"I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of Down Under, for any March For Australia' events, Hay wrote. Down Under, a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people. Down Under is ultimately a song of celebration. It's for pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division. Go write your own song, leave mine alone."
"Down Under, which Hay co-wrote with bandmate Ron Strykert, became a national and then global hit in the 80s, reaching No 1 in Australia in 1981 and going on to top the charts in New Zealand, Canada, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland and Italy before a triumphant four weeks at No 1 in the US, where it sold 2m copies. The lyrics revolve around an Australian travelling the world who has conversations about his home."
Colin Hay disavowed use of 'Down Under' by anti-immigration protesters, singling out March for Australia and declaring the song does not belong to those who sow xenophobia. Hay, born in Scotland and emigrated to Australia as a teen, signed his message 'Colin Hay (immigrant)' and said he disapproved of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of the song at March For Australia events. He described 'Down Under' as a song of celebration for pluralism, inclusion and unity, and urged protesters to leave it alone. Co-written with Ron Strykert, the track was a global 1980s hit, topped international charts, became an unofficial national anthem, inspired new covers and surpassed one billion streams in 2022.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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