“Who Can It Be Now?” is a quirky and infectious new wave song by the Australian band Men at Work, released in May 1981 (and one year later in the U.S.) as the lead single from their debut album, Business as Usual (1982). Written by the band’s lead singer and lyricist Colin Hay, the track became the group’s breakthrough hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and establishing them as a major force in the 1980s music scene. The song is known for its saxophone riff, playful lyrics, and blend of paranoia with humor, making it a standout track of the early MTV era.
Colin Hay wrote “Who Can It Be Now?” while living in a small apartment in St. Kilda, Melbourne. The song reflects his feelings of isolation and paranoia during that time, influenced by the constant knocking on his door from visitors and debt collectors. The lyrics describe a narrator hiding at home, reluctant to answer the door, fearing it could be someone bringing bad news or disrupting his solitude. The song can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically, resonating with listeners who relate to feelings of social anxiety, the fear of the unknown, or simply wanting to be left alone.
“Who Can It Be Now?” features a distinctive blend of new wave, rock, and reggae influences. The track’s most recognizable element is the saxophone riff played by band member Greg Ham, which sets the tone for the song and serves as its melodic centerpiece.
“Who Can It Be Now?” was a massive success, becoming Men at Work’s first major hit. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1982, introducing the band to a global audience. The song also reached the top 10 in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Its success paved the way for the band’s follow-up hit, “Down Under,” and the widespread popularity of their debut album, Business as Usual, which went on to win a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1983.