Tears For Fears - Mad World

Tears For Fears – Mad World

“Mad World” is a song by the British band Tears for Fears. The song was written by Roland Orzabal. It was originally released on September 20 1982 with “Ideas as Opiates” on the B-side as the third single from their debut album “The Hurting.” The song is characterized by its melancholic and introspective sound and has become one of Tears for Fears’ most iconic tracks.

 

Tears For Fears - Mad World - single cover

“Mad World” is known for its minimalist production, featuring a haunting synthesizer melody, subdued percussion, and the distinctive vocals of the band’s bassist and vocalist, Curt Smith. The song’s minimalism adds to its sense of isolation and introspection. The lyrics of “Mad World” convey themes of alienation, sadness, and a sense of disconnect from the world.

 

“Mad World” was the band’s first chart hit, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart and number two in South Africa in November 1982h. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, but Tears for Fears’ original version remains the most well-known. It gained renewed popularity when it was covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack of the film “Donnie Darko” in 2001.

The song has been appreciated for its haunting and thought-provoking lyrics and its ability to capture a sense of introspection and melancholy. It’s often considered a classic of 1980s alternative music and remains a powerful and enduring track in Tears for Fears’ discography.

Tears For Fears – Mad World – Lyrics