Supplied note - not independently verified
The song was inspired by nuclear fear and the band's concerns about the future.
View background statusTears for Fears
7 catalog entries, grouped by year.
About Tears for Fears
Tears for Fears developed from the partnership of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, who met in Bath and previously played in Graduate. The Hurting established an electronic pop approach, while Songs from the Big Chair expanded it with soul influences and international singles including Shout. The Seeds of Love added jazz and psychedelic textures. After a period apart, the pair reunited for Everybody Loves a Happy Ending.
Artist background sources
Tears for Fears - Concord artist biography
Orzabal/Smith identity, Bath/Graduate background, stylistic album development and reunion. Current-album wording, problematic early personnel/contract dates and personal psychological characterizations are omitted. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-17. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
1984
1985
Documented songwriting inspiration
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith recalled that an early chorus referred explicitly to going to war, reflecting the nuclear anxiety of the Cold War. Orzabal changed the central phrase after thinking about a record...
Read background and sourcesSupplied note - not independently verified
The song deals with the rush and confusion of falling in love.
View background statusShout
Tears for FearsReported release: 1984Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #21Supplied note - not independently verified
Influenced by Arthur Janov's primal therapy and the need for emotional release.
View background status1986
Documented songwriting inspiration
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith recalled that an early chorus referred explicitly to going to war, reflecting the nuclear anxiety of the Cold War. Orzabal changed the central phrase after thinking about a record...
Read background and sources1989
Sowing the Seeds of Love
Tears for FearsRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #58Artist background available
Tears for Fears developed from the partnership of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, who met in Bath and previously played in Graduate. The Hurting established an electronic pop approach, while Songs from the Big Chair...
View background status1993
Artist background available
Tears for Fears developed from the partnership of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, who met in Bath and previously played in Graduate. The Hurting established an electronic pop approach, while Songs from the Big Chair...
View background statusALL 66 ANNUAL COLLECTIONS
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.