[Verse 1: Curt Smith]
Welcome to your life
There's no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you

[Chorus 1: Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal]
Acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody wants to rule the world

[Verse 2: Rivers Cuomo]
It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
Help me make the most

[Chorus 2: Rivers Cuomo, Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal]
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world

[Bridge: Rivers Cuomo, Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal]
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
[Chorus 3: Rivers Cuomo, Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal]
So glad we've almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the world

[Interlude]

[Chorus 4: Rivers Cuomo, Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal]
I can't stand this indecision
Married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the world

[Chorus 5: Rivers Cuomo, Curt Smith, Roland Orzabal & Brian Bell]
Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it
One headline - why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the world

[Chorus 6: Rivers Cuomo, Curt Smith & Roland Orzabal]
All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world