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.
Cool Places
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to take you cool places tonight
I want to go where nobody's a fool
And no one says uh, "Hey girl, need a light?"
I want to move like this and that
A minimum of chit chat
I never want to cool down, cool down, cool cool cool,
I gotta tell you, you're lookin' real good
They let us in so I'm feelin' all right
I like to go where sometimes they refuse
Yeah, I remember last Saturday night
But I'm feeling cooler now
And they could tell we're cooler now
It's obvious we're cooler now, cooler now, cool cool cool,
Cool places tonight
[Chorus]
I want to go, I want to go, etc.
I want to go to cool places tonight
I want to go to cool places with you
And after that we'll slip out for a bite
A coffee shop, and toast, coffee and juice
And then we'll sleep 'til 5 p.m.
And start it up all over again
I never want to cool down, cool down, cool cool cool
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Sparks' song "Cool Places" express a desire to escape from the banalities of everyday life and travel to exciting, exotic locations with a significant other. The singer rejects the mundane, seeking adventure and elation in pursuits that are outside of the norm.
The opening lines of the song express the singer's yearning to take his significant other to places that are crowd-free, where they can be themselves and not feel judged. These are places where nobody is a fool or makes insinuations. The lyrics highlight how the singer is tired of small talk and just wants to move his body freely without interruption.
The second verse highlights the singer's desire to immerse themselves in the nightlife and to surround themselves with people who are just like them. It refers to having a good time in the past, but also the positive changes that have happened since then. As the verses progress, the sense of joy and the desire to live in the moment continue to build. The chorus repeats over and again the singer's desire to go to all these amazing places with his significant other.
Overall, "Cool Places" is a track about breaking free from boredom and monotony, and experiencing the thrills of a new adventure with someone special.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to got to cool places with you
I desire to explore trendy and fashionable locations with you.
I want to take you cool places tonight
I am eager to show you around stylish venues tonight.
I want to go where nobody's a fool
I want to visit spots where people are intelligent and not naive.
And no one says uh, "Hey girl, need a light?"
I do not want to venture to locations where someone harasses you with inappropriate pickup lines.
I want to move like this and that
I wish to dance freely without restriction.
A minimum of chit chat
I feel minimum conversation is required; the music itself will suffice.
I never want to cool down, cool down, cool cool cool,
I intend to keep the energy level high throughout the night.
I gotta tell you, you're lookin' real good
I must compliment you on your current appearance.
They let us in so I'm feelin' all right
Our entry was granted, and I am therefore content.
I like to go where sometimes they refuse
Occasionally, being denied entry adds to the appeal of the venue for me.
Yeah, I remember last Saturday night
I recall our previous Saturday night activities.
But I'm feeling cooler now
Presently, I feel more poised and relaxed.
And they could tell we're cooler now
Others can sense our increased level of coolness and confidence.
It's obvious we're cooler now, cooler now, cool cool cool,
It is apparent to everyone that we are currently cooler than before.
I want to go, I want to go, etc.
I aspire to visit, to see, to experience.
And after that we'll slip out for a bite
Following our adventures, we shall grab a snack and depart.
A coffee shop, and toast, coffee and juice
We will go to a café, consume toast, coffee, and juice.
And then we'll sleep 'til 5 p.m.
We shall rest until the late afternoon.
And start it up all over again
And begin the cycle anew.
I never want to cool down, cool down, cool cool cool
I never want to decrease my perceived level of suave behavior and chill vibes.
I want to go to cool places with you
I want to share the experience of going to stylish locations with you.
I want to go to cool places tonight
I am keen to visit fashionable spots this evening.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RONALD D MAEL, RUSSELL CRAIG MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Tranquillado
I love reading some of these comments about “the business guy dancing” and “the weird dude eating a banana”—folks, that’s Ron Mael, one half of Sparks.
@findmusic8797
Never get tired of the Sparks between Jane Wiedlin and Russell Mael!
@paultreadaway102
Did Sparks fly with Jane these 2guys she's classy style her way Go Gos Girl with swag can do it go to 1988 with her huge hit Rush Hour 5years omg
@thepub245
Hey 80's teens, we are in 50's now, where did it go?
@lajinkccat8995
I wonder that everyday now :0
@NewWaves-NightMoves
Wish I knew.But at least we where there and God was it good
@fernandomurillo9272
Still here listening to the 80.
@SFforlife
Wish I was an 80’s teen!
@tomkingston1468
To my waist.
@alhollywood6486
It's impossible to be more '80s than this. KROQ lives!!!