TEARS FOR FEARS - SUFFER THE CHILDREN

Released: October 23, 1981

Charted:  UK: #52 

"Suffer the Children" was Tears for Fears' debut single, released in October 1981. This song marks the beginning of Tears For Fears' journey after leaving previous band Graduate. The original single was produced by David Lord at Crescent Studios in Bath, England. Later, the song was re-recorded for inclusion on Tears for Fears' debut album "The Hurting" (1983), this time produced by Chris Hughes and Ross Cullum.

Roland Orzabal write the song, and was his first exploration into using sequencers and drum machines. The track showcases essential Tears For Fears elements such as a slowly building introduction, nostalgic synth sounds, and a notable guitar solo. This song set the stage for their distinctive sound and style as Tears For Fears.

"Suffer the Children" serves as a critique aimed at parents who neglect their children emotionally. Orzabal and Curt Smith, proponents of primal therapy developed by psychologist Arthur Janov, emphasized the nurture side of the nature vs. nurture debate. They believed that children are born innocent and their upbringing heavily influences their development, including their fears and behaviors. Orzabal expressed this sentiment in the liner notes of the 1999 remastered album, reflecting on the complexities of parenting and urging parents to reconsider their actions towards their children.

"Suffer the Children" was initially released as a single exclusively in the United Kingdom in 1981, available in both 7" and 12" formats. The 7" version featured the original recording of the song, while the 12" included remix and instrumental versions. Despite receiving airplay from influential Radio 1 DJs like John Peel and Peter Powell, the single did not chart. In 1985, following the success of Tears for Fears' second album "Songs from the Big Chair," Phonogram Records reissued the single with a new variation of the original picture sleeve. The reissue maintained the same formats and track listings as the 1981 release but achieved moderate success, narrowly missing the UK top 50. Notably, no music video was produced for "Suffer the Children."