Everybody Wants to Rule the World was the last song Kurt Smith and Roland Orzabal recorded for the album Songs from the Big Chair.
They worked on the previous tracks for a very long time, but when they got to this composition, the musicians, apparently, were pretty tired, so they figured it out in less than a couple of weeks. Initially, they did not count on her success, but it turned out that it was she who achieved the greatest success in the charts.
History of creation and meaning of Everybody Wants to Rule the World
The history of the song began with two simple chords that Orzabal played on an acoustic guitar. At first, he did not attach any importance to them, although they continued to spin in his head.
Here’s the word from producer Chris Hughes:
I had a small 8-bit computerized MIDI synthesizer called UMI. I programmed those two chords and the bass part and played it around in the studio all day long. Actually, Rolanda wasn’t interested, but I said, “You have to go and write this song! I understand that it only has two chords, but it’s really good.” A few weeks later, he appeared with the main chorus line. From the day he showed up with the chorus line, I, Ian Stanley, and Roland went in and finished the whole thing in about a week.
Mix, 2007
The meaning of the song Everybody Wants to Rule the World is clear from its title. Here’s how Kurt Smith explained it:
The main idea is very serious. It is about the fact that everyone wants power, about war and the suffering that it causes.
RTTNews
Everybody Wants to Rule the World release
In March 1985, the composition was released as the third single from Songs from the Big Chair. It topped the charts in several countries, including the Billboard Hot 100, and climbed to number two in the UK.
In 1986, the song won the Brit Awards for Best Single.
Clip Everybody Wants to Rule the World
The music video for “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” was directed by Nigel Dick. Let’s watch the video.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World covers
The most famous cover version was performed by the New Zealand singer Lorde. She recorded it for the soundtrack to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaVA6sgOpws
Interesting Facts
- In the song Charlie Don’t Surf, which was recorded by the punk band the Clash in 1980, there is the phrase “everybody wants to rule the world”. According to Joe Strummer, this is by no means a coincidence. In an interview with Musician magazine, he told how one day in a restaurant he told Orzabal that he owed him five for this line. In response, Roland handed him five pounds.
- In 1986, a special version of the song called Everybody Wants to Run the World was released for the Sport Aid charity campaign with altered lyrics.
- Kurt Smith recorded a solo acoustic version of the song for the film The Private Public (2001), in which he made his debut as an actor.
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 behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
It’s my own design
It’s my own remorse
Help me decide
Help me make the most
Of freedom and 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 we had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world
I can’t stand this decision
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 pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Lyrics
welcome to your life
No return
Even when we sleep
We will find you
Trying to put myself in the best light
You turn your back on mother nature
Everyone wants to rule the world
This is my intention
This is my remorse
Help me decide
Help me make the most of
Freedom and pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everyone wants to rule the world
There’s a room where the light won’t find you
Holding hands while the walls are crumbling
When they fall I’ll be right behind you
I’m so glad we almost made it
I’m so sad that we had to hide it
Everyone wants to rule the world
I can’t stand this indecision
Along with folly
Everyone wants to rule the world
Say you’ll never-never-never-never need it
One headline – why believe it?
Everyone wants to rule the world
All for freedom and pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everyone wants to rule the world
Song quote
Everybody Wants to Rule the World was so easy and was recorded so quickly that it was really effortless.
Chris Hughes, Mix
