TEARS FOR FEARS - ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART / STANDING ON THE CORNER OF THE THIRD WORLD

Released: February 19, 1990

Charted:  UK: #36    US: #89 

"Advice for the Young at Heart" is a song from the 1989 album "The Seeds of Love." Written by Roland Orzabal and Nicky Holland, it features Curt Smith on lead vocals, which is unique as he sang solo only on this track from the album. The song was released as the third single in February 1990. While the album version was mixed by David Bascombe, the single version was mixed by Bob Clearmountain, and this single mix was later included in the 2020 deluxe edition of "The Seeds of Love."

Orzabal described "Advice for the Young at Heart" as a reflection on the desire to mature and move forward in life, letting go of the past. The song expresses an awareness of aging and the realization that certain aspects of oneself may not change with time.

The music video was directed by Andy Morahan and filmed in Florida. It prominently features scenes from a wedding intercut with footage of the band performing.

"Standing on the Corner of the Third World" is a song from the album "The Seeds of Love." It reflects Roland Orzabal's therapy experiences and addresses the band's concerns about political issues. Oleta Adams was approached by Curt Smith and Orzabal two years before they recorded the song in 1987. Oleta sing and played piano on the track.

"Standing on the Corner of the Third World" explores themes of leaving behind troubles and challenges that one wishes would disappear. He uses the concept of the Third World as a metaphor for a place filled with problems, sorrow, and neglect. Orzabal describes it as a symbol of everyone's dumping ground, barren and exploited, yet in need of attention. The lyric "Rolling and controlling all the basements and the backroads of our lives" reflects how difficulties and unpleasant aspects of life are often pushed aside or hidden away.

The deluxe edition of "The Seeds of Love" includes a live jam version of this song which was released as the lead single for this edition. Roland Orzabal recalled the sessions that led to this nine-minute version, highlighting the presence of Oleta Adams, Manu Katche on drums, and Pino Palladino on bass. Orzabal described the sessions as magical, influenced by his primal therapy period when he would undergo therapy sessions and return in an emotionally open state. This particular song emerged from that introspective and expressive period.