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.
Hospitality On Parade
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'll tire of the Atlantic
By then we'll be rid of your lot
A shot heard 'round the world will soon be shot,
Will soon be shot
'Til then have some tea and tobacco
Hey Jenny meet your master
Be kind to our master
But of feeling is a-brewing that we don't need any masters
'Cause we all can be a master and we all can be a king
We speak and we sing the way that you do
And showed you our hospitality on parade
But now we are we, we're no longer you
Tara to that hospitality on parade
Today you're going to find their descendants
In places all around you
You're faced with the easiest task
How best to act a king when always treated like a king
Lunch counters, at banks and the theatre
Kind help right there to serve you
Men selling, and girls selling too
And everyone's special
We all are someone special
Yes, we all are someone special
For we all are someone special
Where the customer is king
Whoever you are, whoever you bring
You'll find that hospitality on parade
However you look, you're always a king
Wherever there's hospitality on parade
I'm special, you're special
He's special, she's special
We're all someone special
And I am the king
Whoever you are, whoever you bring
You'll find that hospitality on parade
However you look, you're always a king
Wherever there's hospitality on parade
The lyrics of Sparks's song Hospitality On Parade seem to describe a world filled with hospitality and kindness but with an underlying unspoken tension. The opening lines talk about someday having an extra coastline and being rid of someone's lot, hinting at a desire to distance themselves from a group of people or an individual. The lines that follow, "Have some tea and tobacco, Hey Jenny meet your master, Be nice, show him kindness and such, Be kind to our master" suggest a forced politeness and a need to be hospitable to someone they do not necessarily respect. However, the lines "But of feeling is a-brewing that we don't need any masters, 'Cause we all can be a master and we all can be a king" indicate that the people want to be independent and free from any form of control. The song ends with a repetition of "Whoever you are, whoever you bring, You'll find that hospitality on parade, However you look, you're always a king, Wherever there's hospitality on parade" which could be interpreted as an invitation to all regardless of their background or appearance.
Overall, the song explores the dynamic between hospitality and power. It highlights the tension that arises when people are forced to be hospitable to those they do not respect and how the desire for individual freedom and independence can conflict with the concept of hospitality. It also celebrates the idea that everyone is special and deserves to be treated like a king, suggesting a desire for equality and fairness.
Line by Line Meaning
Someday we'll have one extra coastline
One day, we will have more options for coastlines and will grow tired of the Atlantic Ocean.
By then we'll be rid of your lot
By that time, we will have rid ourselves of the people who we do not want around.
A shot heard 'round the world will soon be shot, Will soon be shot
A dramatic event that has worldwide implications is about to happen.
'Til then have some tea and tobacco
In the meantime, let's take a break and enjoy some tea and tobacco.
Hey Jenny meet your master
Everyone must meet their leader, Jenny.
Be nice, show him kindness and such
Be kind to Jenny and show her respect.
But of feeling is a-brewing that we don't need any masters
Some of us are starting to think that we don't need anyone to lead us.
'Cause we all can be a master and we all can be a king
We are all capable of being leaders and royalty.
We speak and we sing the way that you do
We share your language and your customs.
And showed you our hospitality on parade
We have been kind and welcoming hosts to you in the past.
But now we are we, we're no longer you
We have now become our own independent group with our own customs.
Tara to that hospitality on parade
We are leaving that life behind and moving on to something new.
Today you're going to find their descendants
You will encounter the descendants of the people who we once were.
In places all around you
They are all around you, in various locations.
You're faced with the easiest task
You have the easiest challenge ahead of you.
How best to act a king when always treated like a king
How to maintain your sense of leadership when everyone treats you like royalty.
Lunch counters, at banks and the theatre
There are people who will help you at these locations.
Kind help right there to serve you
There are people who are happy to assist you.
Men selling, and girls selling too
Both men and women are involved in selling goods.
And everyone's special
Everyone is unique and important.
We all are someone special
We all have our own unique qualities.
Yes, we all are someone special
We are all valuable individuals, each with our own special qualities.
For we all are someone special
Each and every one of us has something unique to offer.
Where the customer is king
The customer is always the most important person.
Whoever you are, whoever you bring
No matter who you are or who you bring with you.
You'll find that hospitality on parade
You'll still receive a warm welcome and hospitality.
However you look, you're always a king
No matter what you look like, you will always be treated like royalty here.
Wherever there's hospitality on parade
As long as there is hospitality and kindness, you will be treated with respect and care.
I'm special, you're special
We are all valuable and unique.
He's special, she's special
Everyone is important and special.
We're all someone special
We all have our own unique qualities that make us valuable.
And I am the king
I am the leader and royalty of my own life.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
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.