Mad World

Tears for Fears

About Mad World

"Mad World" is a 1982 song by the British band Tears for Fears. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith, it was the band's third single release and first chart hit, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1982. Both "Mad World" and its B-side, "Ideas as Opiates", appeared on the band's debut LP The Hurting (1983). "Mad World" has since been covered by various artists, most notably by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack of the film Donnie Darko in 2001. This version was a UK number one hit and won Orzabal his second Ivor Novello Award in 2003. 


Year:
2007
3:29
26 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
And their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Made to feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello teacher tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world

And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world

 Struggling with Mad World? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Tears for Fears

Tears for Fears are an English New Wave band formed in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, they were initially associated with the New Wave synthesizer bands of the early 1980s but later branched out into mainstream rock and pop, which led to international chart success. more »

7 fans

Written by: Roland Orzabal

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Mad World" was released by the British band Tears for Fears in 1982.
Album
The song is included in the band's debut album titled "The Hurting."
Song Writers
"Mad World" was written by Roland Orzabal, the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of Tears for Fears.
Inspiration
The song was influenced by Arthur Janov's primal therapy, which was incorporated into the lyrical content of the entire "The Hurting" album.
Achievements
"Mad World" has been a successful track and reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
First Success
The song was the band's first chart hit, marking their entry into music stardom.
Controversial Video
The music video, featuring a young Julian Orzabal (Roland's brother), is designed to present a child's view of a "mad world." It stirred some controversy due to its bizarre imagery.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists, most famously by Gary Jules for the soundtrack of the movie "Donnie Darko," which topped the UK charts in 2003.
Emotional Impact
The melancholic sound of "Mad World" has enjoyed wide use in film and television, often to evoke feelings of sadness, despair, or introspection.
Cultural Impact
"Mad World" continues to be recognized as a significant piece in pop culture. It featured in video games, including the 2006 "Gears of War" commercial, thereby reaching a new generation of listeners.
Reception
Despite being over three decades old, the song is still highly regarded for its haunting lyrics and distinctive melody, often considered a timeless classic in the realm of new wave and pop music.
Live Performances
Tears for Fears have performed "Mad World" in numerous concerts and music festivals, solidifying it as a standout in their musical repertoire.

Discuss the Mad World Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Mad World Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27589410/Tears+for+Fears/Mad+World>.

    Missing lyrics by Tears for Fears?

    Know any other songs by Tears for Fears? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Mad World

    17.1M
    169.3K     4,544

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "I love you always forever, near and far closer together, everywhere I will be with you, everything I will do for you" are lyrics from a 1996 biggest hit single by which artist?
    A Donna Lewis
    B Cyndi Lauper
    C Kate Bush
    D Anita Ward

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Tears for Fears tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Mad World

    »