Pennywise's current line-up consists of Jim Lindberg (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitars), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Byron McMackin (drums). They had kept their original line-up together until bassist Jason Thirsk died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1996, due to issues with his alcoholism, after which Bradbury joined as his replacement. In August 2009, Lindberg decided to leave the band; he was replaced in February 2010 by Ignite singer Zoli Téglás. With Téglás, the band recorded their tenth studio album All or Nothing, which was released on May 1, 2012. Lindberg rejoined the band later that year after Téglás was sidelined by a back injury.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennywise_(band)
Studio albums
Pennywise (1991)
Unknown Road (1993)
About Time (1995)
Full Circle (1997)
Straight Ahead (1999)
Land of the Free? (2001)
From the Ashes (2003)
The Fuse (2005)
Reason to Believe (2008)
All or Nothing (2012)
Yesterdays (2014)
Never Gonna Die (2018)
Down Under
Pennywise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Travelling in a fried-out combie
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
Took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said,
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four, full of muscles
I said, Do you speak-a my language?
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
He said,
I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.
Lying in a den in Bombay
With a slack jaw, not much to say
I said to the man, Are you trying to tempt me
Cause I come from the land of plenty?
He said,
Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.
You better run, you better take cover.
You better run, you better take cover.
You better run, you better take cover.
The song "Down Under" by the Australian rock band Men At Work was covered by Pennywise, and the lyrics are a fun and whimsical tale of traveling in various places around the world, but with a focus on the band's native Australia. The song takes the listener on a journey, as the singer encounters strange people and has unusual experiences, but always comes back to the refrain of asking whether the person they are speaking to comes from "a land down under."
The lyrics are meant to be lighthearted and playful, with a sense of adventure and exploration. The band is highlighting the quirky, unique aspects of their home country, emphasizing the stereotypes and cultural traditions that make Australia so distinct from other places in the world. The references to beer drinking, muscle-bound men, and women glowing all add to the fun and playful nature of the song.
Overall, "Down Under" is a fun and catchy tune that celebrates the Australian culture, while also poking fun at some of the stereotypes and quirks that make it so unique.
Line by Line Meaning
Travelling in a fried-out combie
I am travelling in a van that has been altered and decorated beyond recognition, probably to reflect the musicians' values or lifestyle
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I am travelling with ambiguous or counter-culture motives and my mind is in a foggy or altered state, possibly due to drug use
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
I encountered an unusual woman who inspired a sense of unease or anxiety in me
Took me in and gave me breakfast
She welcomed me into her home and provided me with a meal
And she said, Do you come from a land down under?
She asked me if I was from Australia, or possibly using the question as a metaphor for my overall identity or values
Where women glow and men plunder?
Implying that Australian women radiate confidence and beauty, whilst some men exploit or take advantage of the country's resources or people
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
Metaphor for the lively, dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the country or culture being discussed
You better run, you better take cover.
Suggests that the singer may be referring to imminent danger or chaos, and the listener should be mindful
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
I am purchasing food in a European city other than my own
He was six foot four, full of muscles
The food vendor I encountered was imposing, physically fit and possibly intimidating in some way
I said, Do you speak-a my language?
Asking the vendor if he speaks English or whether communication will be difficult
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
The vendor did not respond verbally or became passive and offered me a popular food item from Australia
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Suggests that Australia is a place where alcohol is consumed frequently and heavily, and that excessive drinking causes some people to vomit
Lying in a den in Bombay
I am resting in a room or shelter located in India
With a slack jaw, not much to say
I am feeling relaxed and at ease, perhaps even disengaged or uncommunicative
I said to the man, Are you trying to tempt me
I responded to a male individual with a question that may imply sexual or ideological persuasions
Cause I come from the land of plenty?
I come from a place that is prosperous and has an abundance of resources or opportunities
You better run, you better take cover.
Reiterating the idea that danger or chaos may be near and the listener should be cautious
Contributed by Grace A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
lucho1984
Travelling in a fried-out combie
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
Took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said,
"Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four, full of muscles
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
He said,
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."
Lying in a den in Bombay
With a slack jaw, not much to say
I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me
Cause I come from the land of plenty?"
He said,
Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.
Abysswalkerart
Travelling in a fried-out country
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
Took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said,
"Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four, full of muscles
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
He said,
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."
Lying in a den in Bombay
With a slack jaw, not much to say
I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me
Cause I come from the land of plenty?"
He said,
“Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover.
You better run, you better take cover.
You better run, you better take cover.
You better run, you better take cover. "
Timothy Cox
Been listening for 20 years. 1999-2019. And yes I’m from Australia. Great cover.
ciaremfe
U ll be listening to it for the next 20 i am sure
Chron088
#strayaaaa
Dunkskins
Can't wait for this tonight, I know they'll play it in Auckland.
Be third time seeing Pennywise, still can't wait. Heard about em back in 2000, still rocking em now.
anthraxchinwobble1
such a good song, and now knowing pennywise cover it, makes it 10 times better, great cover!!
crazytimfoolishfool
Their 20th Anniversary Gig for the Full Circle Album in 2017 in Ak NZ was badass... hadn't seen them since the Warp Tours in 97 & 98
Raiden
Best version 🎸🔥
Random Everything
they did a great job on this song one of the best covers in cover history! they messed up a few words but they were known for their altered annunciation
Alex Wong
I know Pennywise songs tend hit the Australian Music Billboards significantly higher than the States. I'm pretty sure Aussies go nuts over this cover.
79Skater
I'm Aussie true and thru..I seriously love this cover, i love both versions. I love drinkin to Men At Work, but i LOVE BUSTING OUT to this cover aye!