“Live It Up” is a hit song by the Australian band Mental As Anything, released in May 1985 with “Good Friday” on the B-side. It was the second single from their album Fundamental and became the band’s most successful international hit. The song gained widespread attention when it was featured in the popular 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee, which helped propel it to the top of the charts in several countries, including No. 2 in the UK and No. 3 in Ireland.
Musically, “Live It Up” is a blend of pop and new wave, characterized by bright synthesizers, a bouncy rhythm, and jangly guitars. The song’s infectious melody and energetic tempo, combined with its optimistic lyrics, made it a radio-friendly track that appealed to a wide audience. Lead singer Greedy Smith’s distinctive vocal style, along with the band’s signature quirky charm, helped give the song its unique appeal.
“Live It Up” became Mental As Anything’s biggest international success and remains one of their most recognized songs. In Australia, it peaked at No. 2 on the charts, and its inclusion in Crocodile Dundee helped the band gain international exposure, especially in the UK, reachingN o.3 on the UK Singles chart.
Even today, “Live It Up” is remembered as a quintessential 1980s pop song, full of energy and optimism, and is still widely played on 1980s-themed radio stations and at retro events. It remains a defining track for Mental As Anything and a symbol of their fun, upbeat style.
Mental As Anything – Live It Up – Lyrics