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Tears for Fears — Head Over Heels
Album: Songs from the Big Chair
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1798









Released: 1985
Length: 4:12
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I wanted to be with you alone
And talk about the weather
But traditions I can trace against
The child in your face
Won't escape my attention

You keep your distance with a system of touch
And gentle persuasion
I'm lost in admiration, could I need you this much?
Oh, you're wasting my time
You're just, just, just wasting time

Something happens and I'm head over heels
I never find out
'Til I'm head over heels
Something happens and I'm head over heels
Ah, don't take my heart, don't break my heart
Don't, don't, don't throw it away

Throw it away
Throw it away

I made a fire, I'm watching it burn
Yeah, thought of your future
With one foot in the past, now, just how long will it last?
Now, now, now, have you no ambitions? (Mmm, what's the matter with my)
My mother and my brothers used to breathe in clean air
(Nothing ever changes when you're acting your age)
And dreaming I'm a doctor
(Nothing gets done when you feel like a baby)
It's hard to be a man when there's a gun in your hand
(Nothing ever changes when you're acting your age)
Oh, I feel so

Something happens and I'm head over heels
I never find out
'Til I'm head over heels
Something happens and I'm head over heels
Ah, don't take my heart, don't break my heart
Don't, don't, don't throw it away

And this is my four-leaf clover
I'm on the line, one open mind
This is my four-leaf clover

La, la-la-la, la, la la la la la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la-la-la, la, la la la la la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la-la-la, la, la la la la la
La, la, la, la, la, la
La, la-la-la, la, la la la la la
La, la, la, la, la, la

La, la-la-la, la, la la la la la
''In my mind's eye''
La, la, la, la, la, la
''One little boy, one little man''
La, la-la-la, la, la la la la la
La, la, la, la, la, la
''Funny how time flies''
Comments (141)add comment
The whole album is great.  One of the few you can listen from start to finish.  No filler in this one.
i love this one. i wish the very next track on the album always played right after here on RP, but no luck. i always consider them 1 whole song experience.
 igotitmade2k wrote:

DJ Bill Goldsmith made a live intro to this song. Or was it pre-recorded and connected to the track by algorithm? I'm so confused.



that would be live, the only algorithm used is Bill and Rebecca's awesomeness
Tears for Fears was/is one of my favorites!
DJ Bill Goldsmith made a live intro to this song. Or was it pre-recorded and connected to the track by algorithm? I'm so confused.
 dwhayslett wrote:

I'm not sure you get to decide what "we" really need.
 
You got that right!
one of the first albums I ever bought as a 10 year old.  
The video for this song was recorded in a library at the University of Toronto.

You're welcome. 
Great song. Listening to it now, it helps re-evaluating the music scene of the 80s...
Awesome!
 Stodoroff wrote:
What's happened to my beloved Radio Paradise?? I've been listening for hours today and there are too many mainstream songs by mainstream artists! This isn't why I listen. PLEASE don't stray from playing lovely, quirky, thoughtful, worldly music that expands our minds and tastes and turns us on to NEW things. Do we really need to hear this song again in our lifetimes? I don't think so.
 

Agreed. This belongs to top 40 Radio.
Great comment.
No need to hear it again.
 xray38 wrote:

Maybe it feels dated because it's 34 yrs old.   Still a great tune to these ears, and one I haven't heard in years.
 
Funny how time flies.
 naomin wrote:

Thank you.  And this feels SO dated.  Yuk.
 
Maybe it feels dated because it's 34 yrs old.   Still a great tune to these ears, and one I haven't heard in years.
 Stodoroff wrote:
What's happened to my beloved Radio Paradise?? I've been listening for hours today and there are too many mainstream songs by mainstream artists! This isn't why I listen. PLEASE don't stray from playing lovely, quirky, thoughtful, worldly music that expands our minds and tastes and turns us on to NEW things. Do we really need to hear this song again in our lifetimes? I don't think so.
 
I'm not sure you get to decide what "we" really need.
 Stodoroff wrote:
What's happened to my beloved Radio Paradise?? I've been listening for hours today and there are too many mainstream songs by mainstream artists! This isn't why I listen. PLEASE don't stray from playing lovely, quirky, thoughtful, worldly music that expands our minds and tastes and turns us on to NEW things. Do we really need to hear this song again in our lifetimes? I don't think so.
 
Thank you.  And this feels SO dated.  Yuk.
What's happened to my beloved Radio Paradise?? I've been listening for hours today and there are too many mainstream songs by mainstream artists! This isn't why I listen. PLEASE don't stray from playing lovely, quirky, thoughtful, worldly music that expands our minds and tastes and turns us on to NEW things. Do we really need to hear this song again in our lifetimes? I don't think so.
One of the top, oh, I don't know, three?, albums of the 1980s. Excellent beginning to end. And this is clearly one of the best songs on it.
This record was totally amazing at the time, and this remains a great song - 10.
80's...best decade EVER
33 years on at this writing and it still sounds.....good?  How many things can you say that about, eh? 
Tears for Fears — Head Over Heels

Feels like the Hip are getting more play these days but this is just a nicely flowing little set. And I'm sure it's not a purposeful thread but 2 Canadian bands + a song whose video was filmed at the University of Toronto, so I'll pretend it was on purpose anyway.

https://youtu.be/CsHiG-43Fzg


 markybx wrote:
Sorry, but PSD for me. This was played to death on commercial radio a few years back and it's way too, well, commercial for RP, IMAO of course.

 
Fortunately, you don't get to make that decision.  Besides, "commercial" and "eclectic" are not mutually exclusive.
Office karaoke in full effect and on full volume. Sing it!!! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Sure it's commercial but it really represents the 80's well. Good tune.
 markybx wrote:
Sorry, but PSD for me. This was played to death on commercial radio a few years back and it's way too, well, commercial for RP, IMAO of course.

Proclivities wrote:

1985 - I believe you mean a few decades back.

 
Some people just can't let it go.
One of my favourite bands of all time. Saw their show in Toronto in June. It was great. The entire crowd was 50's and older. Funny how time flies!!


Synth80s wrote:


I know most people think of TFF as an '80s band, but I've seen them live a few times in the last decade and they really are fantastic. Also, for anyone who didn't hear their 2004 "reunion" album, Everybody Loves A Happy Ending, I'd argue that it's the best of their career. They are touring again this summer and I believe they're slowly working on a new album as well.

 

I want to say it's overplayed, but, on the other hand, it's one of the few songs I probably cannot turn off if I hear it.
 markybx wrote:
Sorry, but PSD for me. This was played to death on commercial radio a few years back and it's way too, well, commercial for RP, IMAO of course.

 
1985 - I believe you mean a few decades back.
 buddy wrote:
i love that this came out as a live version first. The original video is a classic, too. I saw them about 10 years ago or so and they are a great live band.
 
I know most people think of TFF as an '80s band, but I've seen them live a few times in the last decade and they really are fantastic. Also, for anyone who didn't hear their 2004 "reunion" album, Everybody Loves A Happy Ending, I'd argue that it's the best of their career. They are touring again this summer and I believe they're slowly working on a new album as well.
i love that this came out as a live version first. The original video is a classic, too. I saw them about 10 years ago or so and they are a great live band.
A classic now ! Good mastering and good voices
 clwguy wrote:
You're killing it tonight Bill. Perfect Friday night set.

I need to check if my support renewal date is near.

 
I agree wholeheartedly. On both counts. 
This is a terrific pop tune.  So I gave it 8.  

Long live ABBA!   
 markybx wrote:
Sorry, but PSD for me. This was played to death on commercial radio a few years back and it's way too, well, commercial for RP, IMAO of course.

 
True but listening and commenting beats the hell out of doing what I should be...working.
generally love RP.....but this is unacceptable (-5)
Feel compelled to second Mr. Sandvan's comment: Although this entire album will always hold a special in my heart (my very first record, played it dollto death) its predecesor "The Hurting" is, despite its college intellectualism a much deeper and influentual effort that deserves more airplay (Think "Pale Shelter" instead of the great but overplayed "Mad World")...Great at brungung back memories, nonetheless :))

I am constantly awed by how music has the power to transform us from our present state and activity to another time. And to do so without conscious action on our part. And to do so regardless of whether or not the song is a favorite. I am not a big Tears to Fears fan, but still find this song as one of those that can bring back involuntarily memories of another time and place (and Universe, it seems). 


 westslope wrote:
Awesome album, stood the test of time.  Actually, Steve Wilson just announced that he will be remixing/remastering this album.  That is yet another great endorsement of how great the album is as a whole.

Absolutely.

 
And... let's follow with "Hand Cannot Erase".  Nice Bill, given SW's intent to remaster this album.
Sorry, but PSD for me. This was played to death on commercial radio a few years back and it's way too, well, commercial for RP, IMAO of course.
You're killing it tonight Bill. Perfect Friday night set.

I need to check if my support renewal date is near.
Nah, sorry. Timeless junk ... 
Timeless perfection!!{#Bounce}
 Aud wrote:


That's a stupid, juvenile comment....

 
thank you, it's always an honor to be recognized by one's peers
I just read all the positive comments for this song and the record. I was very surprised that no one mentioned Tears for Fears debut, The Hurting. I thought that record was very much more important and unique and influential. The other records were for the kids who weren't really listening. Enjoy it all, though
classic AM radio tune.  love it!
 Skydog wrote:
These guys sound like they are pushing their English accents, sounds silly, especillay on "Shout", real juvenile.

No you are just so used to hearing British singers putting on fake American or Transatlantic accents.  This is the way English people speak and should sing. In my part of the UK we have our own regional accent and in bands like Snow Patrol you can hear it if you listen closely.  Except Van Morrison who perfected the pseudo American accent from a very early age :)
Donnie Darko! {#Hearteyes}
and I love this song too {#Wink} 
Chills, every single time.
 Skydog wrote:
These guys sound like they are pushing their English accents, sounds silly, especillay on "Shout", real juvenile.

 

That's a stupid, juvenile comment....
Still delicious.
 malvey254 wrote:

Ditto.  The lyrics practically tell the plot of the movie too.

 
Me too. Funny thing is that DD was supposed to be nostalgic about this 80s music, but now this music makes me nostalgic about the 80's world of DD instead of to the real 80s :)
3 => 2 and a PSD.
Those are beautiful mullets tho.
 Relayer wrote:
Awesome album, stood the test of time.  Actually, Steve Wilson just announced that he will be remixing/remastering this album.  That is yet another great endorsement of how great the album is as a whole.

 
Absolutely.
 RabbitEars wrote:
The comments about the 80s are strange... Elvis Costello's Imperial Bedroom (and other great records), Dylan's Oh Mercy, all of Peter Gabriel's best work, Talking Heads, XTC (incl Skylarking), U2's best work, Prince, The Replacements, the Police, Lou Reed, Pretenders, Tom Waits (incl Rain Dogs), Kate Bush (incl Hounds of Love)... the list goes on. TFF not anywhere near being in the league. 

 
The fact that you include any Bob Dylan album as being relevant in the 1980s, to me, discounts your theory that Tears For Fears was not relevant.  I do agree with the other artists selected though.
Bill, I thank you, I truly thank you for PSD!!!!
Just saw these guys in Las Vegas at the Palms 12/13/14. Absolutely fantastic. They still have their chops, but completely refined and relaxed. They own their sound, and the hearts of 80's music lovers. FYI new album in 2015 they say!
 Piranga wrote:
This album sparkled against the background of other music of that era. As an old cowboy friend of mine would say, it was "like a ruby in a goat's ass."

 
photo of goat from behind, with ass PROMINENTLY displayed

I'm sorry: not even the Hope Diamond would improve that view. 
"This album sparkled against the background of other music of that era. As an old cowboy friend of mine would say, it was "like a ruby in a goat's ass."

Ha! Indeed. Great album, and "Head Over Heels" is its best track.
I love how the beginning builds so grandly, how it sets up the memories, starts the reels rolling that play back the Times of Our Lives...
Awesome album, stood the test of time.  Actually, Steve Wilson just announced that he will be remixing/remastering this album.  That is yet another great endorsement of how great the album is as a whole.
This album sparkled against the background of other music of that era. As an old cowboy friend of mine would say, it was "like a ruby in a goat's ass."
This is just wonderful, and I have successfully passed on a love for this band and era of music to a nine year old! (insert triumphant, evil laughter here....)
We need more album covers like this. Mostly with that hair.
Memories sighs :)
how many of us are la la la la la...ing along to the end of this lovely tune?
{#Clap}
 suesblues wrote:
I can't hear this song without thinking of Donnie Darko.   Really love this song, and in a way the song defined the heart of the film

 
Ditto.  The lyrics practically tell the plot of the movie too.
 Lacapella wrote:
This song makes me smile

 

Me too.
This song makes me smile
I can't hear this song without thinking of Donnie Darko.   Really love this song, and in a way the song defined the heart of the film
 DJ_BellsEye wrote:
THIS IS MY FOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUR.......... LEAF CLOVER!
The 80s was a musical decade worth forgetting, but i luv this song.
{#Heartkiss}

 
The 80's marked the pinnacle of corporate music. With a few notable exceptions, it was just so much mass produced synth-pop. 
What about Woman in Chains?  Last played in 2006.
What a great tune.  These guys made some magic.
Indeed! I will forever have a soft spot in my heart for these guys and especially this album. 

Rick_V wrote:

Great, super-melodic tune. Yes, it's been played on radio a ton but the song is too good not to play.

 


Great, super-melodic tune. Yes, it's been played on radio a ton but the song is too good not to play.


 RabbitEars wrote:
The comments about the 80s are strange... Elvis Costello's Imperial Bedroom (and other great records), Dylan's Oh Mercy, all of Peter Gabriel's best work, Talking Heads, XTC (incl Skylarking), U2's best work, Prince, The Replacements, the Police, Lou Reed, Pretenders, Tom Waits (incl Rain Dogs), Kate Bush (incl Hounds of Love)... the list goes on. TFF not anywhere near being in the league. 

 

 
No. They had a place. Some really great tunes from these guys and all of them were "typically" TFF. 
What an intelligent bass line. Listen to the continuity along with the calm creative flow...it's great.
{#Heartkiss} ...... luv it this so much taken from a groundbreaking album
An iconic and classic emblem of the 80's.
 Piranga wrote:
Ground-breaking at the time. Still a beautiful album.

 
Agreed!
Ground-breaking at the time. Still a beautiful album.
The comments about the 80s are strange... Elvis Costello's Imperial Bedroom (and other great records), Dylan's Oh Mercy, all of Peter Gabriel's best work, Talking Heads, XTC (incl Skylarking), U2's best work, Prince, The Replacements, the Police, Lou Reed, Pretenders, Tom Waits (incl Rain Dogs), Kate Bush (incl Hounds of Love)... the list goes on. TFF not anywhere near being in the league. 

 
One of my first albums (vinyl). Enjoy it every I hear Tears for Fears! Very good album then and a very good album it still is!
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Possibly the greatest album to come out of the 80s!

 
It was good, but The Hurting was WAY better, IMHO.
Possibly the greatest album to come out of the 80s!
{#Bounce}
 GuiltyFeat wrote:
After the dust settled on Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World, this was their masterpiece. Anthemic, dumb, glorious. I will always love this song.
 
What, no Mad World?  An honest mistake.
THIS IS MY FOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUR.......... LEAF CLOVER!
The 80s was a musical decade worth forgetting, but i luv this song.
{#Heartkiss}
guilty pleasure
This is "OUR" song!!!
Upon reflection, this could be one of the greatest representatives of 80s pop that is still bearable to listen to. The people who compiled the Donnie Darko soundtrack included some great tunes. Grooving here :)  (why is there no emoticon for that?)
" ... funny how time flies."

last words audible. 
This was great in the day. Still enjoying it tonight.
Ahh - this is one of OUR SONGS (me and the other half...)
This song made my day today...
 
 linden wrote:
I didn't like Tears for Fears much at the time. Now as the nostalgia has grown, so also has my affection.
 
me too  they were some talented boys
 coloradojohn wrote:
Could be one of the best songs ever to capture that mid-'80s Living a Freaking Vacation so many of us in Boulder were feeling at the time, and definitely one that still holds up pretty darned nicely!  Thanks, RP!
 
I was in Denver. Definitely a living vacation.
 ziakut wrote:
Good tune even better album. Really like the lesser known stuff on this album.
 
Agreed, despite many comments to the contrary. Does certainly evoke specific memories, but they aren't necessarily bad.
 spiritfla wrote:
EVOKES emotions & memories from a time unlike none other. {#Jump}
 
Thank goodness musically there is no other time like this period when this brand of pop/rock music dominated the radio in the 80's.  Don't get me wrong I really dug this song and this album, but this clearly has that unmistakable 80's pop stamp on it and is clearly of its time and not timeless IMHO. 

Like - for example - the next tune now playing - from 1967 but it could have been from any era - Velvet Undergound - There She Goes Again.
 spiritfla wrote:
EVOKES emotions & memories from a time unlike none other. {#Jump}
 
Yeah. Bad ones, I'm afraid.
Good tune even better album. Really like the lesser known stuff on this album.
 spiritfla wrote:
EVOKES emotions & memories from a time unlike none other. {#Jump}
 
same. i wonder if we're of the same generation!
EVOKES emotions & memories from a time unlike none other. {#Jump}
One of my Mum's favourite songs and artists.  Sorry Mum but the most positive thing I can say is I didn't remember quite how much the vocals sounded like XTC.
Could be one of the best songs ever to capture that mid-'80s Living a Freaking Vacation so many of us in Boulder were feeling at the time, and definitely one that still holds up pretty darned nicely!  Thanks, RP!
Now  I want to listen to it again on Spotify!
Max vol! Love this - it's OUR SONG!

xxx 
 Me three!!  {#Dance}

blueice7 wrote:

Me too!{#Dance}

GuiltyFeat wrote:
After the dust settled on Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World, this was their masterpiece. Anthemic, dumb, glorious. I will always love this song.
 
 Me too!{#Dance}GuiltyFeat wrote:
After the dust settled on Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World, this was their masterpiece. Anthemic, dumb, glorious. I will always love this song.
 

Not for me... mediocre 80's radio airplay stuff.
After the dust settled on Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World, this was their masterpiece. Anthemic, dumb, glorious. I will always love this song.
This whole album is great. One of the best albums of the 80s.

Cutting off this song after the "time flies..." part at the end is almost as bad as cutting off We Will Rock You before We Are The Champions.
I didn't like Tears for Fears much at the time. Now as the nostalgia has grown, so also has my affection.
 emorphien wrote: 
not me (Fringe fans click!)

(edit: fixed the link)
Now, Donnie Darko gets a 10, hands down. Hail, Frank!
Awesome!  9  {#Roflol}
{#Puke}

 
slonovsky wrote:
6 -> 8 because of the Donnie Darko movie
 

Same here.