The classic ‘Mad World’ by Tears for Fears seems to be a poignant string of world-weary haikus. In between its stanzas below are some one-liner comments. Above is the more meditative cover version by Gary Jules, in a video directed by the very creative Michel Gondry, who gave us the amazing ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, while below is the original song. Both are ingenious works in their own right. Tears for Fears is coming to Singapore in May, but the ticket pricing is a little too challenging for me!
Mad World
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places
Worn out faces
Comments: May we have compassion for one another instead of despair about one another.
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere
Going nowhere
Comments: May we have the aspiration to break free of Samsara, instead of pining for more within it.
Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression
No expression
Comments: May we be relieved after any tears; not drained of life and will.
Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow
No tomorrow
Comments: May we have the will to face our suffering today for a better tomorrow, instead of hide from it.
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
Comments: May we have the wisdom that death does not transcend suffering; that only liberation does.
I find it hard to tell you
‘Cos I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It’s a very very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad World
(A raunchy young world
Mad world)
Comments: May we have the courage to see the futility of Samsaric rebirth and thus break free.
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
Comments: May we treasure today every day, to make it a special day, as we advance closer to liberation.
And I feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen
Sit and listen
Comments: May we sit and listen to ourselves too; not just others.
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me
No one knew me
Comments: May we transform our existential aloneness into a deeper journey of self-discovery.
Hello teacher tell me what’s my lesson
Look right through me
Look right through me…
Comments: May we readily master and share our lessons well.
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