“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, known for its infectious melody, thoughtful lyrics, and timeless appeal. Released in March 1985 as part of the band’s second album, Songs from the Big Chair, the song quickly became an international hit and is celebrated both for its catchy sound and its reflection on power, freedom, and responsibility. Here’s a closer look at the song’s creation, meaning, and legacy.
By the mid-1980s, British band Tears for Fears—comprised of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith—had gained recognition for their debut album The Hurting. For their second album, Songs from the Big Chair, they aimed to create a broader, more mature sound. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was co-written by Orzabal, Smith, and producer Chris Hughes. Initially, the band was unsure about the song, as it sounded less dark and more pop-oriented than their previous work, but they decided to include it on the album. It quickly became one of their most successful singles.
The song was recorded in a style that mixed new wave and rock with pop, incorporating guitar riffs, synthesizers, and a steady beat. This combination gave it an energetic yet polished sound that resonated with listeners worldwide. Curt Smith provided the lead vocals, giving the song a smooth, approachable tone that balanced its weighty themes.
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” tackles themes of power, ambition, and the often-destructive drive for control. The lyrics explore the cost of seeking power and the effect it has on individuals and society: “Welcome to your life / There’s no turning back.”This opening line suggests the inevitability of life’s challenges and the fact that one can’t avoid facing them. Other lines, such as “Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure,” emphasize the need to appreciate life’s simple joys amidst the pressures of power and ambition.
One of the most memorable lines, “Everybody wants to rule the world,” reflects the universal desire for control and influence, and the song questions the effects of that desire. Though written during the Cold War era, the lyrics remain relevant, touching on themes of political power, personal ambition, and human nature’s darker side.
Musically, the song blends rock with new wave, creating a sound that is both accessible and deeply atmospheric. It opens with a distinctive guitar riff that gives it an immediately recognizable quality, followed by a steady beat that drives the song forward. The synthesizer work is subtle but effective, adding texture without overwhelming the vocals or main melody.
Upon its release, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” quickly rose up the charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and becoming one of the band’s biggest hits worldwide. It also performed well in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song won the Brit Award for Best British Single in 1986, adding to its acclaim. Its commercial success made Songs from the Big Chair a massive hit, helping to establish Tears for Fears as one of the most important bands of the 1980s.
Following the success of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and its themes of power and responsibility, Tears for Fears was approached to contribute to Sport Aid’s “Race Against Time” initiative. The event was inspired by Bob Geldof’s Band Aid and Live Aid campaigns, aimed at using the global platform of sports to continue raising funds and awareness for famine relief in Ethiopia and other African countries. The central event was a synchronized 10-kilometer run that took place worldwide, with proceeds going toward aid for Africa.
To support this cause, the band re-recorded their hit song with new lyrics and a slightly modified arrangement, renaming it “Everybody Wants to Run the World.” This adaptation retained the recognizable melody and spirit of the original song, but the lyrical tweak gave it a direct connection to the Sport Aid message, aligning with the theme of unity and global action.