Sparks are an American rock and pop music band formed in Los Angeles in 197… Read Full Bio ↴Sparks are an American rock and pop music band formed in Los Angeles in 1970 by brothers Ron Mael (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals), initially under the name Halfnelson. Best known for their quirky approach to song writing, Sparks' music is often accompanied by cutting and acerbic lyrics, and an idiosyncratic stage presence, typified in the contrast between Russell's wide-eyed hyperactive frontman antics and Ron's sedentary scowling.

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.

Everybody's Stupid
Sparks Lyrics

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You fell for me, I fell for you
You think I'm great, I think you're good
And that's enough to prove
The point once more
Everybody's stupid, that's for sure

(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure

(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
Everybody's stupid, that's for sure

I light my filter, then reverse it
And burn a mouth that's weak on verbs
And nouns and nouns
But I'm not sore
Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
Everybody's stupid, that's for sure

(repeat)

I traded you for Jean and Myra
I traded them for the Mormon Choir
Now I got some music and the Lord
And I'm feeling dumber than before

(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure

(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
Everybody's stupid, that's for sure

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sparks's song Everybody's Stupid are a commentary on human nature and relationships. The first verse describes a mutual attraction between two people, but they are satisfied with the fact that they each think the other is good or great, even though that's not necessarily true. The chorus repeats the phrase "everybody's stupid, that's for sure" which creates a sense of cynicism and nihilism. The following verse describes the singer's frustration with someone else's weak vocabulary and how they burned their mouth in the process of insulting them, but ultimately they are not bothered because they believe everyone is stupid.

The last verse takes a more experimental turn, where the singer trades relationships for music and religion, only to find that they feel even more ignorant than before. This verse seems to suggest that people may seek different forms of validation and purpose, but ultimately it all leads to the same dissatisfaction with the human condition. The repetition of "everybody's stupid, that's for sure" throughout the song creates a sense of resignation and acceptance of this fact.

Line by Line Meaning

You fell for me, I fell for you
Both parties have mutual affections for each other

You think I'm great, I think you're good
Each party is fond of the other, but not necessarily to the same degree

And that's enough to prove
The value of their relationship is subjective

The point once more
Reiterating that the previous sentiment is valid

Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
All people are inept at some point in time

(Oh yeah) Everybody's stupid, that's for sure
Repeating the statement sarcastically

I light my filter, then reverse it
The singer is smoking a cigarette in a particular manner

And burn a mouth that's weak on verbs
The artist is criticizing someone's poor use of language

And nouns and nouns
Highlighting the deficiency in the person's vocabulary

But I'm not sore
The artist is not angry, just indifferent

I traded you for Jean and Myra
The singer once had feelings for another person, but found someone else