Everybody Wants to Rule the World: Unveiling the Meaning and Nostalgia Behind the Iconic Song

Introduction

In the realm of 1980s music, few songs have achieved the timeless status and nostalgic appeal of Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears. With its catchy melody, thought-provoking lyrics, and widespread popularity, this song continues to captivate audiences across generations.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the meaning behind Everybody Wants to Rule the World, its cultural significance, and its enduring presence in various forms of media.

The Origins of Everybody Wants to Rule the World

The Collaborative Songwriting Process

The creative forces behind Everybody Wants to Rule the World are the talented trio of Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley, and Chris Hughes. During the recording sessions for Tears for Fears’ album Songs from the Big Chair, the song emerged as a last-minute addition. Orzabal, armed with an acoustic guitar, played two simple chords to Hughes, sparking the genesis of the song.

A Shift in Lyricism

Interestingly, the initial concept for the song revolved around the lyrics, Everybody wants to go to war. However, the band decided to change this line, shifting the focus to the universal desire for power and control. This alteration transformed the song into a profound reflection on the consequences of such ambitions.

Unveiling the Meaning Behind the Song

Themes of Power and Control

At its core, Everybody Wants to Rule the World explores humanity’s inherent yearning for power and the detrimental effects it can have on society. Tears for Fears drew inspiration from the geopolitical landscape of the time, particularly the Cold War tensions between the United States and Russia. The song’s themes remain strikingly relevant, as the band noted in an interview with Yahoo! Music, highlighting the shift in concern from the US and Russia to the US and North Korea.

Joe Strummer’s Influence

It is worth noting that the line Everybody Wants to Rule the World was borrowed from the 1980 Clash song Charlie Don’t Surf. Joe Strummer, the lead vocalist of The Clash, encountered Orzabal in a restaurant and jokingly claimed that he owed him a fiver for using the line. Orzabal playfully handed Strummer a five-pound note, acknowledging the connection between the two songs.

The Music Video and Cultural Impact

The Creation of the Music Video

Directed by Nigel Dick, the music video for Everybody Wants to Rule the World was filmed in various locations, including Los Angeles, a desert in California, and Cabazon. Despite its eventual success, Curt Smith, one half of Tears for Fears, recalled the video’s troubled production, with Dick reportedly in tears on the second night of shooting due to an accident involving a child. However, the video’s heavy rotation on MTV propelled the band’s presence in America and contributed to the song’s ascent to number one on the charts.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World in Pop Culture

Everybody Wants to Rule the World has achieved significant prominence in various forms of media. Its inclusion in the 1985 film Real Genius, which revolved around a group of brilliant teenagers, helped solidify its place in popular culture. The song has also appeared in other notable productions, such as the 1997 comedy Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and the 2018 Steven Spielberg film Ready Player One. Its timeless quality and evocative lyrics have made it a perennial choice for soundtracks seeking to capture the essence of the 1980s.

Covers and Reinterpretations

Lorde’s Haunting Rendition

In 2013, New Zealand singer Lorde recorded a cover version of Everybody Wants to Rule the World for the soundtrack of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Known for her unique style, Lorde transformed the song into a hauntingly beautiful rendition that emphasises its inherent darkness. Her interpretation resonated with audiences, showcasing the song’s enduring appeal and ability to connect with new generations.

Diverse Artists Pay Tribute

Over the years, Everybody Wants to Rule the World has been covered by an eclectic mix of artists. The legendary Gloria Gaynor, known for her iconic hit “I Will Survive,” delivered her own rendition of the song. Additionally, Weezer, Patti Smith, Fenomenon, Giorgio Moroder, and Lower than Atlantis have all put their unique spin on the Tears for Fears classic. The enduring popularity of the song has inspired artists from various genres to pay homage to its timeless allure.

The Legacy of Tears for Fears

Tears for Fears’ Impact

Tears for Fears’ contribution to the musical landscape of the 1980s cannot be overstated. Alongside their contemporaries, such as Wham!, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, and Simple Minds, they formed an integral part of the second British invasion of the American charts. The success of Everybody Wants to Rule the World marked a significant turning point for the band, propelling them to international stardom and cementing their place in music history.

The Prolific Voices of Tears for Fears

Within the band, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith shared vocal duties, with their distinctive voices contributing to the unique sound of Tears for Fears. While Orzabal’s songwriting prowess and emotive delivery brought depth to their music, Smith’s melodic sensibility and harmonies added a captivating layer of richness. The combination of their talents resulted in a catalogue of memorable songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

Everybody Wants to Rule the World stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and capture the essence of an era. Tears for Fears’ masterpiece encapsulates the universal desire for power and control while serving as a poignant reflection on the consequences of such ambitions.

From its humble origins to its widespread cultural impact, this iconic song continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and captivate listeners across generations. As the world evolves, the timeless appeal of Everybody Wants to Rule the World remains steadfast, reminding us of the enduring power of music to unite and inspire.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World Lyrics

Verse 1
Welcome to your life
There’s no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you

Chorus
Acting on your best behaviour
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody wants to rule the world

Verse 2
It’s my own design
It’s my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the

Chorus
Most of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world

Bridge
There’s a room where the light won’t find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do, I’ll be right behind you

Chorus
So glad we’ve almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world

Chorus
I can’t stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the—
Say that you’ll never, never, never, never need it
One headline, why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the world
All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world