It's a Mistake
Men at Work
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Jump down the shelters to get away The boys are cockin' up their guns Tell us general, is it party time? If it is can we all come Don't think that we don't know Don't think that we're not trying Don't think we move too slow It's no use after crying Saying It's a mistake, it's a mistake It's a mistake, it's a mistake After the laughter as died away And all the boys have had their fun No surface noise now, not much to say They've got the bad guys on the run Don't try to say you're sorry Don't say he drew his gun They've gone and grabbed old Ronnie He's not the only one saying It's a mistake, it's a mistake It's a mistake, it's a mistake Tell us commander, what do you think? Cause we know that you love all that power Is it on then, are we on the brink? We wish you'd all throw in the towel We'll not fade out too soon Not in this finest hour Whistle your favorite tune We'll send a card and flower Saying It's a mistake, it's a mistake It's a mistake, it's a mistake
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Written by: COLIN JAMES HAY
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Origins"It's a Mistake" is a 1983 song that was written by lead vocalist Colin Hay of Australian band Men at Work. The band is notably known for its string of pop rock hits during the 1980s.
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Group's SuccessMen at Work's commercial breakout came with their debut album, "Business as Usual." The album and the band's subsequent release, "Cargo" - from which "It's a Mistake" is taken - became international successes.
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Song ThemeThe song conveys a poignant and timely anti-war message. The lyrics make a pointed critique about the senselessness of war and military boasting, highlighting the risk and potential disaster of Cold War escalations.
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Chart PerformanceUpon its release, "It's a Mistake" managed to peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
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Music VideoThe music video for "It's a Mistake" effectively reflects the song's theme, featuring Men at Work in a variety of war-themed settings, including running through a battlefield and nervously overseeing a table full of military figures and maps.
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Cover Versions"It's a Mistake" has been covered by various artists over the years, including punk band The Nips and rock singer Henry Lee Summer.
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Continued RelevanceDespite its origins in the 80s, the song's anti-war sentiment makes it timeless - it remains just as relevant today as it was during the peak of the Cold War.
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Live PerformancesColin Hay has continued to perform "It's a Mistake" in his live shows, even after Men at Work disbanded.
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RecognitionRolling Stone magazine named "It's a Mistake" as one of the top 100 Best Singles of 1983.
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Musical Style"It's a Mistake" is a notable example of the band's unique blend of new wave and pop rock, combined with Hay's distinctive vocals and thoughtful songwriting.
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Citation
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"It's a Mistake Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 15 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31199353/Men+at+Work/It%27s+a+Mistake>.
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