It's a Mistake

Men at Work

About It's a Mistake

"It's a Mistake" is a song by the Australian band Men at Work. The song was written by the lead singer and guitarist Colin Hay and the recording was produced by Peter McIan. It was released in June 1983, as the third single from their album Cargo and peaked at #34 in Australia. In the US, it entered the charts at #42 on July 2, 1983, and peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1983. It was performed live on Saturday Night Live on October 22, 1983.


Year:
2004
4:34
94 
#2

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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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Men at Work

Men at Work is an Australian rock band who achieved international success in the 1980s. They are the only Australian artist to have a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single in the United States (Business as Usual and "Down Under" respectively). They achieved the same distinction of a simultaneous No. 1 album and No. 1 single in the United Kingdom. The group won the 1983 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and have sold over 30 million albums worldwide.[citation needed] more »

1 fan

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.
Group's Success
Men 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.
Song Theme
The 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.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "It's a Mistake" managed to peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Music Video
The 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.
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.
Continued Relevance
Despite 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.
Live Performances
Colin Hay has continued to perform "It's a Mistake" in his live shows, even after Men at Work disbanded.
Recognition
Rolling Stone magazine named "It's a Mistake" as one of the top 100 Best Singles of 1983.
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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    "It's a Mistake Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8242651/Men+at+Work/It%27s+a+Mistake>.

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    It's a Mistake

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #6


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