Mad World is a pop/new wave song originally recorded by the group Tears for Fears in 1982. According to Tears for Fears' Curt Smith, the lyrics, "I find it funny, I find it kind of sad/ The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had/...Went to school and I was very nervous, no one knew me, no one knew me" are representative of a depressed teenager's view "of a confusing, cruel world."MTV: Adam Lambert's '"Mad World" (April 8, 2009)
On April 7, 2009, American Idol contestant Adam Lambert generated buzz when he performed a slower, more melodic version of "Mad World" than the original track.MTV: Adam Lambert's '"Mad World" (April 8, 2009)
Select Lyrics
- "All around me are familiar faces
- Worn out places, worn out faces
- Bright and early for their daily races
- Goin' nowhere, goin' nowhere
- Their tears are fillin' up their glasses
- No expression, no expression
- Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow
- No tomorrow, no tomorrow"MetroLyrics: "Mad World" Tears for Fears
Mad World Information and News
SeeqPod: Tears for Fears - "Mad World"
SeeqPod: Michael Andrews/Gary Jules - "Mad World"
References
Fast Facts
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Original release date
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2001
Michael Andrews and Gary Jules recorded a piano version for the soundtrack to the film Donnie Darko
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Release date
December 15, 2003 (Michael Andrews/Gary Jules)
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Fact:
Appeared on Gary Jules' independent 2001 album Trading Snakeoil for WolfticketsMTV: Adam Lambert's '"Mad World" (April 8, 2009)
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Fact:
The Andrews/Jules version is featured in the popular video game Gears of War
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December 2003
The single was Christmas #1 on the British charts, making Jules and Andrews the sixth American act to attain that positionMTV: Adam Lambert's '"Mad World" (April 8, 2009)
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Fact:
Has been featured as background, mood music on several television shows, including Cold Case, ER, Line of Fire Nip/Tuck and Third WatchMTV: Adam Lambert's '"Mad World" (April 8, 2009)
