On this day in 1985: Tears For Fears were enjoying their final few days at #1 on the U.S. singles chart with “Everybody Wants To Rule the World.” The song spent two weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was first released on March 18, 1985 by Phonogram, Mercury, and Vertigo Records, as the third single from the band’s second album, ‘Songs From the Big Chair’ (1985). “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is a new wave song with lyrics that detail the desire humans have for control and power and it also centers on themes of corruption.

Music critics praised “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” in their retrospective reviews, with some including the song in their respective decade lists. It is regarded as the group’s signature song, along with ‘Shout.’ It garnered success on charts internationally, peaking at number two in Ireland, Australia, and the United Kingdom and at number one in Canada, New Zealand, and on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by both Music Canada (MC) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

Here’s a look at the complete Top 10 on the billboard Hot 100 back on this day in 1985:

1 1 EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD –•– Tears For Fears (Mercury)-14 (2 Weeks at #1) (1)
2 5 HEAVEN –•– Bryan Adams (A&M)-9 (2)
3 3 AXEL F –•– Harold Faltermeyer (MCA)-12 (3)
4 4 SUDDENLY –•– Billy Ocean (Jive)-13 (4)
5 6 THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER –•– Howard Jones (Elektra)-13 (5)
6 12 SUSSUDIO –•– Phil Collins (Atlantic)-6 (6)
7 7 IN MY HOUSE –•– Mary Jane Girls (Gordy)-15 (7)
8 2 EVERYTHING SHE WANTS –•– Wham! (Columbia)-13 (1)
9 11 ANGEL –•– Madonna (Sire)-8 (9)
10 10 WALKING ON SUNSHINE –•– Katrina & The Waves (Capitol)-13 (10)