Song Exploder Tears for Fears - Everybody Wants to Rule the World
132 snips
May 7, 2025 
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, the legendary duo behind Tears for Fears, share their journey from the formation of the band in 1981 to their iconic status. They dive into the creative process behind their colossal hit 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World,' revealing the evolving title and its powerful themes of ambition. The duo reflects on their contrasting personalities, industry challenges, and the collaborative spirit that shaped their sound. Their candid stories illustrate how personal experiences influenced the song's emotional depth and enduring legacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Band Origin Story
- Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith first met when Roland visited Curt while he was grounded at 14 in Bath, England.
- Roland was intrigued by Curt's unashamed singing and felt Curt should be lead singer despite being wary at first.
Tension Fuels Creativity
- Roland Orzabal believes musical partnerships need tension and differing approaches.
- This creative friction is essential before harmony is found over time.
Facing Pressure After First Album
- Tears for Fears faced pressure after their first album but wanted to evolve beyond formulaic hits.
- Their single "The Way You Are" was rejected and only reached #24, which pushed them back to focusing on songwriting.
