Successful rock and pop star progenies are not uncommon – Zac Starkey, Julian Lennon, Ziggy Marley, Roseanne Cash, Jakob Dylan, Miley Cyrus, are but a few who come to mind. Here’s another rather more unexpected name that may soon be added to the list: Diva Smith, daughter of Tears for Fears’ Curt Smith.
I’ll admit that I was never a fan of the British band during its 1980s heyday (the song “Shout” clings uncomfortably in the memory), and in recent years they have largely flown under the radar (at least mine). But thank goodness for the ubiquitous “you also might like” function of the Internet, which unexpectedly introduced me to this gem.
“Mad World” was TFF’s first hit song in 1982 during the heart of the synth pop era, written by band co-founder Roland Orzabal and sung by Smith, who was 21 at the time.
Fast forward some 38 years and the now grey Smith dusted off the suitably titled song for a go while in quarantine during the early days of the pandemic, but notably accompanied not by his old partner, but by coincidentally aged 21-year-old daughter.
The mournful track suits the times perfectly, and better still, resonates as an acoustic version stripped of its dated pop sheen.
But more significantly, there’s the presence of charming, confident Diva, who takes the lead on guitar as dad dives into the vocals, only to join him in tentative, but startlingly perfect harmony.
As the song plays out, it becomes clear that, reduced to the essentials, Mad World is simply a beautiful song, rendered by a stirring vocalist who still has chops, and, in this instance, a daughter who comes off as a revelation – and potentially every bit as talented as dad, who’s pride is obvious. But judge for yourself. For fans, it will serve as a sentimental reminder of the past. For others, like me, a chance to imbue praise, albeit belatedly, where it is due.
Lyrics
All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their 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
The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you ’cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it’s a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
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 ’cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it’s a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
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 ’cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it’s a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Halargian world
Mad world