GARY JULES – Mad World (Tears For Fears)

“Mad World” is a 1982 song by 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 three 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). This single was also the band’s first international success, reaching the Top 40 in several countries in 1982–83.

“Mad World” has since been covered by various artists, including a 2001 version recorded by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack of the film Donnie Darko; a 2003 single release of the song reached number one in the UK for three consecutive weeks and won Orzabal his second Ivor Novello Award. A 2021 rendition of the song was included on Demi Lovato’s album Dancing with the Devil… the Art of Starting Over.

All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, worn out faces Bright and early for the daily races Going nowhere, going nowhere

Their tears are filling up their glasses No expression, no expression Hide my head, I wanna 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 I find it hard to take When people run in circles it’s a very, very Mad world, mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good Happy birthday, happy birthday And I 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 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