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.
Big Boy
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you don't run, it's suicide
Big boy, big boy
My name is David, he don't care
He's never nice, he's never scared
Big boy comes around
Throws his weight around
Throws our girls around
Leaves without a sound
Big boy, big boy
He's well-equipped, the girls are sure
Is that a guess, or something more
Big boy, big boy
We're bored to tears until he comes
And then we're crying cause he's come
Big boy, big boy
Big boy comes around
Throws his weight around
Throws our girls around
Leaves without a sound
Big boy, big boy
The earth is shaking, so am I
If you don't run, it's suicide
Big boy, big boy
The Sparks' song Big Boy reflects on the power dynamics between men and women in a social setting, where the singer David observes the actions of a man called "Big Boy". David acknowledges Big Boy's physical and social power and the fear that he induces in others. The repeated refrain of "Big boy, big boy" heightens the tension and amplifies the intimidation factor of the subject. He is described as throwing his weight around, throwing girls around, and leaving without a sound. It is interesting to note that David mentions that the girls are sure that he is well-equipped, pointing to the idea that Big Boy's power is both social and sexual.
Line by Line Meaning
The earth is shaking, so am I
I am experiencing great fear and anxiety, and so is the environment around me
If you don't run, it's suicide
It is extremely dangerous to confront the situation, and running away is the only option to stay alive
Big boy, big boy
The person being referred to in the song is an individual with great power, size, and influence, and is a dominant figure in the situation being described
My name is David, he don't care
The artist's identity is insignificant to the big boy, who does not show any level of concern or empathy
He's never nice, he's never scared
The big boy has a reputation for being callous, unkind, and fearless
Big boy comes around
The appearance of the big boy is a significant event that disrupts the status quo
Throws his weight around
The big boy asserts his dominance and authority over others through his physical presence and influence
Throws our girls around
The big boy treats women disrespectfully and crudely, using his power to control and manipulate them
Leaves without a sound
The big boy disappears without warning or explanation, leaving others to deal with the aftermath of his actions
He's well-equipped, the girls are sure
The women are attracted to the big boy because they believe he possesses appealing physical and social qualities
Is that a guess, or something more
The singer is uncertain whether the women's attraction to the big boy is based on mere speculation or deeper feelings
We're bored to tears until he comes
The artist and others are stuck in a mundane routine until the big boy enters the scene, bringing excitement and drama
And then we're crying cause he's come
Despite the initial thrill of his arrival, the big boy's presence ultimately causes emotional distress and pain for those around him
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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.