Mad World

Mad World is the title of a song recorded by British band Tears For Fears. Written by band member Roland Orzabal, it was originally released as a single in September 1982 and later featured on the group's debut album The Hurting. It was not Tear For Fears' debut single but became their breakthrough hit, entering the UK Top 40 on 12 October 1982 and eventually reaching no.3. It remains one of the group's best known songs.

Tracklisting
Mercury IDEA 33


 * 7": Mad World b/w Ideas As Opiates
 * 2x7": 1) Mad World b/w Mad World (World mix), 2) Suffer The Children b/w Ideas As Opiates
 * 12": Mad World b/w Ideas As Opiates / Saxophones As Opiates

TV

 * TOTP: 14 October 1982 (studio), 28 October 1982 (video), 18 November 1982 (rpt. of 14.10.82)

Cover versions
Mad World was given a new lease of life some twenty years after its original release when it was covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the film Donnie Darko (2001). Their version was released as part of the film's soundtrack in 2002 and later a single in its own right in 2003. In the UK it became the Christmas No.1 record, with its melancholic tones and lyrics outselling many seasonal favourites, staying at the top for three weeks.