Mad World
Wolfgang Gartner ft Will.I.Am Lyrics

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What would you say
If the whole world could hear it
What would you do
If you knew they would believe it

I need something real
And we don't care how you feel
I don't wanna give up

We will never give up

We got black mascara running
We want change but it ain't coming
Hanging by a thread
So close to the edge

We wanna beat that generation
But we can't live up to their expectations
Hanging by a thread
So close to the edge

Living in a mad world
We're living in a mad world
Living in a mad

I cannot change
I'm proud of who I am
And this is how I stay
Don't care if you understand it

I need something real
And we don't care how you feel
I don't wanna give up
We will never give up

We got black mascara running
We want change but it ain't coming
Hanging by a thread
So close to the edge

We wanna (oh) beat that generation
But we can't live up to their expectations
Hanging (oh) by a thread
So close to the edge

Living in a mad world
We're living in a mad world
We're living in a mad world
We're living in a mad world
We're living in a mad world

We got black mascara running
We want change but it ain't coming
Hanging by a thread
So close to the edge

We wanna (oh) beat that generation
But we can't live up to their expectations
Hanging (oh) by a thread
So close to the edge

What would you say
If the whole world could hear it

What would you do
If you knew they would believe it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Mad World" by Wolfgang Gartner ft Will.I.Am delve into the frustration and disillusionment of living in a chaotic and overwhelming world. The song explores the desire for something real and the yearning for change, but also acknowledges the difficulty in achieving these aspirations.

The opening lines, "What would you say, if the whole world could hear it? What would you do, if you knew they would believe it?" reflect a longing for one's voice to be heard and acknowledged by the masses. It speaks to the desire to make an impact and have one's ideas, opinions, or grievances recognized on a global scale.

The repeated refrain of "We got black mascara running, we want change but it ain't coming, hanging by a thread, so close to the edge" paints a picture of despair and uncertainty. The black mascara running symbolizes the emotional turmoil and pain experienced by individuals seeking change and justice. The feeling of being "hanging by a thread, so close to the edge" suggests a precarious position where hope and desperation intertwine.

The mention of wanting to "beat that generation" and the pressure to live up to societal expectations signifies the struggle faced by the younger generation trying to make a difference while feeling constrained by the standards set by those who came before them. This adds to the frustration and sense of being trapped in a cycle that is difficult to break.

Ultimately, the repeated declaration of "Living in a mad world" summarizes the overarching theme of the song. It encapsulates the feeling of being overwhelmed by the chaos and insanity of the world we inhabit. The refusal to give up and the assertion of pride in one's identity amidst the madness conveys a sense of resilience and determination to persevere.

Overall, "Mad World" explores the longing for change, the frustration of unmet expectations, and the determination to stay true to oneself in a chaotic and unpredictable world. It offers an emotional depiction of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals who strive to make a difference and have their voices heard.

Line by Line Meaning

What would you say
What opinion or message would you express

If the whole world could hear it
If everyone on Earth had the ability to listen

What would you do
How would you act or behave

If you knew they would believe it
If you were confident that they would accept and trust it

I need something real
I desire authenticity or genuineness

And we don't care how you feel
And it is of no concern to us how you feel

I don't wanna give up
I have no intention to surrender or quit

We will never give up
We are committed to perseverance and determination

We got black mascara running
Our mascara is smudging due to tears or emotions

We want change but it ain't coming
We desire transformation, but it seems unlikely or delayed

Hanging by a thread
Existing in a precarious or uncertain state

So close to the edge
Nearly reaching a point of no return or extreme situation

We wanna beat that generation
We aspire to surpass or outperform the previous generation

But we can't live up to their expectations
However, we are unable to meet the standards they set

Living in a mad world
Residing in a chaotic or crazy society

We're living in a mad world
We are currently experiencing an insane or irrational world

I cannot change
I am incapable of altering or modifying

I'm proud of who I am
I have a sense of self-worth and satisfaction with my identity

And this is how I stay
And this is the method I employ to maintain my well-being

Don't care if you understand it
I do not mind if you comprehend or grasp it