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Tears for Fears — Mad World
Album: The Hurting
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 558









Released: 1983
Length: 3:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
All around me are familiar faces
Worn-out places, worn-out faces
Bright and early for their daily oasis
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I want to 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
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world

Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday, happy birthday
To 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
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world

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
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Halargian world
Mad world
Comments (119)add comment
This hasn't been played in a while BillG...
 ShamanManu wrote:
Just heard that Donnie Darko cover and wished to hear the original..... {#Pray}

 
Likewise. I'm listening to the Gary Jules cover right now. Nice, but it doesn't compare to the original TfF version. Which, by the way, hasn't been played on RP since 2007.
 
Just heard that Donnie Darko cover and wished to hear the original..... {#Pray}

This song is amazing. So amazing that I made a 2012 cover featuring a female vocalist. Check it out, I'm giving it away as a free download: https://paulloeb.net/madworld


Mad World Michael Andrews (Artist), Gary Jules (Artist) Product Description This record was first heard on the 2002 soundtrack 'Donnie Darko' & this release has been much awaited since then. Roland Orzabel who wrote 'Mad World' & had a hit with it in 'Tears For Fears' has said that this version is much better then the original. The vocals by Gary Jules compliment the haunting piano riffs beautifully & proves why it is a clear favorite on the soundtrack. Tracks, 'Mad World' (non-LP Frayed Out Mix), 'The Artifact & Living', & 'Mad World' (non-LP Video). Sanctuary. 2003. From Amazon.com
The Gary Jules version (not the above single) is listed on RP too - (click here).
Finally, I've heard the Jules version a lot on here lately, it's nice to hear the original, I like both, but maybe the Jules version just a tad bit more....
Kagin wrote:
MUCH prefer Gary Jules' version!
Says it all.
67nj wrote:
LOL!!! hilarious!
savvysearch wrote:
The original is fantastic. It's not overproduced, you have to understand the time it was written. It's the 80s which was more about taking listeners on a techno/synth sonic journey like The Cure, Depeche Mode. It's survived nearly 2 decades with decent radio play and still sounds great. Some parts, may seem outdated, but for the most part, the song has carried over pretty well. I like the Jules version as well, but is it going to be outdated in 5 years when people are tired of precious and minimalistic indy rock? The great thing about the original is that it's well aware of the lyrics' irony. The Jules version OTH, takes the lyrics completely seriously. Both are good, but TF version is the "correct" one since I've heard it first. It's like the people who say that Sean Connery will always be the best Bond ever. To understand it, you had to be there.
Can't say I agree with the context argument in this case. I was there in the 80's (teens and early 20's) so I do understand the time in which it was written. And I still prefer the Jules version. I also grew up with Connery as Bond and still prefer another.
I look like that kid on the cover listening to this inane cheese .
another vote for the Jules' version here
Wow, TFF has so many amazing songs. Seems like a waste to play this lame one.
Great Lyrics - Great Song!
I love Tears for Fears!!! long live the 80's!!..
UltraNurd wrote:
While I believe I've said before that I prefer the Jules cover, one of the many things I love about RP is that we can hear so many (very!) different versions of the same songs come up in the playlist.
I second your idea of the varied playlist. That said, I'll take the Jules version anytime anyone suggests this version.
original versions will always shine on.
While I believe I've said before that I prefer the Jules cover, one of the many things I love about RP is that we can hear so many (very!) different versions of the same songs come up in the playlist.
bleh
I was always a big TFF fan, but I have to admit, I also prefer the Jules version of this. The first time I heard it (Jules version), it just hit me like a ton of bricks.
The original is fantastic. It's not overproduced, you have to understand the time it was written. It's the 80s which was more about taking listeners on a techno/synth sonic journey like The Cure, Depeche Mode. It's survived nearly 2 decades with decent radio play and still sounds great. Some parts, may seem outdated, but for the most part, the song has carried over pretty well. I like the Jules version as well, but is it going to be outdated in 5 years when people are tired of precious and minimalistic indy rock? The great thing about the original is that it's well aware of the lyrics' irony. The Jules version OTH, takes the lyrics completely seriously. Both are good, but TF version is the "correct" one since I've heard it first. It's like the people who say that Sean Connery will always be the best Bond ever. To understand it, you had to be there.
67nj wrote:
OMG, love the animation... right up there with the one you made for Of Montreal's "Wraith"! I prefer Gary Jules' version of this song myself.
This version seems more manic than the Gary Jules version which seems depressed. I think the movie scene that this version would be great for is in American Beauty when the Annette Bening character is cleaning the house.
Put me down as a fan of this, original, version. I think Gary Jules' cover is too self-important in a watch-me-suffer way.
Yeah, but you have to love the mad-sounding trumpet in there. Take yourself back to your taste in these years.....
I like both versions, but add me to the list of people who prefer the remake
Heck - I like both! They are very different from each other, so it's getting 2 songs for 1! :) Patti M.
Roland: you're a genius!!!!!!!
artmarcia wrote:
WOW--I completely agree. The Gary Jules version is much more powerful--scary actually. This original version sounds so overproduced compared to it.
Me too
RBS76 wrote:
Yes, the Gary Jules version is much better. At least in my humble opinion... does liking the remake better than the original officially make me a bad person? EVIL!
I also agree. One of the very few times when I like some one's cover better than the original.
RBS76 wrote:
Yes, the Gary Jules version is much better. At least in my humble opinion... does liking the remake better than the original officially make me a bad person? EVIL!
WOW--I completely agree. The Gary Jules version is much more powerful--scary actually. This original version sounds so overproduced compared to it.
Brings back so many memories of dancing at the club, dressed all in black, asymetrical hair flopping over one eye, clove ciggies, skippy boys in plaid pants and boots with buckles, jumping around, load of angst...ah yes!
Steven_G wrote:
The Gary Jules version is listed on RP too - (click here). Click on the Amazon.com link there to hear a sample clip.
Yes, the Gary Jules version is much better. At least in my humble opinion... does liking the remake better than the original officially make me a bad person? EVIL!
deepgaze wrote:
Kudos to Gary Jules for finding so much poigniancy in a song that is so lacking in the original version.
amen to that!
Top tune
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:
Two songs which I kind of liked but never really listened to until they were covered. This one and Personal Jesus from DM. In both cases the original music just doesn't match the message of the lyrics. Rare examples where the cover is simply better. Period.
The Gary Jules version is listed on RP too - (click here). Click on the Amazon.com link there to hear a sample clip.
Two songs which I kind of liked but never really listened to until they were covered. This one and Personal Jesus from DM. In both cases the original music just doesn't match the message of the lyrics. Rare examples where the cover is simply better. Period.
jlind wrote:
I don't know if its as much dated, as Gary Jules version is just down right creepy, which this song should have been in the first place.
That's what I'm talking about right there.
like the t.f.f. sound of mid-eighties... sounds good!
Kudos to Gary Jules for finding so much poigniancy in a song that is so lacking in the original version.
Mugro wrote:
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
I don't know if its as much dated, as Gary Jules version is just down right creepy, which this song should have been in the first place.
daveesh wrote:
what he said:
I like the way Mugro thinks. I have agreed with everything I have ever read by him (I think...maybe she) especially the "music defines your life so dont listen to crap" quote.
what he said: Mugro wrote:
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
Simply put, Quality !
MUCH prefer Gary Jules' version!
I love the gary jules version but this...well, it's the fuckin' original! long live the 80's!
I like the de-'80s-ed version also heard on RP.
I remember 20 something years ago listening to this in a blacked out bedroom, stoned outta my mind, and thinking it was magic... still like it, but only like it.
Wow, I never actually cared for even the Gary Jules version, but hearing this again - I think I like Jules' work. Sorta like Shatner's cover of Common People...
"oh, cool, remix..." Tobal does not know, -Tobal
How cool - just heard either this or the Gary Jules rendition of this song on CSI! The Gary Jules version is listed on RP too - (click here).
Boosiewolf wrote:
Yay! The REAL version!
Sorry but, according to some Amazon.com commentary, this album carries the World Remix version of the Tears for Fears song Mad World. You can (click here) to see all available items from the group on Amazon.com - including a few "best of," "ultimate collection," and "Millennium Collection" CDs which might include the original mix of this song. Tears for Fears is a great group that made music as fresh today as when first produced. Here is an interesting extract from AMG -
Tears for Fears were always more ambitious than the average synth pop group. From the beginning, the duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith were tackling big subjects — their very name derived from Arthur Janov's primal scream therapy, and his theories were evident throughout their debut, The Hurting. Driven by catchy, infectious synth pop, The Hurting became a big hit in their native England, setting the stage for international stardom with their second album, 1985's Songs From the Big Chair.
Yay! The REAL version!
The link on Jules site does not work. Put Gary jules in to Pandora (https://www.pandora.com/) & you'll hear the track. It's amazing. I have to say I like it much more then the original. Either way Keep up the Great work RP.
Classic TfT. Excellent. The cover version?
I agree with most of the posts here. I'd definitely be okay with just the Gary Jules version being played here. I know that this is the original but this just seems like a tasteless parody of Jules'.
I have to agree with puppyscent... and I definately like the Jules version better. This is just to much in my head right now I think... feels like a whole lot clattering around in there.
This is my childhood.
I like both garys version a well as this. But its funny how the music can change the entire mood of the same sad song :D still both tracks are great:)
puppyscent wrote:
There's a slight nudge from dear nostalgia that encourages me to boost my rating to a 7. But then I just heard the Gary Jules version (see https://www.garyjules.com/v2/ ). Gary's version seemingly strips away the non-essentials of the original and lays it all out, beautifully bare. I might be in a particularly receptive mood for both versions, but Gary's version approaches such inspiring interpretations as Sting's solo "Message in a Bottle" or even Johnny Cash's version of NIN's "Hurt".
Agreed!!!
There's a slight nudge from dear nostalgia that encourages me to boost my rating to a 7. But then I just heard the Gary Jules version (see https://www.garyjules.com/v2/ ). Gary's version seemingly strips away the non-essentials of the original and lays it all out, beautifully bare. I might be in a particularly receptive mood for both versions, but Gary's version approaches such inspiring interpretations as Sting's solo "Message in a Bottle" or even Johnny Cash's version of NIN's "Hurt".
Not only do I prefer the Gary Jules version, but had this TFF version come on near the conclusion of 'Donnie Darko' I'd have thrown the remote at the screen. Jules created a perfect distillation of the movie's tone. This is bordering on superficial bubblegum synthpop.
Mugro wrote:
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
Me, too! This sounds overproduced and even a little silly compared to the haunting Gary Jules version.
i like the classic--electro feel that this song exudes. you can add any beat to it, and it would STILL sound cool.
flandersdog wrote:
I agree. and the lyrics really do not lend themselves to a disco beat.
a disco beat?? Don't hear a disco beat at all... Listen to Gary Jules club remix and you'll hear a disco beat!
Mugro wrote:
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
I agree. and the lyrics really do not lend themselves to a disco beat.
Mugro wrote:
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
I agree!
Mugro wrote:
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
agreed...in this version he's a little to upbeat when he tells us that about his dying dreams.
I have to say that I now like the Gary Jules version better! The Tears for Fears original sounds dated in an 80s way....
radiojunkie wrote:
Who the heck is Gary Jules and how have I managed to never hear of him? It's a mad world!
Exactly! By Jove Watson....we must hunt this villan down!
oooohhhh it's just dripping with 80's earnestness, archness, lack of a sense of humor, crappy production, shitty drum machine. . oh I can't go on...
Blecchh!! :-p Talk about ruining a good song.
blech. Gary Jules' version only please.
hmm.. first time hearing this version. one more vote for the gary jules version, though this isn't bad. in other news.. tears for fears & hall and oates are touring together.. sept. 9th at wolftrap (nice outdoor venue in northern va). check out either artist's website for full dates.
OH my gosh--I like the Gary Jules version so much better--it's downright spooky. This has little feeling compared to Gary's. I know this is the original. I see reading the other posts, that I'm in good company. :)
Who the heck is Gary Jules and how have I managed to never hear of him? It's a mad world!
...So, THIS is the original.... also nice. Prefer slower. An 8.
oldslabsides wrote:
I must say I like Gary Jules' take on this much better - ...
Ditto. MT
manbirdexperiment wrote:
Check out Gary Jules' ballad-like version of this tune...
Yeah, it's a lot better, as it's not over-produced with synth intruments galore
Check out Gary Jules' ballad-like version of this tune...
zaknafein wrote:
I do prefer this version. It has a lot more paranoia and angst. Great stuff.
:nodhead:
Hey, I saw them on TV on one of those late-night shows, but it was both of them! When did they reunite? I remember an interview in one said the other just walked away one day, despite their long friendship.
resonator wrote:
Great song from a great CD.
I fully agree
redeyespy wrote:
Precisely. Not a bad place to be sometimes. If only it was'nt getting further and further away.
I do prefer this version. It has a lot more paranoia and angst. Great stuff.
Great song from a great CD.
gilbo wrote:
Absolutely fantastic, but hten it remembers me of my youth.
Precisely. Not a bad place to be sometimes.
Absolutely fantastic, but hten it remembers me of my youth.
Truth: A recording can always be improved by replacing any drum machine with a real drummer Corollary: Adding a drum machine where there was none before will always lessen the work.
I must say I like Gary Jules' take on this much better - the lyrics don't really lend themselves to a disco mix :headshake:
tears for fears conjures memories of lazy hazy summer days spent in backyard pools eating ecstacy like it was going out of style...
I heard Gary Jules' version first and then this. At first I liked GJ's better, but now I think the TFF has more stay power. Incredible song.
keep this one on rotation -even a segue - just so listeners can compare / comment Malc
Have you read the new interview with Tears for Fears in the most recent Q? They have a new album out, and are being interviewed more because of the Gary Jules cover. The interview is very scary, because it doesn't sound like they've recociled at all, and that Roland Orzabal is still pulling emotional crap on Curt Smith.
I like the Gary Jules version, but after hearing it way too much on the car radio (that's the one with the broken CD player) it's really refreshing to hear the original again
I like both versions. I love Tears for Fears. :sunny.gif:
I love the feel of the Gary Jules' version so much more. Very melancholy.
I so much prefer this version to Gary Jules'!!
Even the Tears for Fears guy who wrote the song says that Gary Jules' version is better.
Jules' cover is sooooooooo slow and downbeat as to taint my memory of the brilliance of this original. Let the cover be stricken from the record and this take its place.
B-dub wrote:
:D :D
ditto
I have to agree that Gary Jules' version is better.
Play the Gary Jules version from Donnie Darko too.
ghrup1 wrote:
Being too young to remember when this came out, I think I actually prefer Gary Jules' version from that Donny Darko movie. This is still good though.
Seconded!
rcurrier wrote:
It just sounds of its time. Not everything needs to sound like the current trends of the day.
I mean exactly that--it sounds of it's time... Geddy Lee wrote:
"If you listen to a piece of classical music it's a piece of music, but if you listen to a pop song from 1954 it sounds like a pop song from 1954. How much of the music that's being written today will be worth listening to in ten years, except for nostalgia?"
I think I am more fond of the cover also, although this is pretty cool too.
Again, I love this song, but I think the Gary Jules version is better! Word.
I'm almost ashamed to say it but, as much as I love this song, I like the Donnie Darko cover better... but what can I say, it's a very very mad world.... :nodhead: it's still a GREAT song though
Donnie Darko
Originally Posted by lindydallas: .. this just sounds really dated; --d
It just sounds of its time. Not everything needs to sound like the current trends of the day. Just remember that the music you think is oh-so-cool today will sound really dated before long. Enjoy the variety. Heh, do I sound like an old fart or what?
The Gary Jules cover is a lot better... this just sounds really dated; --d
it\'s a mad, mad, mad, world. ain\'t it grand! and with some great music too!
OOOOHHHH!!! I missed it!!! My upload approved just today!!!!
:roll:
:D :D
NICE!