"People Just Love to Play with Words" from Men At Work's 1981 debut album Business As Usual features a tenor saxophone solo from Greg Ham, the band's versatile multi-instrumentalist. Written by guitarist Ron Strykert, the track is set in G major at 167 BPM with a new wave rock feel. Ham's saxophone contribution adds textural variety to a song whose slightly darker lyrical tone sets it apart from the album's more playful numbers. Business As Usual was a landmark release for Australian rock music, demonstrating that acts from Down Under could compete on the global stage. The album spent fifteen consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, a feat that underscored the band's broad appeal. Ham's ability to move between saxophone, keyboards, and flute gave Men At Work a sonic palette that was unusually rich for a five-piece rock band. Strykert's songwriting on this track showcases a more introspective side of the band's artistry, with the guitar work providing a rhythmic foundation over which Ham's saxophone adds melodic color. The production by Peter McIan captured the band's signature sound: Hay's distinctive vocals, Strykert's angular guitar, Ham's woodwind textures, and Jerry Speiser's propulsive drumming, all balanced in service of accessible but distinctive pop-rock songs.
