Their style has been compared to a mixture of Tom Waits, Frank Zappa, and Captain Beefheart. Man Man is known for their distinctive live shows where the members of the band dress in white tennis outfits and don war paint. During their sets the band does not take breaks between songs in order to keep a constant energy level.
Man Man has released two LPs with Ace Fu Records: The Man in the Blue Turban With a Face (2004) and Six Demon Bag (2006). In November 2007 they signed with Anti- to release Rabbit Habits (2008). Their second Anti- release is titled Life Fantastic and was released in 2011.
Sparks
Man Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A small flame burns then it's out very quick
But when a small flame is dropped on a line of gas
Everything burns and catches real fast
Within me
Within me
Within me
(Hell lives within)
A flame burns
A flame burns
You're the gas yeah
The gas yeah
The gas yeah
And you wonder
Why I burn
Why I burn
I've always wondered why I burn so fast
Maybe dry wood or an oxygen draft
I burn day and night rain sun and snow
I've been insulated well so my heat doesn't show
Within me
Within me
Within me
(Hell lives within)
A flame burns
A flame burns
A flame burns
You're the gas yeah
The gas yeah
The gas yeah
And you wonder
Why I burn
Why I burn
Within me
Within me
Within me
(Hell lives within)
A flame burns
A flame burns
A flame burns
You're the gas yeah
The gas yeah
The gas yeah
And you wonder
Why I burn
Why I burn
"Sparks" by Man Man is a song that explores the destructive and uncontrollable nature of human passion, comparing it to a tiny flame that can easily ignite into a destructive blaze. The opening lines describe the fragility of a simple flame that can easily be extinguished, but warns of the danger of that same flame being dropped on a line of gas - a metaphor for the intensity and explosive potential that lies within us all.
The repeated refrain of "within me" reinforces the idea that the singer is not simply observing this phenomenon, but is experiencing it firsthand. They describe themselves as burning fast and hot, day and night, in all kinds of weather. The burning sensation is described as being deep within them - even to the point of being identified with hell itself.
The final lines, "You're the gas yeah/ The gas yeah/ The gas yeah/ And you wonder/Why I burn/Why I burn" point to an external source of fuel that is causing the singer's intense passion. It is left open to interpretation whether this gas is referring to a specific person or a more abstract concept, but the implication is that the singer's burning passion is inextricably linked to this external source.
Overall, "Sparks" is a darkly poetic exploration of the intensity and destructiveness of human passion. Its haunting melody and vivid imagery make for a deeply evocative listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
A match is picked up and struck on the strip
The start of a small flame ignites on the strip, and it represents the start of something significant.
A small flame burns then it's out very quick
The growth opportunity of the small initial flame is short-lived.
But when a small flame is dropped on a line of gas
If the initial spark is met with the right conditions or fuel, it has the potential to become something great.
Everything burns and catches real fast
With the right set of circumstances, things can escalate quickly.
Within me
There's an internal conflict happening inside one's self.
(Hell lives within)
It feels like hell living inside one's self.
A flame burns
One's emotions are strong and can't be contained.
You're the gas yeah
You're the one who fuelled the fire.
And you wonder
You seem oblivious to the fact that you started this burning feeling.
Why I burn
Why do I feel so strongly and combust so quickly?
I've always wondered why I burn so fast
This feeling is not new, and it's been confusing for a while.
Maybe dry wood or an oxygen draft
Perhaps I'm more susceptible to certain factors or influences that make this feeling stronger.
I burn day and night rain sun and snow
This strong emotion persists through all situations and emotions.
I've been insulated well so my heat doesn't show
I've been able to keep this burning feeling contained and hidden from others.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Matthew Winston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacob Lamirande
On Oni Pond is probably my favorite album out of any band. It's just full of great songs
reuben dsouza
I'm so proud of myself to have discovered this gem.
Gaylord Pantamime
The song reminds me of my early dating days It puts a smile on my face I love man man! Thank you
Macc
definitely my song in the album, just scratches the right itch in my brain
deibler21
Love this new album!!
Dr. Jeremy Dunks
Jesus Christ this is fantastic writing.
HottestSciFiGirl
Great lyrics! Hear The Ventures influence. Great album from awesome band!!
Greg Sparks
Honus Honus totally wrote this song about me and my relationship. He probably remembered my last name from that one time that i shook his hand without saying my name
Dr. Jeremy Dunks
I lost a 5 year relationship right around the time On Oni Pond was released. I didn't date again or even pursue a relationship until this year. I felt the same way. This was written for me.
Johnny
I've seen these guys 4 times...would love to see them again. Anyone have tour info? I can't find any. Honus is a Genius with a capital G!