983 and a CD in 1988, and for that Colin sits down & instructs note by note not just how to play one of his songs, but how to tune and play advanced guitar in general. Thank you Colin!
I never realized how great a guitar player Colin is. I just remember him as the front man for Men At Work. He is much more then that. Hope to see him at Merlefest 2020.
who needs a band when you have a voice like that! can't tell you enough, Colin, how much this song has meant to me since I was a young teenager when it first came out. Cargo was the first album (cassette!) that I ever bought with my own money. much love to you 🙂
I LOVE MEN AT WORK!!!
When I was a kid I listened to those cassettes over and over!!!
Thank you so incredibly much for being such a great part of my life!!!
How incredibly generous to have the actual artist share and unlock his secrets. God Bless you Colin, you are rare indeed, and fans love you.
I woke up singing this song this morning, then I played it and then I found this video. I always wondered what drew me to it, it sounds timeless and now I believe I understand that the dropped tuning on both E strings gives it that Uniqueness and attractive sound, almost an expressive sadness as you run through the chord progression. Mrs Hay is right about the Vague Chords, they make all the difference then you add Colins finger picking and voice which just teleports your mind to a different place and time. It sometimes gives me goosebumps. Not many songs do that to me. Thankyou for the good times.
OMG, the master showing us how to play one of his greatest songs - thank you! We live in the blessed times of the internet and RUclips!
Colin my man, I suck at guitar... but I was following your instruction and suddenly you were singing it. And I was playing it ..and I heard it plain as day... and it put the biggest smile on my face... thank you sir
Who in the world gives Colin Hay a thumbs down for teaching his music?
I thought the same thing here!
Angry Trump losers.
uneducated and fairly naive people, also probably short on patience
@@thomasgatrell2519 i.e. Trump supporters...
People that want attention. And it gives others a chance to make a non--political topic political. Grow up, toddlers.
I can't believe you spend your time to teach us how to play the song, it's awesome. Thank you
I've hopefully just overcome alcoholism, and this is one of the greatest songs I've heard. Will endeavour to learn guitar and hopefully this will be first song learn Mr Hay. All the best from Glasgow Sir.
Bless this man's heart! Thank you, Colin, for showing us your beautiful arrangement. I look forward to seeing you with Ringo's Band in S.F. June 2023. Cheers mate!
This was so very generous of him. A wonderful gift to his fans.
This song is so very timeless, and forever relevant. Especially today. Hard to believe it's been nearly 38 years since its release. Thank you, Colin, for such a masterpiece.
I have seen many versions of him playing this soung acoustically. It is yet another one of those "80's songs" that shows itself to be far far better than it appeared to be when it was a radio hit. It is a beautiful, creative, powerful, wonderful song. Colin: THANKS for showing the open tuning tricks for playing it acoustically! I will enjoy playing it that way much more than barring the D's all the way down.
my thoughts exactly!
Don't forget haunting...
iwilll never get tired of your music!!! been listenin since i was 12 in early 80s ..im 50 now lol and still got uour music on my playlist... ❤❤❤💯💯💯
I ramdomly saw you playing this on a Norm's Rare Guitars video and my jaw dropped at realizing what a beautiful piece of song writing this is once stripped down to your voice and guitar. So I had to look it up to learn it and OMG there you are !!! How generous of you to take the time to share this. By the way, your voice keeps acquiring so much depth and emotion; I'm so exited to explore your latest work !
How on earth can you give this video a thumbs down....I mean really. Colin Hay is such an impressive package, playing, writing and singing.... Great stuff. Thanks for the vid. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Still the loveliest man, so humble, never lost his nice soft Scottish brogue, i love this song, hopefully i can learn it, it is a classic song. Great video
I have loved this song from the moment I first heard it. I got to hear Colin perform it live about 20 years ago at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Washington. Colin playing Overkill is the thing I remember most about that concert.
Glad to say he's from the west coast of Scotland! He's one of our own.Thanks for the music Colin.Clydebank loves you!!!
Thank you for having the generosity to show this beginner how to play your beautiful song.
Been wanting to play this since i saw this in scrubs when i was 12 years old back in 2002...... could never work out those suspended chords...... The 12 year old me thanks you greatly :)
I learnt the watered down version back in 2002 when I was also 12. Only this second rectified that mistake.
They aren't as obvious on the original recordings as they are on the acoustic versions. I never realised the 1st string was also dropped though. Very cool.
Oh my god I thought I imagined that
I remember hearing my older brother playing this when I was a kid and then realizing it was from Scrubs, my brother’s favorite show at the time. I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like, but playing/bearing this song always makes the distance seem not so far.
Yep, James Taylor has a whole suite of RUclips videos also, passing on their musical legacy, like Colin. But it is so magical to see and hear Colin Hay just casually playing an iconic song. For 4 years, Men at Work dominated the whole world's music charts and radio let's not forget! What a talent he is...😊
Mr Hay I know this next statement will seem outrageous but of all musicians I've ever listen to in my 53 years, your music has given me the greatest satisfaction. The 1980's will always be my favorite era because of Men at Work. Thank you for creating such iconic music.
Well said. I miss the 80's with all its great songs like this one :-)
Compared to the 60's, and the British Invasion? Don't be ridiculous.Men At Work Indeed.
Colin, you are a very special man.
Thank you for your contribution to this mad mad world to make it a little bit easier to get along in.
Your music is so timeless.....again, thank you sir.
never expected to find a "how to" featuring the man himself! This song
means so much more now that I've discovered insomnia. "I worry over
situations I know will be alright" didn't mean so much I first heard
this song. Great video!
Growing up listening to the melodies of this song on the radio from time to time only added a sence of long endless summer days...
Without doubt one of the most creative geniuses ever to emerge from Scotland.🏴🏴🏴🏴
All his creativity emerged from Melbourne, Australia!
@@beano1eye According to a school classmate speaking in the movie "Waiting for my real life" Colin was a talented musician when he arrived off the boat.
I realize I’m late to this party, but it sometimes takes us a while to get the latest news here in Texas. I concur that Mr. Hay is indeed a Scottish national treasure, but there are numerous other creative musical geniuses from your beautiful homeland. Off the top of my thinning head the names Ian Anderson, Gerry Rafferty, Nazareth, Bay City Rollers, Average White Band, and a cooky kid named Donovan (whose paisley getup of the mid 60’s was obviously the primary inspiration for Prince’s wardrobe) come immediately to mind.
You present the chords almost as if the song was just another song… but it's not. There's something absolutely sublime about it, extremely poetic, especially when you arrive at the two last chords before getting back to the A section. Like a luminous darkness, suspended time. I was a kid living in Paris when the song played every single day on French radios. I'm nostalgic tonight.
Still my biggest musical hero of all time.
I wasn’t a huge 80s pop fan but there was always something about Men At Work that caught my ear. Now that I’m older and understand music much better, I realize it’s because this guy is a helluva songwriter with an incredible voice.
Great song and a great lesson from the man himself. It's a good day for this guitar nerd.
This is so smart of Colin. He wrote this great song and I’ll play it till I die and before I do I’ll teach it to many others and it will live on for generations to enjoy. 30 years later it’s better than ever.
The true test of a song is how it sounds 30 years after it was written..and even though i grew up with Men at Work in the 80's
Its only now that i truely appreciate his talent and generosity in sharing his genius .
lovely chords Colin. reminds me of Andy Partridge from XTC he always uses weird and.wonderful chord shapes 😀😀
I really thank you as a guy from from the hills of south western Pennsylvania very close to West Virginia. My family is of Scots Irish English. I learned my music from generations of folk tunes passed down. You are a guy I would treat as family, just sitting around and playing music and possibly having a dram or two of your favorite. I know your favorite might not be mine. God Bless. I put you up there with the Fab Four!
I am 35 still listening to them! In 2024 , that song was recorded back in 1982 I did not exist back then, I am from Mexico my dad is 58 still listening to Man at Work.
I am your dad's age... Men at Work were great back in the day
im 67. saw them in pubs in Melbourne before they broke big, but we knew what we were seeing. they seemed to come from nowhere fully formed. An integral part of 80s Australia. A great time to be alive.
Colin... I just had to learn your song. Took me two days. I'm 66 years old and this is a treasure...... this is a part of my heart.... thank you!!!!!
Loved this song since it came out in the early 80s. Heard it some years later on Scrubs with Colin playing it acoustically. I was hooked again and have played it ever since at gigs as solo/duo and band. Brilliant song. Thank Colin.
What a cool guy to teach this great song to his fans for free. He's a great teacher too, showing all the intricacies in detail.
My all time favorite song by Colin and the boys. And I love all of them.
Lined up waiting to board a flight and chatted with him in line. Nicest bloke you'd wish to meet! Unlocked a few mysteries here for me, thanks Colin! Gorgeous song.
Colin Hay, not only are an INCREDIBLE MUSICIAN, but more importantly, anyone who goes out of their way to show someone how to play a song, let alone their song, let alone their INFINITY POETIC SONG, just proves they’re a truly a heart❤️.
Thank you! For everything, thank you’
❤️
I've been playing over 30 years, all sound and feel. I remember the days of sharing music, in bands, and social settings. "What chord/note are you playing" ... "I have no idea, but it looks/sounds like this". Music is amazing. Love watching you play and story tell. Very real, and amazing sound. Love the drop D tuning, as well.
Such a beautiful song. Timeless. It always makes me feel good every time I hear it.
It's a beautiful song. And the quality and tone of his voice makes it extra special. Thanks for the video on the lesson.
Thanks for being part of this life, for being a kind and generous person, and for gifting us with your music.
Honoured to have a lesson on this almighty song from the Legend himself! Thanks for the music Mr Hay.
It's really almighty. Yes indeed. :-)
Colin, you're an awesome guy to do this tutorial man, I've listened to your music since I was a kid in the 80's, I remember vividly seeing your men a work album at my neighbors house, and being so jealous that I didn't have the LP myself
Its just an absolutely beautiful melody and chord progression . Lyrics are just the icing on the cake . A huge part of my High school years .
Look up the episode of 'Scrubs' titled 'My Overkill'. It'll make you howl with laughter, and cry at the same time. IIRC, it was Season 2 Episode 1.
@@somebodyelseuk Wasn't it a recurring theme in Scrubs? I'm sure Colin turns up a few times.
It where my love of the song originally came from :)
@@njones420 He was certainly featured throughout that episode and he appeared for a few seconds in an episode a few years later.
"I hope that helps " more than you could ever imagine
Living legend. Saw him in Oct '24...amazingly good show & sound. I'll catch him every time now...I'm knee deep in his catalog now
That guitar is gorgeous! Thank you for the lesson❤️
That was, hands down, the best tutorial video Ive ever seen. Im rockin this song all day!!!
One of my musical heroes since the early 80's, and so generous to take a few minutes to dissect this great song for all 429 of us! Of course, I'm sure he spat out a modestly small number of the actual folks who have no doubt asked over the decades. Thank you, sir!
Just watched the wonderful Documentary about Colin ( on YT of course) ! & now here he is with his outstanding generosity & talent showing us how to play “Overkill” 🙏 What a bonzer bloke 🤠🍻
How often do you see a well established musician do something like this??? So cool. Great song.
Walkerchess Not often. Jorma is about it.
few years ago I made a comment on a website about "wishing I knew the guitar chords to a Billy Joel tune called "New York State of Mind". Later that day some guy replied and said, "You know that's a piano song. It has no guitar chords." So I said, "Yes, I know, just really like it. Sorry." Few hours later the same guy sent me an email with the chords laid out, with words to the song beneath them. That person was Howard Emerson, played with Billy Joel for years. It was a surreal thing. He was very gracious, and said he was happy to do it.
Quality
@@SophisticatedBob Whoa. Cool story!
Walker Texas...John Mayer has done a whole series where he teaches his songs. Pretty cool.
Thank you sir. Seeing men live in michigan at auburn hills. Peak greatness in 80 something. Still mesmerizing to this day. Great memory for me.cheers.
That this is, in my opinion, hands down the best tutorial for "Overkill" on the internet, which seems logical. And if you want a good time, check out Colin's Santa Cruz Guitars 40th birthday bash monologue and version of Down Under. I'm not even Scottish but I gotta say its' fookin' breelyant.
Hay Colin!
This is such a beautiful rendition and simple to teach.
I’m a huge fan of your music and am waiting for you to come to Arizona…
C’mon brother!
Colin that's a beautiful chord progression. I love that Colin plays like i do; he plays what sounds good to him and couldn't tell you the exact name of the chord lol
Such a beautiful song, and those chord progressions are just amazing. Nothing like messing around with open tuning.
While everybody is worried about getting the left hand fingering, the magic is in the right hand hybrid picking. Beautiful.
lespaulfanofsparta I see that the back strumm with the middle finger while the thumb and index as well as the pinky going in the opposite way while using a pick almost as crazy as Knofler
Learned (or so I thought) to play this when I was 12. 32 yrs later and, Colin is saying in not so many words, to change the batteries in my brain and play it right. Much love to this guy.
Thank you Colin. Beautiful song wonderfully constructed.
Colin .: You were amazing in WA State a couple weeks ago --- loved hearing you play this. ("Are you gonna be playing Overkill?" ... "Do you think I'm crazy?") You've massively raised-the-good and the collective tide in our current dimension over the years...Keep on and warm winds mate.
Coolest vid I´ve seen this year. Thank you Colin, your music takes me back to my high school times and so many good memories.
Spent a many of my young teenage years listening to you guys...miss is so very much.!
What a voice!
A true artist that wants to share his craft. Thanks Colin!
Incredible voice sold separately lol
I could listen to him sing the phonebook.
CBDM777 Aaronson... Aaron A... 368.. 5439... ghosts appear and send a sign...
The reprise takes some pipes
@@CBDM777 you are making me want to hear disturbed do with 'overkill' what they did with 'the sound of silence'... that song blew my father away, he disliked disturbed and other similar music out of instinct and, after i showed him the scrubs/accoustic ver of 'the sound of silence' he really liked it.....even later admitted it was better then the original he has in 3 versions on cd... i gave him a copy of 'overkill' and a couple others (used itunes to rip them since hes still stuck in the iGarden) i have a very few songs i go to consistantly when i just need to try and disconnect and stop the "overthinking" that plagues life in the modern day.
@@AshenTechDotCom pls no
Well done Colin. As an guitar player, I really appreciated the simple approach to your explanation of how to play it. I'll be working on it tonight!
Holy moly, a master class from 'the man' . I cant believe my eyes and ears, pinch me if im dreaming, is this real????
Thanks a million, Colin! First for sharing the song with the world and then revealing to us guitarists how to play it!
You’re a good man. Merry Xmas Colin
They are some beautiful chords Colin. In the 80's you couldn't turn on your radio without hearing a Men At Work tune, and this one is my favorite track . I saw Colin play at a little bar in Annapolis Maryland, he sounded fabulous. Thank you for taking the time and sharing with us how to play one of your classics.
He seems to be such a good guy!
He really, really is. I've met him a couple of times as he is so generous with his "meet and greets". Colin will give you a great big hug, whether you asked for it or not. He's a wonderful, genuine person. What you see is what you get.
What a delightful person and amazing voice and song. Thank you Colin Hay.