Mad World

Chords
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Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Mad World - Tears For Fears
Hey, I have changed the key of this piece a minor third up from where it's
usually written as. It's easier to play and I personally find it easier to sing to...
[Verse 1]
AmAll around me are faCmiliar faces
GWorn out places, Dworn out faces
AmBright and early for their Cdaily races
GGoing nowhere, Dgoing nowhere
AmAnd their tears are filling Cup their glasses
GNo expression, Dno expression
AmHide my head; I want to Cdrown my sorrow
GNo tomorrow, Dno tomorrow
[Chorus]
AmAnd I find it kind of Dfunny
I find it kind of Amsad
The dreams in which I'm Ddying
Are the best I've ever Amhad
I find it hard to Dtell you,
'cause I find it hard to Amtake
When people run in Dcircles it's a very, very...
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
[Verse 2]
AmChildren waiting for the Cday they feel good
GHappy birthday, Dhappy birthday
AmMade to feel the way that Cevery child should
GSit and listen, Dsit and listen
AmWent to school and I was Cvery nervous
GNo one knew me, Dno one knew me
AmHello, teacher tell me Cwhat's my lesson?
GLook right through me, Dlook right through me
[Chorus]
AmAnd I find it kind of Dfunny
I find it kind of Amsad
The dreams in which I'm Ddying
Are the best I've ever Amhad
I find it hard to Dtell you,
'cause I find it hard to Amtake
When people run in Dcircles it's a very, very...
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
[Instrumental]
| D| D| D|
| Am| C| G| D|
| Am| C| G| D|
[Chorus]
AmAnd I find it kind of Dfunny
I find it kind of Amsad
The dreams in which I'm Ddying
Are the best I've ever Amhad
I find it hard to Dtell you,
'cause I find it hard to Amtake
When people run in Dcircles it's a very, very...
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CMad Dworld
Am  CHalargiDan world
Am  CMad Dworld
(At the end here, on the last 'world' I like to finish on A (major) chord instead
of D, I feel it ends the piece better and sounds more meaningful... but that's just me!)
All chords in this song (4)

The story behind the song

"Mad World" delves into the theories of Arthur Janov, particularly the idea that intense experiences, even dreams of death, can be the most effective way to release tension. The lyric "the dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had" directly reflects this concept. Originally written on acoustic guitar, the song was intended to capture a new wave sound. It plays like a contemplative journey through the complexities of human emotion and the world around us.

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About Mad World Chords by Tears For Fears

Learn how to play Mad World by Tears For Fears with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Mad World chords”, “Mad World guitar chords”, or “Tears For Fears Mad World chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Mad World chords and for experienced players who want accurate Mad World lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Am, C, G, D, A.

FAQ — Mad World by Tears For Fears

How do I play "Mad World" by Tears For Fears on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Mad World" by Tears For Fears on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Mad World" by Tears For Fears free?

Yes. The chords for "Mad World" by Tears For Fears are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Mad World" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Mad World" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Mad World"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Mad World" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Mad World" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Mad World" by Tears For Fears with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Tears For Fears below.

What key is "Mad World" in?

The chords for "Mad World" show the original chord names (including Am, C, G, D, A). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.