Mad World
E. Calzia - Cram Lyrics


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All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for the 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
These 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

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
Mad world




Mad world
Mad world

Overall Meaning

In these poignant lyrics of "Mad World" by E. Calzia - Cram, the singer paints a bleak picture of a society filled with familiar faces caught in the monotony of life's daily routines. The worn-out faces and worn-out places signify the sense of exhaustion and disillusionment that many feel in their day-to-day existence. The reference to the daily races that lead nowhere suggests a sense of futility and purposelessness in the lives of these individuals, as they are trapped in a cycle of unfulfilling repetition.


The imagery of tears filling up glasses with no expression on the faces reflects a deep emotional emptiness and a desire to escape from the overwhelming sorrow that permeates their reality. The desire to drown their sorrow and the absence of hope for a better tomorrow convey a profound sense of despair and hopelessness that pervades their lives.


The chorus delves deeper into the singer's introspection, highlighting the juxtaposition of finding humor and sadness in the dreams of death that seem to offer solace and release from the harsh realities of life. The inability to articulate these complex emotions to others and the frustration of witnessing people trapped in endless circles of repetition evoke a sense of alienation and disconnection from the world around them. The repeated refrain of "Mad world" emphasizes the chaotic and irrational nature of the society depicted in the song.


The mention of children waiting for a day to feel good and the singer's reminiscence of being nervous and unnoticed at school further underscore the theme of alienation and lack of connection with others. The juxtaposition of a happy birthday wish with the subdued reality of feeling lost and invisible reflects the stark contrast between societal expectations and personal experiences. The plea to the teacher for guidance and the feeling of being unseen and unheard imply a sense of longing for understanding and validation in a world that seems indifferent and cold.


Overall, "Mad World" delves into the complexities of human emotions, societal disillusionment, and existential questioning. The lyrics capture a sense of melancholy, alienation, and despair that many can relate to in a world that often feels confusing and overwhelming. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, the song invites listeners to reflect on the fragility of the human experience and the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that can sometimes feel mad and incomprehensible.


Line by Line Meaning

All around me are familiar faces
Surrounded by people I know well


Worn out places, worn out faces
Tired environments with tired people


Bright and early for the daily races
Eagerly starting another mundane day


Going nowhere, going nowhere
Feeling stuck in a monotonous routine


Their tears are filling up their glasses
Their emotions pouring out in silence


No expression, no expression
Hiding true feelings behind a mask


Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow
Seeking escapism from pain and sadness


No tomorrow, no tomorrow
Feeling like there is no hope for the future


And I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad
Conflicted emotions about life's absurdity


These dreams in which I'm dying
Fantasizing about release from suffering


Are the best I've ever had
Finding solace in the idea of death


I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take
Struggling to communicate feelings of despair


When people run in circles it's a very very
Seeing societal behavior as nonsensical


Mad world
A chaotic and senseless reality


Children waiting for the day they feel good
Kids longing for happiness to come


Happy birthday, happy birthday
Expecting joy on special occasions


And I feel the way that every child should
Longing for innocence and simplicity


Sit and listen, sit and listen
Being quiet and attentive like a child


Went to school and I was very nervous
Anxious about fitting in at school


No one knew me, no one knew me
Feeling invisible and unnoticed


Hello, teacher, tell me what's my lesson
Seeking guidance and purpose in education


Look right through me, Look right through me
Feeling overlooked and insignificant




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sentric Music
Written by: Roland Orzabal

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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