Onóir - 'Mad World' feat. Tara Howley

Our 4th song for Onóir, Mad World originally released by Tears For Fears in 1983 and brought back into the spotlight by Gary Jules in 2001. We are also thrilled to be joined on this song by the outstanding, and immensely talented Tara Howley from County Clare. Tara’s inspirational playing has taken this track to an entirely new place, breathing new life into a song that we hope you all love.

Lyrics:

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for the daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere

Their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I wanna 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
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
And I 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
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world, mad world

Uileann Pipes Solo

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
I find it hard to take
When people run in circles it's a very, very
Mad world, mad world

[lefthans]

The lyrics, the instruments, the voices, it all come together in this performance. A mad world indeed, beautiful, made me cry ...

[Jerfish]

You have done an amazing job with Gary Jule’s rendition of this deep song, fantastic. The Uilleann solo worked impressively well with this style, especially with the fantastic performance by Tara Howley. Bravo to everyone, you all really nailed it!

[siobhancosgrove]

Oh my God….I thought the Marc Almond version was good but, guys you have done an absolutely FANTASTIC job. Sorry Marc Almond but this version of a BEAUTIFUL song is This ROCKS the harmony of the voices and the low whistle and the pipes.

[baltasartranconywidemann]

It is timeless wisdom that the saddest and most moving melodies are in E Dorian.

[timryan]

Amazing cover. Tara's solo is just incredible. Beautiful.

[paulgildan]

Bravo to all performers, especially to the pipes player. I have long hoped that some musical group would use uilleann accompaniment to an appropriate song. The inherent sadness of the uilleann pipes' notes lend much support to the "mad world" theme, which state I believe results mostly from human knowledge and fear of our own mortality.

[mikelangley]

Wow this is the first time hearing this. I have listened to it three times now in a row. Its haunting and beautiful my hair is standing up because its touched me inside... Simply beautiful harmonies and instruments. I can't say enough about it.

[garyshovlin]

Mad world, Mad talent njoy the adventure lads. Top class.

[opmvlqu]

Love to hear Tara play the complete song on the pipes.

[kenmalherbe]

Love this version! The pipes add a special emotional aura.... well done all!

[AlexonRoad]

So Fabulous all! The Song, the Musicians, the Location, the Videographer, the Colourgrading. Thanks Guys!

[nationaldrivingschool]

A cliche is easy....What a privilege to be at the same common level....love ye vuys😮

[annaharrison]

You guys get more amazing every time. That song is my era, and you guys smashed it! X

[charlieschmitt]

Tears for fears writing is very conducive to onoir. Great song.

[YBFocus]

That's simply incredible guys.
Wow.

[carolhands]

Brilliantly haunting ❤. Loving the pipes!

[rattlesnakehaven]

Love this! I've sent your vids to the broadcasting company over here that made Celtic Thunder a sensation in the US. Long shot, but can't hurt, right?

[Val-uopy]

Absolutely amazing...well done to all...keep them coming.

[michelgoupil]

Marvellous Interpretation !!! Merveilleuse interprétation !!! BRAVO !!!!

[kennethroper]

Great song well done stunning version