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.

Hollywood Welcoming Committee
Sparks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"HOLLYWOOD WELCOMING COMMITTEE":
May I come in?

INGMAR BERGMAN:
Who are you?

"HOLLYWOOD WELCOMING COMMITTEE"
I am the Hollywood Welcoming Committee. May I sit down?

Blatant attempt, I must say, by those who desire you to stay
Knowing that you've a weakness for the girls
So Mr. Bergman, Mr. B, how 'bout a cup of herbal tea
You've had a stressful day, time to unwind, so unwind

No, let us talk not of films but of your life in Bev'ly Hills
And of your freedom to get all things right
Never a compromise for you, budgets for what you want to do
Crews that can read your mind and work all night
Work all night

Tell me how best to make my case, any ol' way or face to face
I can persuade you given enough time
SoMr. Bergman, Mr. B, you haven't touched your herbal tea

Here, let me help you, you need to unwind, to feel fine...
To feel fine...

Overall Meaning

The verse introduces a visit to Ingmar Bergman by the "Hollywood Welcoming Committee," whose intent is to flatter him and encourage him to prolong his stay in Los Angeles. The Committee knows about Bergman's fascination with women and offers him a cup of herbal tea, suggesting that it is time for the well-known filmmaker to unwind, as he had a stressful day. The overall tone is one of positivity and persuasiveness.

The second verse is a continuation of the first, where the Hollywood Welcoming Committee persists in its efforts to keep Bergman in Hollywood. They draw attention to the fact that he has complete freedom in Beverly Hills, and that there would be no compromise, offering him unlimited budgets to create his work. The Committee states that the crew will work all night and can read his mind, underscoring how comfortable he should feel working in the movie-making business in the US.

The chorus consists of the Welcoming Committee trying to convince Bergman to stay in California. The Committee can make a case for him either way, and they are attempting to persuade him. Bergman still has not touched his tea, and the Committee plays on his need to unwind and feel good. The Hollywood Welcoming Committee is trying hard to impress Bergman with the benefits of staying in LA, speaking directly to his desires and preferences.

Line by Line Meaning

May I come in?
The Hollywood Welcoming Committee politely inquires if they may enter.

Who are you?
Ingmar Bergman questions the Hollywood Welcoming Committee's identity.

I am the Hollywood Welcoming Committee. May I sit down?
The Hollywood Welcoming Committee introduces themselves and requests permission to sit.

Blatant attempt, I must say, by those who desire you to stay Knowing that you've a weakness for the girls So Mr. Bergman, Mr. B, how 'bout a cup of herbal tea You've had a stressful day, time to unwind, so unwind
The Hollywood Welcoming Committee makes an obvious attempt to persuade Bergman to stay in Hollywood, pointing out his fondness for women and offering him herbal tea to relax.

No, let us talk not of films but of your life in Bev'ly Hills And of your freedom to get all things right Never a compromise for you, budgets for what you want to do Crews that can read your mind and work all night Work all night
The Committee suggests discussing Bergman's life in Beverly Hills instead of films, highlighting his creative freedom, lack of compromise, and the ability to work with crews who understand his vision and work tirelessly to achieve it.

Tell me how best to make my case, any ol' way or face to face I can persuade you given enough time SoMr. Bergman, Mr. B, you haven't touched your herbal tea Here, let me help you, you need to unwind, to feel fine... To feel fine...
The Hollywood Welcoming Committee asks for advice on persuading Bergman and offers to assist him in relaxing and feeling at ease while making his decision.

Writer(s): MAEL RONALD D, MAEL RUSSELL C

Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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