Olivier fancies himself a goat farmer, from rural France, but instead he’s a conservatory trained Parisian violinist and composer. Clare had a not-so-booming business of selling frogs by the side of the road as a child, and is the offspring of Geoff Muldaur. As a teen, Bob had the hair to prove he could play every note of Yngwie Malmsteen’s guitar solos (yes, he can!). This picturesque mixture of personalities has formed music rich in imagery, resulting in their songs being featured in several films and commercials. They have shared the stage with Devotchka, Vic Chesnutt, St. Vincent, Nouvelle Vague and others. Highlights from their most recent tours are The Meltdown Festival in London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Primavera Festival in Barcelona, Moogfest in Asheville, Pop Montreal, La Cigale in Paris, The Paradiso in Amsterdam (released as a live CD), Union Chapel in London, and three trips to play in the band’s beloved Japan in just over a year.
Their debut album “The Movie” had a clear warm sound with a large string section artfully arranged by Olivier Manchon, recorded in an orchestral room and mixed to tape. Collaborators of great talent stepped in; Sufjan Stevens sang a duet with Clare and Van Dyke Parks played piano on one song. On their second album “Arrow”, the band experimented with more electronic elements, brass, and a stacked approach. Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) lent her voice to a song. The album was a stepping stone to their newest effort. KR-51 resided at the top a very steep hill for the band, a writing process filled with heartache, raw honesty, relentless practice, and a tireless willingness to throw things away. Clare studied the way Lotte Lenya delivered so convincingly, and you may hear the adventurous attitude of early Kate Bush in Clare’s writing. The great James McAlister (Sufjan Stevens) played drums on the album, filling it with crunch and bang, driving the record. Clare and the Reasons are not interested in the easy way, they are interested in the musical way. In a world of sound banks and sequencers, an orchestra made up of members of the Orchestre de Paris materialized, and was recorded live in Paris, something Clare and the Reasons consider a miracle.
The band sunk themselves into a city of many histories, a city of concrete boxes and fluted columns. Those contrasts, at times stark and streamlined, at times grandly lush, show up in the 11 songs on KR-51. They carry the meticulous orchestration and innovative songwriting Clare and the Reasons are known for, while also carrying a little more sorrow, a lot more distorted guitar, and a little more darkness of heart. Clare, Olivier and Bob were given room to contribute what only they could as musicians, in the beautiful recording studio sprouted in the middle of a vast sea of farm green. Clare and the Reasons’ third album, KR-51, is their Berlin.
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Clare & the Reasons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
Help me to decide
Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
There's a room where the light won't find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do, I'll be right behind you
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world
I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world
Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it
One headline, why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the world
All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world
The song "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Clare & the Reasons is a cover of the classic hit by Tears for Fears. The opening lines of the song, "Welcome to your life, there's no turning back," set the tone for the rest of the tune. The song appears to be a commentary on the human condition and the desire to control one's own destiny. It speaks to the idea that we all want to be in control of our lives, but that in doing so, we must also turn our backs on nature.
The second verse of the song continues with the theme of personal responsibility and regret. The singer recognizes that they are the architect of their own life, but they also acknowledge that they need help to make the most out of it. The lyrics "Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure, Nothing ever lasts forever" express the idea that we need to make the most of our lives because it won't last forever.
The song's chorus is perhaps the most memorable part of the song. It speaks to the idea that everyone wants to rule the world, but that not everyone is capable of doing so. The lyrics "Everybody wants to rule the world," are repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the recurring theme of the desire for power and control.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to your life
You are starting your life journey.
There's no turning back
You cannot undo what has already been done.
Even while we sleep
Our actions and decisions reflect who we are even when we are not awake.
We will find you acting on your best behavior
We are expected to be our best selves.
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Ignoring nature will have consequences.
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everyone's strive for power and control.
It's my own design
The path we choose for ourselves is our responsibility.
It's my own remorse
We must live with the consequences of each decision we make.
Help me to decide
Assist me in making the best decision.
Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure
Help me to enjoy life to the fullest.
Nothing ever lasts forever
All good things will eventually come to an end.
Everybody wants to rule the world
Desire for power and control is universal.
There's a room where the light won't find you
There are places where one can hide and avoid public scrutiny.
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
Facing adversity together.
When they do, I'll be right behind you
I will support you through the tough times.
So glad we've almost made it
We are relieved to have made significant progress.
So sad they had to fade it
We regret the loss of something valuable.
Everybody wants to rule the world
People are driven by the same desires.
I can't stand this indecision
Being indecisive is frustrating.
Married with a lack of vision
Being set in one's ways prevent progress and purpose.
Everybody wants to rule the world
Desire for power and control is universal.
Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it
Promises made but not kept.
One headline, why believe it?
The media often contains false information.
Everybody wants to rule the world
Desire for power and control is universal.
All for freedom and for pleasure
We strive to live a life with freedom and happiness.
Nothing ever lasts forever
All good things will eventually come to an end.
Everybody wants to rule the world
Desire for power and control is universal.
Contributed by Nora J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ppdolina
Upvote if you're here because of 'The Power"
@lopezf1
I loved how they used this song in opening of S01E08!!! Just came here wanting to hear it again
@hvelez8239
The power brought me here but I'm staying because I love this version of the song
@hvelez8239
Great cover
@HariOmRadhaKrishna
looking for Sleepy Head by this band
@frogstand
Sure! It’s called “Wake up (you sleepy head)” streaming etc
@supamarx5782
Hey Rox, you alright love?
@melissasievers7115
Yep, SLiDE... xD
@JohnGottschalk
So, SLiDE is an Australian TV show aimed at Teenagers. In case your google isn't working for you.
@LigiaPowodz
John Gottschalk Thanks :D