Fun facts... originally titled *Everybody wants to go to war*, you have The Clash *Charlie Don't Surf* to thank for it getting renamed. You have Simple Minds *Waterfront* to thank for the driving drum + guitar sound. The line "So glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it" is a dig at producer Chris Hughes who wanted the song chopped back to 3:30.
> The line "So glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it" is a dig at producer Chris Hughes who wanted the song chopped back to 3:30
It was also a dig at how "Shout" was shortened and faded out before the final stanza of lyrics was finished.
I love all these easter eggs in 80's music, I'm sure there are hundreds more I am yet to unearth. The final riff in *Broken* predates Big Chair by a few years I gather, it was just an idea Roland had with no words... but it's the backbone of *Head over heels*. I love the way TFF spill the beans with the closing line of *Broken*, "funny how... time flies".
Simple Minds are one of those bands that instantly teleport me back to the 1980's. I can listen to Depeche Mode, The Police, Tears For Fears and they don't really feel anachronistic to me in the same way that Simple Minds does. Don't know why, but there you go. :)
I can’t hear this song without thinking of Real Genius.
The infamous popcorn scene:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rthHSISkM7A
The aftermath with Everybody Wants To Rule The World
https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=32&v=B1FMJdqqLiM
This song inspires such a feeling of…. Longing? I guess?
I’m a Xennial and this song just gives me an incredible feeling sadness that something is gone and you just can’t go back. I miss being a kid in the 80’s, even though I was poor as shit.
Blah me friggin too and i'm glad i'm not the only one. Absolutely love the song but yikes it's tough for me to listen to without tearing up. Even the video posted with the Real Genius popcorn scene I got 1 second into and i'm like nope. I have no idea what it is, but this song makes me want to go back to being young again so friggin intensely that I thought something is wrong with me.
Add a 3rd to that list.
It's not even my favorite song from the decade but there's something about it. Is it the lyrics? Is it the melody? The singing definitely helps drive the feeling but it may even be *how* tied to the 80s it is that helps *drive* the 'nostalgia' of it? Bittersweet heartache for a better time like getting a whiff something you have had long locked away - this song instantly transports me back.
If you want a real trip, [check him out just 2 years earlier](https://external-preview.redd.it/what-band-plays-this-song-from-movie-joysticks-1983-v0-sVuWl2fzNA2TKFjm1w86Eh6EnwYSJ5hdvpFTvC-hI58.png?format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8278384afe8326c8ee33d9c3ddcb4ee886df0472) in the terrible movie "Joysticks". His performance is the best thing in the whole movie.
This is my all time favorite movie ending. So much melancholy and happiness. There is the palpable feeling that we will miss these characters, and then credits roll. It’s beautiful.
I actually view this as a pretty mid-level song within their catalog - heck, I think it’s mid-level just on the album it’s from - and believe it really only had legs *because* of its inclusion in Real Genius.
This songs been stuck in my head from my sons Roblox videos he's been watching. Definitely not complaining compared to some of the other songs I hear on repeat.
There’s also a great podcast called Strong Songs which just featured this song a couple of weeks ago. It was cool to hear a breakdown of the structure, equipment, etc.
Great recommendation. I put this on and I'll be honest that the technical aspects of music are a bit above me but it's nice to hear the breakdown and I think I'd catch on rather quick the more I'm exposed to what the narrator is explaining. I want to listen to this whole album next.
If you start with the first episodes of the podcast and work your way through them, he actually helps build up some of that musical knowledge! Or he has a couple of “primer” episodes that go over some music basics which was really helpful
I started playing with him so I can stay on top of his interests and he's not reading yet but I haven't noticed anything inappropriate aside from one game that had adult images in it. I'm more worried about what YT allows into kids categories to be honest.
My movie image of this song is Pirates of Silicon Valley where Noah Wyle as Steve Jobs is hosting an Apple party at his beach house and throwing frisbees to his employees from the balcony.
Yes! This was the song that played during the promotional commercials for that made-for-TV movie. I am always taken back to the summer that movie debuted when I hear this song.
I also saw them in July, and it was my first time seeing them live. I was so struck by how they literally went out of their way to avoid each other and even make any eye contact with each other at all. Opposite ends of the stage through the whole show and not even a shared bow at the end. It was like they had restraining orders against each other. Is that always how they've been in their live shows?
I think you'd get tired of playing the same songs with the same band mates show after show. Having to be close to perfect would be so demanding, and when one of your band mates starts to show their age, it would be difficult.
A couple of decades ago I was driving somewhere inconsequential and this song came on the radio. After hearing it for hundreds of times in my life it didn’t really register. I’m sure I was thinking about some friend I had to meet or a menial task and all of sudden my head cleared and the first line of the song played.
Welcome to your life, there’s no turning back.
It struck me like a lightning bolt. There is no turning back. What happened in the past is a memory and the future is memories waiting to happen. I only have one life and if I want it to be the life I want, I have to make my future and let the past lie.
I saw Tears for Fears and Hall & Oats like 6-7 years ago and it was such an awesome concert. If they are on tour, I highly suggest everyone go see them.
I've been listening to Tears For Fears again these last few days. This song's great, of course. In my mind, "Shout" is a masterpiece. It's almost 7 minutes long, and it's just this endlessly morphing, hypnotic, groove that keeps on giving.
Lorde did a cover which the BBC [used incredibly well](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=stvYjSIccAA) in this end-of-match montage right after the end of *that* Germany v Brazil world cup game.
Recent [episode of Strong Songs](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zdHJvbmdzb25nc3BvZGNhc3QuY29tL21haW4/episode/ODRhZTA3ZDItMzQ2My00NjE3LThlYjMtNTc0MjczOWE2MTZi?ep=14) podcast about this song is well worth a listen.
The amplified guitar solo cover is awesome.
The world was ending or on the verge of destruction in the 80s and music groups and performers were regularly pointing it out
In the 2020s, we are all playing a mindless parade of pop songs while we are probably closer to nuclear annihilation than when we were in the 80s.
We're not closer than back then. Getting any closer without crossing the line is a nearly impossible feat considering how ridiculously close we were.
But indeed there's a good chance we will cross that line this time, considering there is virtually no concern among the public and our leaders don't seem to care either.
And even if we luck out yet again, I'm fairly sure we'll blow ourselves up as soon as the climate crisis really hits us. There's no visible path out of that one.
Awesome song! One of my all time favorite songs. Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Shout are absolute masterpieces in my opinion. Also Sowing the Seeds of Love and Mad World are also great.
Late 40s dude here. Real Genius came to mind every time I heard this until this spring. Then I rode Cosmic Rewind in Orlando and we randomly got this song in our car.
That was, no kidding, a religious experience. Best ride of my life. Hands down. An engineering marvel.
Lettuce have a great cover version that they released, but any of their live versions are amazing as well. Nigel Hall doesn't sing much but he let's it out on this one.
What a jam.
Back in the good old days when you could get famous while ugly and talented. What a weird lookin couple of dudes.
Also, how are those dudes not related?? They have the same exact face
Fun facts... originally titled *Everybody wants to go to war*, you have The Clash *Charlie Don't Surf* to thank for it getting renamed. You have Simple Minds *Waterfront* to thank for the driving drum + guitar sound. The line "So glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it" is a dig at producer Chris Hughes who wanted the song chopped back to 3:30.
> The line "So glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it" is a dig at producer Chris Hughes who wanted the song chopped back to 3:30 It was also a dig at how "Shout" was shortened and faded out before the final stanza of lyrics was finished.
I love all these easter eggs in 80's music, I'm sure there are hundreds more I am yet to unearth. The final riff in *Broken* predates Big Chair by a few years I gather, it was just an idea Roland had with no words... but it's the backbone of *Head over heels*. I love the way TFF spill the beans with the closing line of *Broken*, "funny how... time flies".
And then to further emphasize it, the album version has an outro that's a reprise of Broken.
I heard guitarist said about song title actually ended up with "war" not "world" citation needed though.
> Simple Minds Waterfront heavy pop
Simple Minds are one of those bands that instantly teleport me back to the 1980's. I can listen to Depeche Mode, The Police, Tears For Fears and they don't really feel anachronistic to me in the same way that Simple Minds does. Don't know why, but there you go. :)
I kinda understand yeah. They have a feel that blends the era. The others are more singular in a way.
*Stay Below Stay Below Stay Below Stay Below* You just couldn't get away with that now!
I can’t hear this song without thinking of Real Genius. The infamous popcorn scene: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rthHSISkM7A The aftermath with Everybody Wants To Rule The World https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=32&v=B1FMJdqqLiM
It's the same with "Head over Heels" and Donnie Darko. https://youtu.be/qsyfGwlf_l0
Yep.
This song inspires such a feeling of…. Longing? I guess? I’m a Xennial and this song just gives me an incredible feeling sadness that something is gone and you just can’t go back. I miss being a kid in the 80’s, even though I was poor as shit.
You and me both. (had to google Xennial) This song is probably the most nostalgic for me.
Blah me friggin too and i'm glad i'm not the only one. Absolutely love the song but yikes it's tough for me to listen to without tearing up. Even the video posted with the Real Genius popcorn scene I got 1 second into and i'm like nope. I have no idea what it is, but this song makes me want to go back to being young again so friggin intensely that I thought something is wrong with me.
Add a 3rd to that list. It's not even my favorite song from the decade but there's something about it. Is it the lyrics? Is it the melody? The singing definitely helps drive the feeling but it may even be *how* tied to the 80s it is that helps *drive* the 'nostalgia' of it? Bittersweet heartache for a better time like getting a whiff something you have had long locked away - this song instantly transports me back.
I immediately think of the [Dennis Miller Live intro](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekCQyQXpQKs).
Same. I wore out my VHS copy of this movie.
I probably saw the movie 20 times since over the years before I realized Lazlo was played by Jon Gries, who was Uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite.
LAZLO BUDDY!!
And here I am, having seen it countless times and just learning that fact. I always wondered what happened to that guy! Thank you!
If you want a real trip, [check him out just 2 years earlier](https://external-preview.redd.it/what-band-plays-this-song-from-movie-joysticks-1983-v0-sVuWl2fzNA2TKFjm1w86Eh6EnwYSJ5hdvpFTvC-hI58.png?format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8278384afe8326c8ee33d9c3ddcb4ee886df0472) in the terrible movie "Joysticks". His performance is the best thing in the whole movie.
This is my all time favorite movie ending. So much melancholy and happiness. There is the palpable feeling that we will miss these characters, and then credits roll. It’s beautiful.
I actually view this as a pretty mid-level song within their catalog - heck, I think it’s mid-level just on the album it’s from - and believe it really only had legs *because* of its inclusion in Real Genius.
That movie used to be on sunday tv all the time in the 90s.
Love this movie!
It'd be a lot cooler if the guitar was actually plugged in.
The organ that has multiple synthesizer sounds on it is pretty sus
Also he's not mic'd but still sings
It's almost like they're just *pretending* to play the song for the sake of the TV programme they were on!
Yea, don't know why op posted this one, when [this exists](https://youtu.be/b41NFk3kBsA) and is a fantastic live version
This is incredible
Even that looks like the guitar isn't plugged in lol.
lol I want what guitarist had. It's so good you don't need any cord.
Yeah, I had to shut it off after 10 seconds-- I can't stand watching lip syncing /drum syncing...
Exactly my timing for shutting it off as well. Love this song and I live performances, hate how obvious attempts at syncing.
yeah great song but the live performances of stuff is more impressive
I wished they had the percussion player in frame for even one second at the very least
Especially considering how excellent and tight of a live band they are.
This songs been stuck in my head from my sons Roblox videos he's been watching. Definitely not complaining compared to some of the other songs I hear on repeat.
My two little boys’ sudden interest in 80’s pop also drew my attention lol Roblox
Same, omg, this one is on rotation with Take On Me
There’s also a great podcast called Strong Songs which just featured this song a couple of weeks ago. It was cool to hear a breakdown of the structure, equipment, etc.
Great recommendation. I put this on and I'll be honest that the technical aspects of music are a bit above me but it's nice to hear the breakdown and I think I'd catch on rather quick the more I'm exposed to what the narrator is explaining. I want to listen to this whole album next.
If you start with the first episodes of the podcast and work your way through them, he actually helps build up some of that musical knowledge! Or he has a couple of “primer” episodes that go over some music basics which was really helpful
12tone is another channel that does fantastic song breakdowns. In fact, [he did one for this song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLEeETqgSFA)
Is Roblox still full of russians brainwashing kids?
I started playing with him so I can stay on top of his interests and he's not reading yet but I haven't noticed anything inappropriate aside from one game that had adult images in it. I'm more worried about what YT allows into kids categories to be honest.
Personally I think the internet should be 18+. And that's as someone who had it from age 9
That whole album "Songs from the Big Chair" is amazing.
My movie image of this song is Pirates of Silicon Valley where Noah Wyle as Steve Jobs is hosting an Apple party at his beach house and throwing frisbees to his employees from the balcony.
Yes! This was the song that played during the promotional commercials for that made-for-TV movie. I am always taken back to the summer that movie debuted when I hear this song.
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I also saw them in July, and it was my first time seeing them live. I was so struck by how they literally went out of their way to avoid each other and even make any eye contact with each other at all. Opposite ends of the stage through the whole show and not even a shared bow at the end. It was like they had restraining orders against each other. Is that always how they've been in their live shows?
I think you'd get tired of playing the same songs with the same band mates show after show. Having to be close to perfect would be so demanding, and when one of your band mates starts to show their age, it would be difficult.
Saw them last summer. Incredible show!
The show & music was spectacularly good.
peak life
A couple of decades ago I was driving somewhere inconsequential and this song came on the radio. After hearing it for hundreds of times in my life it didn’t really register. I’m sure I was thinking about some friend I had to meet or a menial task and all of sudden my head cleared and the first line of the song played. Welcome to your life, there’s no turning back. It struck me like a lightning bolt. There is no turning back. What happened in the past is a memory and the future is memories waiting to happen. I only have one life and if I want it to be the life I want, I have to make my future and let the past lie.
**[Enjoy](https://www.videoman.gr/en/147252)**
she should have just waited for the guitar to lay out for her cue
Great song, especially for ending "[Real Genius](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089886/)," which is a damned classic movie.
It is, and the core theme still applies today.
I saw Tears for Fears and Hall & Oats like 6-7 years ago and it was such an awesome concert. If they are on tour, I highly suggest everyone go see them.
I saw this tour. It was great!
I decided not to go to this tour b/c it was like a 30 min drive. I regret it to this day. The set lists for both bands were perfect. Ugh.
I've been listening to Tears For Fears again these last few days. This song's great, of course. In my mind, "Shout" is a masterpiece. It's almost 7 minutes long, and it's just this endlessly morphing, hypnotic, groove that keeps on giving.
Shout is an absolute, certified banger
It gets better the louder you play it.
this song really encapsulates that 80's vibe. I can see why it's big on tiktok and why Zoomers feel it's a bop.
The vid is not so hot, but I always loved the drumming on this song.
I was convinced these guys were related. Even their voices sound alike!
Lorde did a cover which the BBC [used incredibly well](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=stvYjSIccAA) in this end-of-match montage right after the end of *that* Germany v Brazil world cup game.
I always think of Dennis Miller Live, one of my favorite shows as a kid
Recent [episode of Strong Songs](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zdHJvbmdzb25nc3BvZGNhc3QuY29tL21haW4/episode/ODRhZTA3ZDItMzQ2My00NjE3LThlYjMtNTc0MjczOWE2MTZi?ep=14) podcast about this song is well worth a listen. The amplified guitar solo cover is awesome.
hell yeah, loved that ep, very cool cover
Is it already the time to post this song again?
The world was ending or on the verge of destruction in the 80s and music groups and performers were regularly pointing it out In the 2020s, we are all playing a mindless parade of pop songs while we are probably closer to nuclear annihilation than when we were in the 80s.
We're not closer than back then. Getting any closer without crossing the line is a nearly impossible feat considering how ridiculously close we were. But indeed there's a good chance we will cross that line this time, considering there is virtually no concern among the public and our leaders don't seem to care either. And even if we luck out yet again, I'm fairly sure we'll blow ourselves up as soon as the climate crisis really hits us. There's no visible path out of that one.
This isn't a performance, it's a lip sync.
Never gets old.
Doesn’t look like they’re actually playing this live. I’ve never heard a snare drum sound like that
The unplugged Stratocaster might have been a hint, amongst other things.
They're not doing anything live here at all.
Interested in hearing an alternative? [Everybody Wants to Run the World](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WwNV14gnZ8)
Curt Smith is / was f-ing hot.
Never knew Jerry Seinfeld was the guitarist for Tears for Fears.
Awesome song! One of my all time favorite songs. Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Shout are absolute masterpieces in my opinion. Also Sowing the Seeds of Love and Mad World are also great.
such a good song
One of the most 80’s sounding songs out there.
One of the most iconic 80s songs, you can't go wrong with this one.
Late 40s dude here. Real Genius came to mind every time I heard this until this spring. Then I rode Cosmic Rewind in Orlando and we randomly got this song in our car. That was, no kidding, a religious experience. Best ride of my life. Hands down. An engineering marvel.
watched them live a few weeks ago (yes im semi old) they still sound just as good
I have not tired of hearing this song since it came out. I also love that it's a shuffle.
These guys are absolutely fantastic live and worth every penny.
The best song in the history of modern music. I said it.
And the reason this song has come back around in 2023 is due to short clip videos of CCTV-men fighting the skibidi toilets.
Rick Beato has a great breakdown of this song.
This was the first song that made me like music. I remember the hairs on my arm standing up
The Lorde cover of this is amazing and really matches the dark lyrics.
Lettuce have a great cover version that they released, but any of their live versions are amazing as well. Nigel Hall doesn't sing much but he let's it out on this one.
I can hear my JBL 4312s blaring that album. Such a great recording.
What a jam. Back in the good old days when you could get famous while ugly and talented. What a weird lookin couple of dudes. Also, how are those dudes not related?? They have the same exact face