Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is a song about the dangers of ambition and the importance of finding balance in life. The song was released in 1985 and quickly became a global hit, reaching number one in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The song’s lyrics are a warning about the dangers of ambition and the importance of finding balance in life. The song’s protagonist is someone who is constantly striving for more, but who is never satisfied. They are always looking for the next big thing, and they are never content with what they have. This constant striving leads to a life of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
The song’s message is that it is important to find balance in life. It is important to have goals and ambitions, but it is also important to enjoy the journey and to appreciate the things that you have. The song’s protagonist is someone who has lost sight of this balance, and the song is a warning about the dangers of doing so.
The song’s music is also significant. The song is upbeat and catchy, but there is also a sense of darkness and foreboding underneath. This contrast reflects the song’s message, which is that ambition can be a dangerous thing, but it can also be a powerful force for good.
“Fun” Fact
Despite its upbeat and catchy melody, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is actually a song with political undertones, as the band members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith were inspired by the political climate of the 1980s, specifically the Cold War and the Falklands War, to write about the desire for power and control in the world.
About the Artist
Tears for Fears is an English pop rock band formed in Bath, England, in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. The duo rose to fame in the mid-1980s with their hit songs “Mad World,” “Shout,” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Their music is known for its distinctive sound, which combines synthesizers with Orzabal’s guitar and Smith’s bass.
Tears for Fears has sold over 30 million records worldwide, and they have won several awards, including a Brit Award for Best British Single and an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriters of the Year. They continue to tour and record new music to this day.
