Who Can It Be Now?
Men at Work
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Who can it be knocking at my door? Go 'way, don't come 'round here no more. Can't you see that it's late at night? I'm very tired, and I'm not feeling right. All I wish is to be alone; Stay away, don't you invade my home. Best off if you hang outside, Don't come in, I'll only run and hide. Who can it be now? Who can it be now? Who can it be now? Who can it be now? Who can it be knocking at my door? Make no sound, tip-toe across the floor. If he hears, he'll knock all day, I'll be trapped, and here I'll have to stay. I've done no harm, I keep to myself; There's nothing wrong with my state of mental health. I like it here with my childhood friend; Here they come, those feelings again! Who can it be now? Who can it be now? Who can it be now? Who can it be now? Is it the man come to take me away? Why do they follow me? It's not the future that I can see, It's just my fantasy Oh, who can it be now? Oh, who can it, who can it Yeah yeah yeah
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Colin James Hay
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release and Reception"Who Can It Be Now?" was released in 1981 and it became the first song to achieve international success for Men at Work. The track charted at No. 1 in Australia and Canada, while it reached No. 2 in the UK and was Men at Work’s first US Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit.
|
Song ConceptColin Hay, the band's lead vocalist, explained that he wrote these lyrics based on his experiences living in an apartment where he would often get knocks on his door from people looking for someone else, leading him to feel paranoid.
|
Album SuccessThe song was part of Men at Work's debut album "Business as Usual" which topped the Australian, New Zealand, and US charts for several weeks. The album went on to sell over 15 million copies worldwide.
|
Music VideoThe music video for the song showcases a film noir-style narrative where the band plays in an old hotel while Hay's character deals with paranoia of various odd characters knocking on his door.
|
Saxophone SignatureOne of the notable parts of "Who Can It Be Now?" is the catchy saxophone melody which was played by band member Greg Ham and became a signature of Men at Work's sound.
|
Award WinsThe song won "Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals" at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards in 1983.
|
Parodies and CoversThe song has been covered and parodied by various artists in different genres over the years, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
|
Noteworthy PerformanceMen at Work performed "Who Can It Be Now?" at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
|
Continuing RelevanceDespite being released almost 40 years ago, the song remains one of the most recognizable hits of the 80s and continues to receive significant airplay on classic rock and pop stations globally.
|
Streaming SuccessAs of 2021, "Who Can It Be Now?" has over 97 million streams on Spotify, showcasing its continued popularity among listeners of different generations.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Who Can It Be Now? Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 11 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31199359/Men+at+Work/Who+Can+It+Be+Now%3F>.
Discuss the Who Can It Be Now? Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In