In the US, it was the lead single from the album and gave the band their first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit on 8 June 1985, remaining there for two weeks.
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is a new wave song set in the key of D major with a 12/8 time signature and a tempo of 112 beats per minute.
The single was released on a wide variety of formats in the United Kingdom, including a standard 7", a 7" double pack, two separate 12" versions, and a 10" single.
License badge of the Curt Smith's car he drives in the video (a 1966 British green Austin-Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8) is 1GLN455.
It was the band's ninth single release in the United Kingdom and the third from their second LP Songs from the Big Chair.