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.

Forever Young
Sparks Lyrics

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I'm gonna beat the devil and stay forever
(Forever young, forever young)
I can't be pushed around and I won't get older
(forever young, forever young)
Forever young, forever young, tonite and every nite
Forever young, forever feeling right
I'll sit and watch the history books get thicker
(Forever young, forever...)

I just refuse to be what I'm not this instant
(Forever young, forever young)
I'll meet a million girls in a million places
(Forever young, forever young)
Forever young, forever young, tonite and every nite
Forever young, forever feeling right

You say I'm playing God, but you're old and wasted
(Forever young, forever...)

Bright lights will burn forever and I'll still see them
(Forever young, forever young)

I've broken every rule and I'll break this last one
(Forever young, forever...)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Forever Young by Sparks depict the desire of the singer to stay forever young and not succumb to the trials of aging or societal pressures to conform to certain standards. The repeated lines of "Forever young, forever feeling right" create a sense of unyielding enthusiasm and energy, almost as if the singer is in a constant state of youthful exuberance. The singer also expresses a refusal to be anything that they are not in a given moment, implying a commitment to authenticity and individuality.

The second stanza suggests a sense of adventure and wanderlust, as the singer imagines meeting a million girls in a million places. This sense of possibility and freedom is reinforced by the repetition of "Forever young, forever feeling right". The line "You say I'm playing God, but you're old and wasted" implies a confrontation with someone who does not share the singer's desire to stay forever young or who disapproves of their rebellious attitude.

The final stanza suggests a defiance against rules and norms, as the singer claims to have broken every rule and will break the last one. The phrase "Bright lights will burn forever and I'll still see them" implies a sense of endurance and resilience, almost as if the singer will continue to pursue their passions and interests despite any obstacles they may face.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna beat the devil and stay forever
I won't let negativity hold me down and I'll persevere forever

I can't be pushed around and I won't get older
I won't let anyone control me and I won't succumb to the effects of aging

Forever young, forever young, tonite and every nite
I'll remain youthful and carefree every night

Forever young, forever feeling right
I'll always have a positive outlook on life and feel good

I'll sit and watch the history books get thicker
I'll witness the progression and evolution of history over time

I just refuse to be what I'm not this instant
I won't pretend to be something I'm not at any given moment

I'll meet a million girls in a million places
I'll have many experiences with different people of all kinds

You say I'm playing God, but you're old and wasted
You accuse me of being a tyrant, but you're old and have lost your vitality

Bright lights will burn forever and I'll still see them
The joys and wonders of life will continue on and I'll appreciate them

I've broken every rule and I'll break this last one
I've lived my life without conforming to others' expectations and I'll continue to do so

Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.