Unravel the Meaning Behind ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ Lyrics: A Comprehensive Guide

“Explore the iconic lyrics of ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ and discover the universal desire for power and control in human nature.”

Who wrote the lyrics for “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”?

The Songwriters

The song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was written by Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley, and Chris Hughes. They were all members of the British band Tears for Fears, which formed in 1981. The song was included on their album “Songs from the Big Chair,” which was released in 1985.

Roland Orzabal’s Role

Roland Orzabal is credited with writing most of the lyrics for “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” He has said that he was inspired by a book called “The Power Game” by Hedrick Smith, which explores how people in positions of power use their influence to shape society. Orzabal wanted to write a song about how everyone, from politicians to ordinary people, wants power and control over their lives.

Lyrics Analysis

The lyrics of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” are reflective of this theme. The opening lines, “Welcome to your life / There’s no turning back,” suggest that everyone is born into a world where they must navigate complex social structures and systems. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Everybody wants to rule the world,” drives home this point.

Other lyrics in the song also touch on themes related to power and control. For example, one verse says: “It’s my own design / It’s my own remorse / Help me to decide / Help me make the most.” This suggests that even when people have power or control over their lives, they may still struggle with making decisions and taking responsibility for their actions.

What was the inspiration behind the song’s lyrics?

The Cold War Era

According to Roland Orzabal, one of the main inspirations behind “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was the Cold War era. This was a time of intense political and social upheaval, with many people feeling uncertain about the future. Orzabal has said that he wanted to write a song that captured this sense of unease and uncertainty.

The Power Game

Another major inspiration for the song’s lyrics was a book called “The Power Game” by Hedrick Smith. The book explores how people in positions of power use their influence to shape society, and Orzabal has said that he found it deeply thought-provoking. He wanted to write a song that explored similar themes, and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was the result.

Overall Message

The overall message of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is that everyone, from politicians to ordinary people, wants power and control over their lives. The song suggests that this desire for power can be both positive and negative – on one hand, it can inspire people to achieve great things, but on the other hand, it can also lead to conflict and oppression.

When was “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” released as a single?

Release Date

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was released as a single on March 18th, 1985. It was part of Tears for Fears’ album “Songs from the Big Chair,” which had been released earlier that year.

Commercial Success

The song quickly became a commercial success around the world. It reached No. 2 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and UK Singles Chart, as well as topping charts in several other countries. Its popularity helped propel Tears for Fears into international stardom.

Legacy

Today, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is considered one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, and its message about power and control continues to resonate with audiences today.

How did the public react to the song’s lyrics and message?

Critical Reception

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was generally well-received by critics upon its release. Many praised its catchy melody, memorable chorus, and thought-provoking lyrics. Some critics also noted that it was a departure from Tears for Fears’ earlier work, which had been more introspective and moody.

Public Reception

The song was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 2 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and UK Singles Chart. It also topped charts in several other countries around the world. Its popularity helped propel Tears for Fears into international stardom.

Legacy

Today, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is considered one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. Its message about power and control continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic.

Have any other artists covered or sampled “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”?

Cover Versions

Over the years, many artists have covered “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” Some notable cover versions include:

– Lorde: In 2013, New Zealand singer Lorde recorded a cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack. Her version became a hit in its own right.
– Weezer: In 2019, American rock band Weezer released a cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” as part of their Teal Album. Their version features a more rock-oriented sound than the original.
– Trevor Horn: In 2019, producer Trevor Horn released a cover of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” featuring Robbie Williams on vocals. The song was released as a charity single for the Comic Relief organization.

Sampling

In addition to cover versions, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” has also been sampled by several hip-hop and electronic artists over the years. Some notable examples include:

– Nas: American rapper Nas sampled the song’s chorus in his 1996 track “Street Dreams.”
– J. Cole: American rapper J. Cole sampled the song’s melody in his 2010 track “Blow Up.”
– Lizzo: American singer Lizzo interpolated the song’s chorus in her 2019 hit “Juice.”

In conclusion, the lyrics of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” highlight humanity’s universal desire for power and control, ultimately revealing the inherent flaws in our societal structures and values.

FAQ

Are Tears for Fears still together?

Following a period of separation, Orzabal and Smith reunited in 2000 and produced new music, including an album titled Everybody Loves a Happy Ending, released in 2004. Since then, the two have toured together intermittently.

What show had the song Everybody Wants to Rule the World?

In an episode of the TV show Mr. Robot’s season 2, the character Angela Moss, played by Portia Doubleday, sings a melancholic version of a song while going through a moral dilemma. A man at the bar asks her if she wants to become a ruler of the world.

Why are Tears for Fears cancelling?

After a thorough evaluation of Curt’s rib fracture, physicians have recommended that he rest completely in order to heal. Therefore, we regret to announce that we have no choice but to cancel all remaining shows of The Tipping Point UK Tour. We’ve had a fantastic time performing for and seeing everyone, and we’re saddened by this decision.

What is the meaning of Tears For Fears Everybody Wants To Rule The World?

The lyrics of the song discussed the desire for power and the negative outcomes that can result from it, along with references to the perceived danger of worldwide nuclear conflict, which was a major concern for many people at the time.

Will we ever run out of musical ideas?

While the amount of melodies that exist is limited, the quantity is so vast that for most practical uses, the variety of new musical compositions is essentially endless.

Who wrote rule the world?

The composition “Rule the World” was created by certain composers.

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