Everybody Wants to Rule the World Lyrics: Exploring the Meaning and Impact
by Sona | Updated Aug 27, 2023
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Song
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is a timeless synth-pop track that emerged from the creative minds of Tears for Fears, a British band known for their emotive and thought-provoking music. Released in 1985 as part of their album "Songs from the Big Chair," the song quickly became one of the band's signature hits and an iconic representation of the 1980s music scene.
At its heart, the song is a captivating exploration of the human psyche, ambition, and the universal desire for power and control. Its melody is both catchy and contemplative, blending seamlessly with lyrics that delve into the complex interplay between personal aspirations and societal expectations.
The song opens with a sense of inevitability – "Welcome to your life, there's no turning back" – setting the stage for a narrative that reflects on the inescapable trajectory of existence. As the verses progress, the lyrics touch on the dichotomy between human behavior and nature, with the lines "Acting on your best behavior, turn your back on mother nature." This can be interpreted as a commentary on the tension between human progress and environmental harmony.
The chorus, with its unforgettable refrain "Everybody wants to rule the world," serves as the song's thematic anchor. This recurring line captures a universal truth about the human condition – the innate desire for influence and control over one's surroundings. The chorus's repetition not only emphasizes this desire but also underscores the song's sense of timelessness and relevance.
The bridge of the song introduces a moment of introspection and doubt: "I can't stand this indecision, married with a lack of vision." Here, the lyrics touch on the internal conflict between personal ambitions and the challenges of navigating an uncertain world. This self-awareness adds depth to the song's exploration of human nature.
The song's title also alludes to a grander theme – the idea of "ruling the world." This can be seen as both a literal aspiration for power and a metaphor for the pursuit of control and significance. The imagery of a room where light can't penetrate and the mention of walls tumbling down evoke feelings of vulnerability and the need for companionship in the face of turmoil.
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" has not only endured through the decades but has also taken on new layers of meaning in different cultural contexts. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to resonate with listeners on various levels – as a catchy pop anthem, a reflection on human desires and dilemmas, and a commentary on the dynamics of power and influence.
In a world where the quest for power and control remains a prevalent theme, the song's lyrics continue to provoke thought and introspection. Whether interpreted as a social commentary or a personal reflection, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to explore complex facets of the human experience.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Lyrics
Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you
Acting on your best behaviour
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
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
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world
I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world
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
Meaning of Everybody Wants to Rule the World Lyrics
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears is a song that delves into themes of power, control, human nature, and the fleeting nature of worldly desires. The lyrics suggest a reflective exploration of the human condition and the tendencies people exhibit when it comes to ambition and authority.
The song begins by acknowledging the inescapable journey of life, where there's no turning back and one can't avoid the passage of time. The reference to finding someone even while sleeping suggests that even in vulnerability and unawareness, we are influenced by external forces.
The lines "Acting on your best behavior, turn your back on mother nature" highlight the conflict between societal expectations and natural inclinations. The idea of turning away from "mother nature" might represent the inclination to dominate and control the environment, rather than harmoniously coexisting with it.
"Everybody wants to rule the world" is the recurring refrain that underlines the song's central message. It conveys the universal desire for power, influence, and control. This desire can be both on an individual level and on a broader societal scale. The song doesn't necessarily condemn this desire outright, but it does cast a critical light on it.
The lines "It's my own design, it's my own remorse" and "Help me to decide, help me make the most" reflect the internal struggle between personal desires and moral considerations. This can be seen as a plea for guidance and insight when navigating the complexities of one's ambitions.
The lyrics also touch upon the transience of material pursuits. The lines "Of freedom and of pleasure, nothing ever lasts forever" remind us that the pursuit of power and pleasure, though compelling, is often fleeting. This could be a commentary on the impermanence of worldly achievements.
The imagery of "a room where the light won't find you, holding hands while the walls come tumbling down" could symbolize finding solace or connection in the midst of chaos or decline. The idea of being together during challenging times suggests that relationships and companionship are crucial in the face of life's uncertainties.
The song's chorus reinforces the notion that the desire for power and control is universal, suggesting that it's a driving force behind many human actions. The repetition of the chorus underscores the song's central theme.
As the song concludes, lines like "I can't stand this indecision, married with a lack of vision" could reflect the frustration that can arise from conflicting desires and aspirations. The repetition of "Everybody wants to rule the world" echoes the idea that this desire is deeply ingrained in human nature.
In essence, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" can be interpreted as a commentary on the complexities of human ambition, the tension between personal desires and moral considerations, and the impermanence of worldly pursuits. It prompts listeners to reflect on the nature of power, control, and the universal longing for influence over the world around them.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Author
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" was penned by the British songwriting duo Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, both members of the band Tears for Fears. Roland Orzabal, the primary lyricist and vocalist, contributed to the song's introspective and thought-provoking lyrics. His ability to capture the complexities of human nature and society's dynamics is evident in the song's exploration of the universal desire for power and control.
Ian Stanley, on the other hand, played a crucial role in shaping the band's sound, contributing to the lush and distinctive synth-pop arrangement that became synonymous with Tears for Fears' style. Together, Orzabal and Stanley crafted a song that not only resonated with audiences in the 1980s but has also continued to captivate listeners across generations with its timeless themes and melodic charm.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Song Details
Specification
Details
Song
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Singer
Tears for Fears
Musician
Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley
Lyricist
Roland Orzabal
Artist
Tears for Fears
Language
English
Song Genre
New wave, Synth-pop, Alternative/Indie, Pop, Rock
Release Date
1985
Album
Songs from the Big Chair
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Lyrics: FAQs
The song revolves around the universal desire for power and control.
The song is part of the album "Songs from the Big Chair."
The song was released in the year 1985.
The song is performed by Tears for Fears, with lyrics by Roland Orzabal.
The lyrics convey a mix of introspection, desire for control, and the inevitability of change.