Everybody Wants To Rule The World – English Lyrics

• By: Tears For Fears
• Album: Top Rock Tracks

Lyrics & Translation

Unlock the timeless message of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World." This iconic 80s hit, with its infectious synth-pop sound and driving beat, masterfully delivers a poignant critique of ambition and power. By delving into its lyrics, you can learn English expressions related to societal critique, human nature, and political commentary, all while enjoying a song that remains as relevant and captivating today as it was decades ago. Its blend of serious themes with an upbeat melody offers a unique linguistic and musical experience, making it special for those eager to connect with English through music.

[English]

Welcome to your life

There's no turning back

Even while we sleep

We will find you

Acting on your best behaviour

Turn your back on Mother Nature

Everybody wants to rule the world

...

It's my own design

It's my own remorse

Help me to decide

Help me make the

Most of freedom and of 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 they had to fade it

Everybody wants to rule the world

...

I can't stand this indecision

Married with a lack of vision

Everybody wants to rule the-

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 for pleasure

Nothing ever lasts forever

Everybody wants to rule the world

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
turning /ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/ B1	verb - to move in a circular direction
behaviour /bɪˈheɪvjər/ B2	noun - the way a person or animal acts
nature /ˈneɪtʃər/ A2	noun - the natural world
remorse /rɪˈmɔːrs/ C1	noun - deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed
freedom /ˈfriːdəm/ B1	noun - the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants
pleasure /ˈpleʒər/ B1	noun - a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment
fade /feɪd/ B1	verb - to gradually become less visible or audible
indecision /ˌɪndɪˈsɪʒən/ C1	noun - the state of being unable to make a decision
vision /ˈvɪʒən/ B2	noun - the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom
headline /ˈhedlaɪn/ B1	noun - a heading at the top of a news article
believe /bɪˈliːv/ A2	verb - to accept that something is true
rule /ruːl/ A2	verb - to exercise ultimate power or authority over an area and its people
design /dɪˈzaɪn/ B1	noun - a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object.
almost /ˈɔːlmoʊst/ A2	adverb - nearly; not quite
tumbling /ˈtʌmblɪŋ/ B1	verb - to fall or move downwards in an uncontrolled way

Key Grammar Structures

• Welcome to your life

  ➔ Possessive Pronoun

  ➔ "Your" indicates possession; the life belongs to the person being addressed.

• It's my own design

  ➔ Reflexive Pronoun & Possessive Adjective

  ➔ "My own" emphasizes that the design originates from the speaker themselves. The 'own' reinforces the personal nature of the design.

• Help me to decide

  ➔ Infinitive of Purpose

  ➔ The infinitive 'to decide' explains *why* help is needed – the purpose is to make a decision.

• When they do, I'll be right behind you

  ➔ First Conditional

  ➔ "When they do" is the 'if' clause (though 'when' is used instead of 'if'), and "I'll be right behind you" is the main clause expressing the likely result.

• Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it

  ➔ Future with 'will' + Repetition for Emphasis

  ➔ The repeated 'never' dramatically emphasizes the speaker's disbelief or challenge. It's a rhetorical device.