Gary Jules — Mad World
Album: Trading Snakeoil for WolfticketsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 7584
Length: 2:59
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All around me are familiar faces
Worn-out places, worn-out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday, happy birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello, teacher, tell me, what's my lesson?
Look right through me, look right through me
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world
Worn-out places, worn-out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday, happy birthday
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello, teacher, tell me, what's my lesson?
Look right through me, look right through me
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Enlarging your world
Mad world
Comments (1053)add comment
'Covers never work' - except this one, oh and the Sound of Silence by Disturbed, and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton, and, and, and
The world just gets madder unfortunately. Beautiful song.
Funny how the two sides battle between the original vs this version. I’m definitely in the original camp. 😀 Both sides can agree that the song is a gem. Roland Orzabal wrote so many beautiful songs.
rtrt wrote:
Looks like it's the soundtrack that has 2 versions -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Darko_(soundtrack)
17. "Mad World" – 3:08
18. "Mad World" (Alternate Mix) – 3:37
I guess its the alternate that has the prominent drums
Iirc there's a version on his album, or is it the Donnie Darko soundtrack where there are drums in the mix.
I 'think' i prefer that version - be good to hear it to find out
Looks like it's the soundtrack that has 2 versions -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_Darko_(soundtrack)
17. "Mad World" – 3:08
18. "Mad World" (Alternate Mix) – 3:37
I guess its the alternate that has the prominent drums
At this time, it really is a totally fucking mad world...
springof63 wrote:Happy Christmas,
War is... (oh shit)
.
This was the UK Christmas Number 1 single 2003
it works on many levels but it will always make me think of Christmas.
Perhaps you could follow this with
Ian Gillan - M. A. D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)
I'm doing that myself now, be back in a minute.
cheers
inbagt wrote:
I was working in the UK at the time. Never understood why this was the UK Christmas Number 1 single. But it was probably the best thing on the radio at the time. Everything else was manufactured boy/girl pop groups.
It was hard to believe then.
But even harder to believe that its now (very nearly) 20 years ago.
I mean WTF happened?
It was mad before, but look at it now....
Came in to bump it up but I already had it at 10. So I will say this instead... My daughter used this movie as a litmus test for possible boyfriends when she was in high school.... iykyk
This is a truly worthy cover, although for me, the original is placed in a time of my life that makes it not to be equaled. I like the quirky background instrumentation on the original , and of course the old video with Curt dancing in the background, as seen through the window.
Donnie's gonna need a Tylenol in a moment...
Try that "https://youtu.be/1F81N5Ephpc"
My favorite interpretation of all time
If you want to hear a treat, search YouTube for Curt covering this version of his song on guitar with his daughter. I love it!
The haunting piano part adds so much to this version.
tomperth1 wrote:
Interesting. Do you seek out these people, or do they just come to you?
I wish I had a dollar for how often I've corrected people who insist that it is Michael Stipe performing this cover.
Interesting. Do you seek out these people, or do they just come to you?
Perfect for after Welcome to the Machine!
meatmike wrote:
I disagree - for once, it's an interesting and different take on the original. What is not in dispute is that it's a stonker of a song.
Good, but unnecessary cover.
I disagree - for once, it's an interesting and different take on the original. What is not in dispute is that it's a stonker of a song.
Sloggydog wrote:
I went to rate this as a 10, but I already had done so. Not many songs resonate with me like this song does.
I'm with those saying Cover > Original here. Don't know why I had it on 9. I was too pleased when it came on for it not to be a 10.
I went to rate this as a 10, but I already had done so. Not many songs resonate with me like this song does.
I'm with those saying Cover > Original here. Don't know why I had it on 9. I was too pleased when it came on for it not to be a 10.
meatmike wrote:
And the cover concept is neither original, check this old one...
Good, but unnecessary cover.
And the cover concept is neither original, check this old one...
Good, but unnecessary cover.
not sure...
7 --==>> 8.
Younger generation has just a little clue, but need help, as our World does.
Most people think this is the original.
radioparadise9 wrote:
How's it working out with the opiods?
How's it working out with the opiods?
jacopo777 wrote:
How's it working out with the opiods?
I used to like this type of music, until I decided to be happy.
How's it working out with the opiods?
talexb wrote:
This is very true, but for every "minimalist" recording like this that just hits perfectly, you get at least double the number of "Smells Like Teen Spirit by Tori Amos" complete and utter misses.
But that's for a different discussion! This version of Mad World is just wonderful and amazing and perfect.
This is really lovely, and proof that it's possible for a recording to be minimalist, but still have great impact.
This is very true, but for every "minimalist" recording like this that just hits perfectly, you get at least double the number of "Smells Like Teen Spirit by Tori Amos" complete and utter misses.
But that's for a different discussion! This version of Mad World is just wonderful and amazing and perfect.
By far the best version, moody and poignant.
Ruined by their label selling out the song to advertisers, in particular, hospital chains, back in the 2000s.
A Mad Mad World...2.24.2022
perfect segue from Satie's Gnossienne No1 Bill. I am in aweHappy Christmas war is...
Oh shit
Oh shit
overplayed-> psd
(give me T4F anytime)
(give me T4F anytime)
Let's not forget Adam Lambert's version which is terrific.
This is really lovely, and proof that it's possible for a recording to be minimalist, but still have great impact.
Love this.
Been such a fan of this song, in all its incarnations from TFF, to Gary Jules and now my kids just played me the version by Imagine Dragons - for the modern generation I 'spose.
Love the harmonies!! Worth checking out.
Love the harmonies!! Worth checking out.
I used to like this type of music, until I decided to be happy.
Awesome combination, Gnossienne No1, Mad World and No Reason. Only possible on Radio Paradise.
Beautiful segue from Gnossienne No1 by Erik Satie.
tomperth1 wrote:
...although that'd be quite cool to hear.
I wish I had a dollar for how often I've corrected people who insist that it is Michael Stipe performing this cover.
...although that'd be quite cool to hear.
This one has really grown on me and my ears really prick up now when it comes on.
I wish I had a dollar for how often I've corrected people who insist that it is Michael Stipe performing this cover.
There is a version on Youtube of Curt Smith(of Tears For Fears) and his daughter doing this song and it is really nice. Makes ya' smile.
And my own bit: the lyrics spoke for themselves and didn’t need the almost saccharinely sorrowful pace of this version. It ruined the message.
Try again: Maboleth agree
Manoel the agree
Proclivities wrote:
Puddles Pity Party - perfect!
Puddles Pity Party - perfect!
Wouldn't change a thing. 10
Always enjoy Satie, this one...not so much. A song for serious things who take themselves seriously? The original at least had a tempo
The beauty of Donnie Darko
Everyone has their preference on this song certainly. I prefer this version. Slower, more sparse. I think it fits the song & lyrics better but it's just my opinion.
I find Tears for Fears original 1000x better, as this added unnecessary layer of sugar coat/overblown emotions, heard far too many times in many solo performers.
Or simply put, sounds overly dramatic and whiny over something that was rather a genuine piece as in Tears for Fears.
Or simply put, sounds overly dramatic and whiny over something that was rather a genuine piece as in Tears for Fears.
A really nice rendition performed by Curt Smith and daughter at home during quarantine....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEpfvTdR5-U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEpfvTdR5-U
I think this song won UK song of the year 2003 when 2003 was also voted " saddest year ever " or some such in the UK. Zeitgeist anyone ?
acolt wrote:
Exactly - I knew the song when it first came out, and this version brought everyone's attention to the song; and many people discovered the original because of this one.
This is like Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt." Both the original and the seminal cover have their place. I'd argue, like Cash, Gary Jules made this song his, but it's such a departure from the original, both in intention and composition, that there's room for both.
All that to say, it's not taking anything from Tears for Fears to elevate this song as an achievement in its own right.
All that to say, it's not taking anything from Tears for Fears to elevate this song as an achievement in its own right.
Exactly - I knew the song when it first came out, and this version brought everyone's attention to the song; and many people discovered the original because of this one.
billybob123 wrote:
I agree it's a great cover, but the instrumentation in the original gives it a different mood. This one is exceptionally somber, which is fitting, but the original has that bit of extra 'feel' for me.
This is such a good cover. It seems to reflect the mood of the lyric even better than the original. It's difficult for me to write that, but it's what I feel at this moment.
I agree it's a great cover, but the instrumentation in the original gives it a different mood. This one is exceptionally somber, which is fitting, but the original has that bit of extra 'feel' for me.
poetdancer wrote:
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
This is such a good song, all versions are good
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
This is such a good song, all versions are good
"When people run in circles it's a very, very Mad world"
Sounds like the Trumpian dystopia
How are things in racism these days?
Just take your bleach
MAGA
Sounds like the Trumpian dystopia
How are things in racism these days?
Just take your bleach
MAGA
poetdancer wrote:
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
Agreed!
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
Agreed!
This is like Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt." Both the original and the seminal cover have their place. I'd argue, like Cash, Gary Jules made this song his, but it's such a departure from the original, both in intention and composition, that there's room for both.
All that to say, it's not taking anything from Tears for Fears to elevate this song as an achievement in its own right.
All that to say, it's not taking anything from Tears for Fears to elevate this song as an achievement in its own right.
I want to add an additional 10 to my rating 
Donnie: - "Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?"
Frank: - "Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?"
Frank: - "Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?"
This is such a good cover. It seems to reflect the mood of the lyric even better than the original. It's difficult for me to write that, but it's what I feel at this moment.
I like this song but it’s one of those songs that has been covered so many times the original artist is obscured. It makes the song somewhat sterile now. Of course this was the normal procedure for songs from the 40s through to the 80s but think the practice has had its time. Not big on Tears for Fears but I’ll go back to them every time for this song.
Overplayed everywhere? Maybe
A bit maudlin? Maybe
But this has to be a fricking 9 or 10 because it is a unique, haunting composition that taps right into some subterranean flow.
13 (my grand-niece) to 69 (me) .... it gets you.
Some composition.
A bit maudlin? Maybe
But this has to be a fricking 9 or 10 because it is a unique, haunting composition that taps right into some subterranean flow.
13 (my grand-niece) to 69 (me) .... it gets you.
Some composition.
OlderGentleman wrote:
Just bumped from 9
10. Not that I can relate, but I think of all of the transient kids my wife gets in her school bouncing from cities like Chicago and back...
Original an 8. This version a solid 10 in my mad world.
Just bumped from 9
10. Not that I can relate, but I think of all of the transient kids my wife gets in her school bouncing from cities like Chicago and back...Original an 8. This version a solid 10 in my mad world.
S_L420 wrote:
I dig this too...though I prefer my Absolut in a glass...and I wear a size 12 boot...LLRP!!
i dig this, absolut 10 in my boot
I dig this too...though I prefer my Absolut in a glass...and I wear a size 12 boot...LLRP!!
i dig this, absolut 10 in my boot
There's also an instrumental cover in the opening of Sr. Ávila.
This song always touches something in my heart no matter who sings it.
Play the original Tears for Fears...
Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!
Long Live Radio Paradise
My rating is only 8 WEAK
My rating is only 8 WEAK
Best version of this song
BobbyCat wrote:
BillG balances his choice to play the Gary Jules version by following it by Tears For Fears "Everybody wants to rule the world".
Karma is restored!
I still don't understand why Bill always plays this one, when the original is sooooo much better yet never gets played. So sad 
BillG balances his choice to play the Gary Jules version by following it by Tears For Fears "Everybody wants to rule the world".
Karma is restored!
Such a wonderful song..
BobbyCat wrote:
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
I still don't understand why Bill always plays this one, when the original is sooooo much better yet never gets played. So sad
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
I still don't understand why Bill always plays this one, when the original is sooooo much better yet never gets played. So sad
t00lur wrote:
No, t00lur... I was romeotuma, but I got burned at the stake here in paradise by an angry mob of unsophisticated tone-deaf peasants... I was saved because of my faith in sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll... love this cover... fun to play on the piano... "Mad World" is a song by the British band Tears for Fears, the band's third single release and first chart hit, reaching #3 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1982... two decades later, the song was covered in a much slower, ballad-like style by composers Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack to the movie Donnie Darko... this version reached #1 in the UK in December 2003... time flies when we're having fun... hope life is grand for you right this minute, t00lur...
romeotuma = Bill
No, t00lur... I was romeotuma, but I got burned at the stake here in paradise by an angry mob of unsophisticated tone-deaf peasants... I was saved because of my faith in sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll... love this cover... fun to play on the piano... "Mad World" is a song by the British band Tears for Fears, the band's third single release and first chart hit, reaching #3 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1982... two decades later, the song was covered in a much slower, ballad-like style by composers Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack to the movie Donnie Darko... this version reached #1 in the UK in December 2003... time flies when we're having fun... hope life is grand for you right this minute, t00lur...
Loved the original, but this when used in the right context is genius.
please don't over play it.
8
please don't over play it.
8
Just excellent. Better than the original? Why worry about that, just take it for what it is; a super song, well sung.
I loved the original. I love this one as well. Oddly enough, this version seems to capture the emotion a bit better than Tears for Fears did with the original.
Proclivities wrote:
Wow, that was great. Thanks for posting!
Wow, that was great. Thanks for posting!
Proclivities wrote:
Thanks for posting that. Very funny/creepy.
Thanks for posting that. Very funny/creepy.
Phlegmaticman wrote:
Not better or worse to me - just different. Puddles Pity Party also does an interesting version.
A case where the cover is better than the original?
Not better or worse to me - just different. Puddles Pity Party also does an interesting version.
Phlegmaticman wrote:
NO. This is not that case.
NO. This is not that case.
A case where the cover is better than the original?
rdo wrote:
If you want to get truly technical about it, the process of dying (of old age) begins the moment you are born. Therefore every dream you have is one in which you are dying.
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
.
.
This is not possible. You cannot know that you are dying in a dream, unless it is a dream that a doctor gave you a terminal prognosis....You see, if you are dead, you are not conscious, and therefore you cannot dream you are not conscious. Not possible. And if you are conscious, you cannot know that you'll be dead. Let's say you dreamed you were falling to your death from a great height. First, you cannot know that this fall will result in a death. Many survive great falls. But anyway that would not be a dream about dying, but instead a dream about "falling from a great height", or, even better, 'falling off a skyscraper' or 'out of an airplane', because no one would ever describe a dream about "falling from a skyscraper" a "dream about dying".......>>>>> ——— that makes little sense.
Are the best I've ever had
.
.
This is not possible. You cannot know that you are dying in a dream, unless it is a dream that a doctor gave you a terminal prognosis....You see, if you are dead, you are not conscious, and therefore you cannot dream you are not conscious. Not possible. And if you are conscious, you cannot know that you'll be dead. Let's say you dreamed you were falling to your death from a great height. First, you cannot know that this fall will result in a death. Many survive great falls. But anyway that would not be a dream about dying, but instead a dream about "falling from a great height", or, even better, 'falling off a skyscraper' or 'out of an airplane', because no one would ever describe a dream about "falling from a skyscraper" a "dream about dying".......>>>>> ——— that makes little sense.
If you want to get truly technical about it, the process of dying (of old age) begins the moment you are born. Therefore every dream you have is one in which you are dying.
When Jet Engines come crashing into your room while your getting ready to go to SCHOOL.
A Bill Triple Play about SCHOOL
A Bill Triple Play about SCHOOL
That rabbit in the mirror!!! Always the rabbit!
Yes It Is - When Jet Engines come crashing into your room.
9 years with RP and never used the PSD button. First time for everything as I have never liked this whiny cover. I'd listen to the original any day.
A case where the cover is better than the original?
Too sad a song for me, reminds me my son Alex when he died being only 16...
Somehow when this plays I hear a very heavy thrash version in my head that makes me want to jump around and dance. I absolutely love it.
I'll never know if I would love it as much if I didn't come to it from Donnie Darko, but I think I would.
Amazing track.
I'll never know if I would love it as much if I didn't come to it from Donnie Darko, but I think I would.
Amazing track.
Webfoot wrote:
28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds.
Wow, the tunes are fantastic this morning. I'm not going to get any work done!
28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds.
The Tears For Fears version is awesome as well - haven't heard it in years though
A fantastic cover.
Touching....outstanding song.
Proclivities wrote:
I have no idea why anyone would watch American Idol, but I guess that's just me.
Then you'll be happy to hear it's finally going to end in a few months. FOR GOOD!
The bad news is they'll probably create another singing competition show to take its place...
I have no idea why anyone would watch American Idol, but I guess that's just me.
Then you'll be happy to hear it's finally going to end in a few months. FOR GOOD!
The bad news is they'll probably create another singing competition show to take its place...
springof63 wrote:
I was working in the UK at the time. Never understood why this was the UK Christmas Number 1 single. But it was probably the best thing on the radio at the time. Everything else was manufactured boy/girl pop groups.
Happy Christmas,
War is... (oh shit)
.
This was the UK Christmas Number 1 single 2003
it works on many levels but it will always make me think of Christmas.
Perhaps you could follow this with
Ian Gillan - M. A. D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)
I'm doing that myself now, be back in a minute.
cheers
War is... (oh shit)
.
This was the UK Christmas Number 1 single 2003
it works on many levels but it will always make me think of Christmas.
Perhaps you could follow this with
Ian Gillan - M. A. D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)
I'm doing that myself now, be back in a minute.
cheers
I was working in the UK at the time. Never understood why this was the UK Christmas Number 1 single. But it was probably the best thing on the radio at the time. Everything else was manufactured boy/girl pop groups.
Donnie Darko is a very good movie. Not great; but very good.
Excelente !
jgrosch wrote:
Opinions vary.
Really good version of this song,
better than the original
better than the original
Opinions vary.
jgrosch wrote:
almost
Really good version of this song,
better than the original
better than the original
almost
Really good version of this song,
better than the original
better than the original
Happy Christmas,
War is... (oh shit)
.
This was the UK Christmas Number 1 single 2003
it works on many levels but it will always make me think of Christmas.
Perhaps you could follow this with
Ian Gillan - M. A. D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)
I'm doing that myself now, be back in a minute.
cheers
War is... (oh shit)
.
This was the UK Christmas Number 1 single 2003
it works on many levels but it will always make me think of Christmas.
Perhaps you could follow this with
Ian Gillan - M. A. D. (Mutually Assured Destruction)
I'm doing that myself now, be back in a minute.
cheers
This song burrows in under my skin every. damn. time.
It is the acoustic incarnation of goosebumps.
It is the acoustic incarnation of goosebumps.
Sasha2001 wrote:
This is absolutely hilarious Proclivities. Each song on this mix is a cover by some no-name artist. What were you doing on Amazon that led you down the rabbit hole to this playlist?
Fortunately, I don't remember.
This is absolutely hilarious Proclivities. Each song on this mix is a cover by some no-name artist. What were you doing on Amazon that led you down the rabbit hole to this playlist?
Fortunately, I don't remember.
Timbo080 wrote:
Same for me, and I usually tend to be unforgiving to 80's covers, but this one is absolutely outstanding, and this man climbed the mountain from the most risky side with this almost a-cappella version, without betraying the emotion of the original.
I actually love both the "Tears for Fears" version and this one - great song!
Same for me, and I usually tend to be unforgiving to 80's covers, but this one is absolutely outstanding, and this man climbed the mountain from the most risky side with this almost a-cappella version, without betraying the emotion of the original.
Today, 70 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki...listening to Mad World
Stoner hour.
Very nice. Thank you. :)
Very nice. Thank you. :)
Timbo080 wrote:
Ditto!!
I actually love both the "Tears for Fears" version and this one - great song!
Ditto!!
Proclivities wrote:
This is absolutely hilarious Proclivities. Each song on this mix is a cover by some no-name artist. What were you doing on Amazon that led you down the rabbit hole to this playlist?
This is absolutely hilarious Proclivities. Each song on this mix is a cover by some no-name artist. What were you doing on Amazon that led you down the rabbit hole to this playlist?
rdo wrote:
"Dying" is not "dead", thus your confusion.
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
.
.
This is not possible. You cannot know that you are dying in a dream, unless it is a dream that a doctor gave you a terminal prognosis....You see, if you are dead, you are not conscious, and therefore you cannot dream you are not conscious. Not possible. And if you are conscious, you cannot know that you'll be dead. Let's say you dreamed you were falling to your death from a great height. First, you cannot know that this fall will result in a death. Many survive great falls. But anyway that would not be a dream about dying, but instead a dream about "falling from a great height", or, even better, 'falling off a skyscraper' or 'out of an airplane', because no one would ever describe a dream about "falling from a skyscraper" a "dream about dying".......>>>>> ——— that makes little sense.
Are the best I've ever had
.
.
This is not possible. You cannot know that you are dying in a dream, unless it is a dream that a doctor gave you a terminal prognosis....You see, if you are dead, you are not conscious, and therefore you cannot dream you are not conscious. Not possible. And if you are conscious, you cannot know that you'll be dead. Let's say you dreamed you were falling to your death from a great height. First, you cannot know that this fall will result in a death. Many survive great falls. But anyway that would not be a dream about dying, but instead a dream about "falling from a great height", or, even better, 'falling off a skyscraper' or 'out of an airplane', because no one would ever describe a dream about "falling from a skyscraper" a "dream about dying".......>>>>> ——— that makes little sense.
"Dying" is not "dead", thus your confusion.