Mad World

I don't watch American Idol. I must be one of the only humans on earth that doesn't. OK, I watched one of the seasons all the way through to see what all the hysteria was about. I can't even remember which one. That's how much of an impact it left on me. I am out of place when I go out with friends and everyone is talking about "who should have been voted off" and "can you believe that skirt she was wearing? Please!" My parents even watched last season. My parents!

However, there was no escaping the onslaught of the most recent "Idol." It was everywhere.

So out of cat-like curiosity, I tuned in maybe two shows out of announcing the winner. There was some guy who had the "christian" vote (whatever that means. Aren't they voting for the best talent?) and then I guess he got bumped off. But that night, I saw the most amazing being. This, this Rock God, the likes of which don't come around often. This Elvis like Freddy Mercury cross of Roy Orbison. Adam Lambert. I can't remember right now what song he sang that night. But whatever it was, I was mesmerized. Sucked in. Yeah, he got me.

I then wanted to see every song he had sung on the show. So I went to You Tube and was able to find some performances. Wham! There it was. A dream state offering of Mad World. O M G (should I be wearing green nail polish and twisting my blond hair right now?) One of the best cover songs I have ever heard. Performed with the utmost passion and perfection any song could be. That voice. That haunting melody. Those tight black leather pants. But I digress.

I was not that familiar with the song, so I had to look up the original artists. Tears for Fears. I vaguely remember them from the 80's. But then again, I vaguely remember much about the
80's. What a wasted decade.

Then I found the lyrics and was taken aback, because they fit everything that is happening in our world today. Although most of the 80's and 90's were about collecting wealth and keeping up with the neighbors, these lyrics take a haunting turn in our current climate.

Mad World Lyrics

All around me are familiar faces

Worn out places, worn out faces

Bright and early for their daily races

Going nowhere, going nowhere

And 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

The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had

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



Children waiting for the day they feel good

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday

Made to 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 ‘Cos I find it hard to take

When people run in circles

It’s a very, very Mad World

Mad World

So, I leave you with these observations:

I love Adam Lambert. He should have won. Oh well.

Thank you for restoring my faith that there really are still Rock Legends to come.

Music can still move me in ways that I did not think were still possible.

Lyrics transcend time.

I realize, again, that I have the soul of an artist. Don't try to drag me away from it this time.

And that's OK because...


I'm just passing by...