The band's long career has seen them successfully adopt many different musical genres; including glam pop, power pop, electronic dance music and mainstream pop. Despite these many styles, a recognizable "Sparks sound" remains throughout, and they have enjoyed a large cult following since their first releases. Sparks have been highly influential on the development of popular music, in particular on the late 1970s scene, when in collaboration with Giorgio Moroder (and Telex subsequently), they reinvented themselves as an electronic pop duo, and abandoned the traditional rock band line up. In contrast to the esteem in which they are held by such peers as Depeche Mode, New Order, Morrissey and They Might Be Giants, who all cite Sparks as a major influence, their almost constantly changing styles and unique visual presentations have sometimes seen them dismissed as a novelty act.
The 2002 release of Lil' Beethoven, their self-described "genre-defining opus", and 2006's Hello Young Lovers (their 20th studio album) have brought Sparks renewed critical and commercial success, and seen them continue to "steer clear of pop conventions."
The 2021 documentary film 'The Sparks Brothers', directed by Edgar Wright, has renewed interest in the band for a new audience.
Alabamy Right
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hustle it's nearly five, hustle it's nearly five
They're coming with coupons they're coming with kids
All hungry, pretty soon they'll need to be fed
And they'll Alabamy right around the register
It sure looks good to me
Alabamy milk and honey everywhere
They're scaling the mountains of frozen delights
There's been an avalanche on aisle number nine
And they'll Alabamy right around the register
It sure looks good to me
No need to go miles to Hollywood or pretend that you're celestial
There's no waiting now on checkstand number eighteen
Squeeze in between the lines
Hustle it's nearly five, hustle it's nearly five
This place plays no favorites by day or by night
It will not be offended if you buy light
Just so you Alabamy right around the register
It sure looks good to me
Alabamy milk and honey everywhere
It sure looks good to me
It sure looks good to me
It sure looks good to me
It sure looks good to me
It sure looks good to me
The lyrics of Sparks's song "Alabamy Right" describe the chaos and hustle of a supermarket, with people rushing to purchase items before the store closes. The first two lines of the song ask the listener to "squeeze in between the lines" and "hustle," indicating the sense of urgency felt by shoppers as the day comes to an end. The next couple of lines refer to the arrival of families with children and coupons, all of whom are hungry and ready to eat. Despite the frenzy, the scene is presented as one of abundance, with "Alabamy milk and honey everywhere."
The chorus repeats the phrase "Alabamy right around the register," suggesting a kind of frantic dance around the cashier area as shoppers try to pay for their purchases before the store closes. The lyrics then describe the presence of a mountain of frozen food that has caused an "avalanche" in aisle number nine. Nevertheless, the sense of abundance is emphasized again in the chorus, with repeated references to "Alabamy milk and honey everywhere."
The last verse continues the theme of abundance and access to commodities, with the singer noting that the store "plays no favorites" and won't judge customers who buy light or heavy. The message is one of consumerism as freedom, with the ability to shop for whatever one desires without fear of censure or consequences. Overall, the lyrics present a picture of a vast and chaotic world of materialism that is both exciting and overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Squeeze in between the lines
The store is full of people, but we need to find a way to get through the crowd and reach our destination.
Hustle it's nearly five, hustle it's nearly five
Time is running out, and we need to hurry up and finish our shopping before the store closes.
They're coming with coupons they're coming with kids
The shoppers are on their way with coupons and their kids, looking for a good deal while taking care of their little ones.
All hungry, pretty soon they'll need to be fed
The shoppers are hungry and will soon be looking for food to eat, probably some of the delicious products they came here to buy.
And they'll Alabamy right around the register
The shoppers will quickly gather around the register, waiting to pay for their goods and get on with their day.
It sure looks good to me
The scene is pleasing to the singer, and everything seems to be going smoothly.
Alabamy milk and honey everywhere
The store is filled with an abundance of goods, and everything looks great - like the promised land of milk and honey.
They're scaling the mountains of frozen delights
The shoppers are experiencing an adventure as they seek out frozen treats in the store, as if climbing a mountain of delicious ice cream.
There's been an avalanche on aisle number nine
Something has caused a mess on aisle number nine, like an avalanche of products. It may give the shoppers pause, but they will likely find a way around it.
No need to go miles to Hollywood or pretend that you're celestial
There's no need to travel far or play a role to get what you need at this store. It's accessible to everyone - no matter who you are.
It will not be offended if you buy light
The store doesn't mind if you don't buy a lot or don't spend much money - you're always welcome there.
It sure looks good to me
The artist once again admires the pleasing scene at the store where shopping is a fun and convenient experience.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RONALD D MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Scheherazade
A great Sparks song.
Philip Kassabian
on Aeroflot
This song is amazing.
Philip Kassabian
on Irreplaceable
Sparks is an absolutely fantastic band.
Philip Kassabian
on It's Educational
An absolutely great Sparks song.
Philip Kassabian
on The Calm Before the Storm
A great and fantastic Sparks song.
Philip Kassabian
on Perfume
A very catchy and great Sparks song.