Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Ella Yelich O'Connor; Lorde 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 behaviour
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the world
It's my own design
It's my own remorse
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
Everybody wants to rule the world
Everybody wants to rule the world
Dear Ella Yelich O'Connor,
The song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" portrays the theme of power, control, and greed. The opening lines "Welcome to your life, there's no turning back" indicate that once you become aware of your surroundings and your place in this world, you cannot go back. Furthermore, the lines "Even while we sleep, we will find you," suggest that the desire for power and control is inherent in human nature.
The song also speaks about how individuals act on their best behavior to gain an advantage in attaining power, and in doing so, they often turn their backs on mother nature. The lines "It's my own design, it's my own remorse, help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure," express the idea that the desire for power can come at a cost. People may feel remorseful for their actions, but they still want to pursue power and experience the pleasure and freedom that it brings.
The chorus "Everybody wants to rule the world" suggests that the desire for power and control is prevalent in society, and everybody wants to have it. The lines "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" emphasizes the idea that power and control can be overpowering, and you need someone to rely on when everything comes crashing down.
In conclusion, the song portrays the dark side of human nature, where power and control are the driving forces that everyone desires. It reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and we may have to face consequences for the actions we take to attain power.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to your life
Life is an experience that one is thrust into without a choice.
There's no turning back
Time moves forward and there is no way to go back to a previous moment.
Even while we sleep
The world and its events continue to exist even when we are not conscious of them.
We will find you
No one can escape the effects of the world and its actions.
Acting on your best behavior
Trying to be the best version of oneself, conforming to societal norms.
Turn your back on mother nature
Indulging in human desires and materialism which harm nature.
Everybody wants to rule the world
Humans have a desire for power and control over their environment and other people.
It's my own design
The consequences of one's actions and behaviors are a result of personal choices.
It's my own remorse
One must take responsibility for their actions and feel regret for any mistakes made.
Help me to decide
Asking for guidance and support to make important choices in life.
Help me make the most
Making the most of opportunities and experiences presented in life.
Of freedom and of pleasure
Enjoying the liberty and happiness that comes with making personal choices in life.
Nothing ever lasts forever
All things come to an end, including material possessions and life itself.
There's a room where the light won't find you
A place exists where one can escape the harsh reality and demands of the world.
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
Facing challenges and adversity while having someone to rely on for help and support.
When they do I'll be right behind you
Supporting and standing by someone through tough times and difficult situations.
So glad we've almost made it
Grateful for having overcome challenges and obstacles to reach a goal.
So sad they had to fade it
Regretful for not being able to sustain the happiness and success achieved.
Everybody wants to rule the world
A repetition of the above-mentioned meaning, emphasizing the universal desire for power and control.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHRIS HUGHES, IAN STANLEY, ROLAND ORZABAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind