Overkill
Writer
Colin Hay
Lyrics
I can’t get to sleep.
I think about the implications
Diving in too deep.
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
Perhaps it’s just imagination
Day after day
It reappears
Night after night
My heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It’s time to wake the streets
Smell the desperation
At least there’s pretty lights
Though there’s little variation
It nullifies the night
From overkill
Day after day
It reappears
Night after night
My heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day
I can’t get to sleep.
Think about the implications
And diving in too deep.
Possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations, man
I know will be alright
It’s just overkill
Day after day
It reappears
Night after night
My heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away
Releases
Buttercup 7″ single
“Overkill” was originally released as a b-side to the band’s debut single “Buttercup” in 1995 on Fish of Death Records label.
Short Style EP
The song was included on the 1996 EP Short Style.
Promo CD single
The song was released as a one track promo single on Almo Sounds label in 1996.

11 Transistor
The song was released on the band’s debut album 11 Transistor.
Australian CD single
“Overkill” was released as single in Australia in 1997.
Tracklisting
- “Overkill” – 4:14
- “Flea Market Girl” – 3:56
- “Buttercup” – 3:44
- “Mean Mr. Mustard” – 2:24

Belgian CD single
“Overkill” was released as single in Belgium in 1998.
Tracklisting
- “Overkill” – 4:14
- “Novakane” – 2:37
- “Prada Wallet” – 1:11

Various artists compilations
“Overkill” was included on a number of mostly promotional compilation albums. They include:
- Loaded (1997)
- Summer’s Eve (Promo) (1997)
- Virtually Alternative 83 (Promo) (1997)