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Gary Jules — Mad World
Album: Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets
Avg rating:
7.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 7528









Released: 2001
Length: 2:59
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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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
Comments (1054)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
Posted 1 month ago by bodinrichard1    [ Reply ]
The world just gets madder unfortunately. Beautiful song.
Posted 6 months ago by waynemcnee8    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 7 months ago by bluebeag    [ Reply ]
Posted 9 months ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 rtrt wrote:

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
Posted 9 months ago by rtrt    [ Reply ]
At this time, it really is a totally fucking mad world...
Posted 10 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]


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....
Posted 1 year ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 1 year ago by waterwench21    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 1 year ago by xray38    [ Reply ]

Donnie's gonna need a Tylenol in a moment...



Posted 1 year ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
Try that "https://youtu.be/1F81N5Ephpc"
Posted 1 year ago by KlingKlang    [ Reply ]
My favorite interpretation of all time
Posted 1 year ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 1 year ago by daveysprocket    [ Reply ]
The haunting piano part adds so much to this version. 
Posted 1 year ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 tomperth1 wrote:

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?
Posted 1 year ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Perfect for after Welcome to the Machine!
Posted 1 year ago by NinthGate    [ Reply ]
 meatmike wrote:

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.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 Sloggydog wrote:

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. 
Posted 1 year ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 meatmike wrote:

Good, but unnecessary cover.


And the cover concept is neither original, check this old one...
Posted 2 years ago by barullo    [ Reply ]
Good, but unnecessary cover.
Posted 2 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
not sure...
Posted 2 years ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
7 --==>> 8.
Posted 2 years ago by SpencerAR    [ Reply ]
Younger generation has just a little clue, but need help, as our World does.
Posted 2 years ago by Rockit999    [ Reply ]
Most people think this is the original. 
Posted 2 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
 radioparadise9 wrote:

How's it working out with the opiods?





jaja
Posted 2 years ago by fabduchi    [ Reply ]
 jacopo777 wrote:

I used to like this type of music, until I decided to be happy.


How's it working out with the opiods?

Posted 2 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
 talexb wrote:

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.
Posted 2 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
By far the best version, moody and poignant. 
Posted 2 years ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
Ruined by their label selling out the song to advertisers, in particular, hospital chains, back in the 2000s.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
A Mad Mad World...2.24.2022 
Posted 2 years ago by floydginger    [ Reply ]
 perfect segue from Satie's Gnossienne No1 Bill. I am in awe
Posted 2 years ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
Happy Christmas war is...

Oh shit
Posted 2 years ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
overplayed-> psd 

(give me T4F anytime)
Posted 2 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
Let's not forget Adam Lambert's version which is terrific.
Posted 2 years ago by debsutherland793    [ Reply ]
This is really lovely, and proof that it's possible for a recording to be minimalist, but still have great impact.
Posted 2 years ago by talexb    [ Reply ]
Love this. 
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by ahenwood    [ Reply ]
I used to like this type of music, until I decided to be happy.
Posted 3 years ago by jacopo777    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP.
Posted 3 years ago by jesseoxwell    [ Reply ]
Awesome combination,  Gnossienne No1, Mad World and No Reason. Only possible on Radio Paradise.
Posted 3 years ago by Pollemusic    [ Reply ]
Beautiful segue from Gnossienne No1 by Erik Satie.
Posted 3 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
 tomperth1 wrote:

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. 
Posted 3 years ago by grimdarc    [ Reply ]
This one has really grown on me and my ears really prick up now when it comes on. 
Posted 3 years ago by Fiddlefye    [ Reply ]
I wish I had a dollar for how often I've corrected people who insist that it is Michael Stipe performing this cover.
Posted 3 years ago by tomperth1    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by milleymeister    [ Reply ]
Try again: Maboleth agree
Posted 3 years ago by milleymeister    [ Reply ]
Manoel the agree
Posted 3 years ago by milleymeister    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Not better or worse to me - just different.  Puddles Pity Party also does an interesting version.

Puddles Pity Party - perfect!
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Wouldn't change a thing. 10
Posted 3 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Always enjoy Satie, this one...not so much. A song for serious things who take themselves seriously? The original at least had a tempo
Posted 3 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
The beauty of Donnie Darko 
Posted 3 years ago by mariobee    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 3 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
A really nice rendition performed by Curt Smith and daughter at home during quarantine....



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEpfvTdR5-U
Posted 3 years ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
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 ?
Posted 4 years ago by Far    [ Reply ]
 acolt wrote:
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.
 

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.
Posted 4 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
 billybob123 wrote:
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. 
Posted 4 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
 poetdancer wrote:

I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
 
This is such a good song, all versions are good
Posted 4 years ago by chinashepherdess    [ Reply ]
"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
Posted 4 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
 poetdancer wrote:

I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
 
Agreed! 
Posted 4 years ago by rushfan    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
I want to add an additional 10 to my rating 
Posted 4 years ago by little_john    [ Reply ]
Donnie: - "Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?"
Frank: - "Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?"
Posted 4 years ago by casparsteinebach    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by billybob123    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by spacemanspiff    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by rashad    [ Reply ]
 OlderGentleman wrote:
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...
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Original an 8. This version a solid 10 in my mad world.
Posted 5 years ago by OlderGentleman    [ Reply ]
 S_L420 wrote:
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!!
Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
i dig this, absolut 10 in my boot
Posted 5 years ago by S_L420    [ Reply ]
There's also an instrumental cover in the opening of Sr. Ávila.
Posted 5 years ago by lje    [ Reply ]
This song always touches something in my heart no matter who sings it.
Posted 5 years ago by blackjellybean    [ Reply ]
Play the original Tears for Fears...
Posted 5 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!
Posted 5 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                  Radio Paradise  
My rating is only     8  WEAK
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
Best version of this song
Posted 5 years ago by bigbobbybubba    [ Reply ]
 BobbyCat wrote:
I still don't understand why Bill always plays this one, when the original is sooooo much better yet never gets played. So sad   {#Cry}
 
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!



Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Such a wonderful song..
Posted 6 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 BobbyCat wrote:
I still don't understand why Bill always plays this one, when the original is sooooo much better yet never gets played. So sad   {#Cry}
 
I actually like this version more than the original. Go figure.
Posted 6 years ago by poetdancer    [ Reply ]
I still don't understand why Bill always plays this one, when the original is sooooo much better yet never gets played. So sad   {#Cry}
Posted 6 years ago by BobbyCat    [ Reply ]
 t00lur wrote:
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...
Posted 7 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Loved the original, but this when used in the right context is genius.

please don't over play it.
8
Posted 7 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
Just excellent.  Better than the original? Why worry about that, just take it for what it is; a super song, well sung.
Posted 7 years ago by jeffpenfold    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 7 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Not better or worse to me - just different.  Puddles Pity Party also does an interesting version.

 

Wow, that was great. Thanks for posting!
Posted 7 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Not better or worse to me - just different.  Puddles Pity Party also does an interesting version.

 
Thanks for posting that. Very funny/creepy. 
Posted 7 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 Phlegmaticman wrote:
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.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Phlegmaticman wrote:
NO. This is not that case.
A case where the cover is better than the original?

 


Posted 7 years ago by fiddler    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
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. {#Eek}

 
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.
Posted 7 years ago by ashmj000    [ Reply ]
When Jet Engines come crashing into your room while your getting ready to go to SCHOOL.
A Bill Triple Play about SCHOOL
Posted 7 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
That rabbit in the mirror!!!  Always the rabbit!
Posted 7 years ago by ai63    [ Reply ]
Yes It Is - When Jet Engines come crashing into your room.
Posted 8 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 8 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
A case where the cover is better than the original?
Posted 8 years ago by Phlegmaticman    [ Reply ]
Too sad a song for me, reminds me my son Alex when he died being only 16...
Posted 8 years ago by Prius    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 8 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
 Webfoot wrote:
28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds.

 

Donnie: Why are you wearing that stupid bunny suit?

Frank: Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?


Posted 8 years ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
Wow, the tunes are fantastic this morning.  I'm not going to get any work done!

 
Posted 8 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds.
Posted 8 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
The Tears For Fears version is awesome as well - haven't heard it in years though
Posted 8 years ago by Timbo080    [ Reply ]
A fantastic cover. {#Notworthy}
Posted 8 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Touching....outstanding song.
 
Posted 8 years ago by TianGongZhong    [ Reply ]
 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... 
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 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

 
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.
Posted 8 years ago by inbagt    [ Reply ]
Donnie Darko is a very good movie. Not great; but very good.
Posted 8 years ago by bill-1956    [ Reply ]
Excelente !
Posted 8 years ago by TianGongZhong    [ Reply ]
 jgrosch wrote:
Really good version of this song,
better than the original

 
Opinions vary.
Posted 8 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
 jgrosch wrote:
Really good version of this song,
better than the original

 
almost
Posted 8 years ago by billybob123    [ Reply ]
Really good version of this song,
better than the original
Posted 8 years ago by jgrosch    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 9 years ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
This song burrows in under my skin every. damn. time.

It is the acoustic incarnation of goosebumps. 
Posted 9 years ago by ericdaryl    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Timbo080 wrote:
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.
Posted 9 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
Today, 70 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki...listening to Mad World
Posted 9 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]
Stoner hour. 
Very nice. Thank you. :) 
Posted 9 years ago by dokdicer    [ Reply ]


I leave this here...{#Laughing}
Posted 9 years ago by clyman99    [ Reply ]
 Timbo080 wrote:
I actually love both the "Tears for Fears" version and this one - great song!

 
Ditto!! 
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

Maybe you need to play some background "shopping" music instead.

 
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?
Posted 9 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]