The original lineup of the band were songwriter Eddie Bengtsson (formerly a founding member of Page), Finn Albertsson, and vocalist Alexander Hofman. Over time the members of the band have shifted: Johan Billing was a member of the band for several years during the 90s, but with the release of S.P.O.C.K in 1999 the band's line-up changed to the current one with Alexander Hofman (the band's only remaining founding member), Johan Malmgren (former member of Elegant Machinery and Aaron Sutcliffe) and Christer Hermodsson. During the summer of 2010 Christer Hermodsson decided to focus more on his own project Biomekkanik. Alexander then called in his old friend Valdi Solemo who since then has played with S.P.O.C.K
In 1988 Eddie Bengtsson wrote a handful of songs to be performed at Finn Albertsson's next birthday party, with Alexander Hofman performing vocals; the three men dubbed the band Mr. Spock (named for Mr. Spock of the Star Trek franchise). After the performance at Albertsson's birthday celebration, the band continued for several months to play at house parties, and soon managed to secure some event bookings. In 1989 the band members contacted Paramount Pictures for permission to use the name "Mr. Spock." When Paramount demanded compensation for the privilege, the band renamed themselves Star Pilot on Channel K, abbreviated S.P.O.C.K.
S.P.O.C.K's commercial success began in 1990 when the Swedish record label Accelerating Blue Fish published Silicon Dream as a limited-edition single.
On stage the band members adopted sci-fi-esque personae, with Eddie Bengtsson as "Eddie B. Kirk", Alexander Hofman as "Android", and Finn Albertsson as "Cybernoid".
Together with such bands as Page, Elegant Machinery, Sista Mannen PÃ¥ Jorden and Kiethevez, S.P.O.C.K helped to define the sound of the Swedish synthpop movement.
Representative songs include Never Trust a Klingon, In Space No One Can Hear You Scream, Mr. Spock's Brain, and Astrogirl.
Planet Earth
S.P.O.C.K Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard you making patterns rhyme
like some new romantic looking for the TV sound
You'll see I'm right some other time
Look now, look all around, there's no sign of life
voices, another sound, can you hear me now?
This is planet earth
This is planet earth
My head is stuck on something precious
Let me know if you're coming down to land
Is there anybody out there trying to get through?
My eyes are so cloudy I can't see you
This is planet earth
You're looking at planet earth
This is planet earth
Calling planet earth
Looking at planet earth
This is planet earth
The lyrics of S.P.O.C.K's "Planet Earth" depicts a scene of a person standing outside, watching the nightfall with the rain. The person hears someone making "patterns rhyme," which refers to someone trying to create meaning and structure in their life. The person making these patterns rhymes is described as a "new romantic looking for the TV sound," which points out the character's disillusioned mindset. The singer of the song then suggests that they will prove to be right about something at another time.
The chorus begins by drawing attention to the fact that there is no sign of life around. The singer asks the listener if they can hear him, as he points out that "this is planet earth." The second verse starts by saying that the singer's head is "stuck" on something that is "precious." The next line, "Let me know if you're coming down to land," probably refers to a hope that someone will come and save them from their isolated existence. The lines "My eyes are so cloudy I can't see you" suggests that the person is struggling with their own sense of existence, and they need someone else to come in and help. The song ends with a refrain of the chorus stating that "this is planet earth calling planet earth."
Overall, the lyrics of "Planet Earth" are a subtle commentary on the importance of human connection and the desperation that comes with isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Only came outside to watch the nightfall with the rain
I only went outside to watch as the nightfall arrived with rain.
I heard you making patterns rhyme like some new romantic looking for the TV sound
I heard you creating rhyming patterns, just like a new romantic seeking the sound of television.
You'll see I'm right some other time
You'll eventually realize that my perspective was right, but maybe not right now.
Look now, look all around, there's no sign of life
Take a good look around you, and you'll notice that there are no indications of life.
voices, another sound, can you hear me now?
In addition to voices, there is another sound, are you able to hear me now?
This is planet earth
You are currently on planet earth.
You're looking at planet earth
Your attention is currently focused on planet earth.
My head is stuck on something precious
My mind is preoccupied with something valuable to me.
Let me know if you're coming down to land
Please inform me if you are arriving back on the ground.
Is there anybody out there trying to get through?
Is there somebody who is attempting to contact me?
My eyes are so cloudy I can't see you
My vision is unclear, unable to see you.
Calling planet earth
Attempting to make contact with planet earth.
Looking at planet earth
Observing planet earth.
This is planet earth
You are currently located on planet earth.
Contributed by Micah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.