While the song was written during the Cold War and reflects the political and social tensions of the time, it's just as relevant today. But I would hazard a guess there's a personal meaning for Harry as well. The lyrics address greed, corruption, the thirst for power and control, and the fleeting nature of pleasure and freedom.

If you take into consideration the controlling and punitive nature of the music industry, Simon Cowell, Rob Stringer, and the Azoffs, the lyrics seem particularly poignant.

Welcome to your life There's no turning back Even while we sleep We will find you

Acting on your best behaviour Turn your back on mother nature Everybody wants to rule the world

It's my own design It's my own remorse Help me to decide Help me make the most

Of freedom and of pleasure Nothing ever lasts forever Everybody wants to rule the world

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

So glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it Everybody wants to rule the world

I can't stand this indecision Married with a lack of vision Everybody wants to rule the world Say that you'll never never never never need it One headline why believe it? Everybody wants to rule the world

All for freedom and for pleasure Nothing ever lasts forever Everybody wants to rule the world

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And just as an added reason that I think the song has a very personal meaning, he changed the lyrics from:

So glad we've almost made it So sad they had to fade it

to

So glad we've almost made it So sad we had to fade it

x