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.

How to Get Your Ass Kicked
Sparks Lyrics

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Look askance
Just a glance
Just enough
To incite the wrath
Of her confidante
Strong though gaunt

And that's how to get your ass kicked
How to get your ass kicked

Never learn
To discern
Areas
Where you don't belong
So you venture out
Head in clouds

And that's how to get your ass kicked
How to get your ass kicked

I know, I know, I know, I know
Driving home,
Bikes in chrome
Cut you off
And you flip them off
And they take their turns
Many turns

And that's how to get your ass kicked
How to get your kicked

I know, I know, I know, I know
In the end
Then is when
You will pray
But you won't be answered
And then you'll go
End of show

And that's how to get your ass kicked
How to get your ass kicked

Oh well, oh well, oh well, oh well

Overall Meaning

Sparks's song "How To Get Your Ass Kicked" is an admonitory tune for those who fail to understand social cues and boundaries. The lyrics discuss the consequences of disregarding these cues, which can lead to hostility and violence towards oneself. The song's lyrics narrate the story of a person who takes actions that put them in harm's way over and over again.

The first verse sets the tone for the song, warning the listener to take caution with how they interact with others. The second verse furthers this theme and highlights the consequences of failing to recognize boundaries. The bridge of the song describes an instance of road rage, illustrating what can happen when people don't respect the boundaries of others.

The song's final verse describes the inevitable end to this behavior pattern - a realization of one's own folly and subsequent failure. The repetition of the song's title throughout the lyrics leaves the listener with the unmistakable message that foolish behavior can lead to painful outcomes.

Overall, this song serves as a commentary on the importance of respecting boundaries and social cues in our interactions with others, particularly when we're in unfamiliar environments or with people we don't know well.

Line by Line Meaning

Look askance
Gaze sideways, with a suspicious look

Just a glance
Just a moment of looking sideways

Just enough
The brief look is ample to get a reaction

To incite the wrath
Provoking anger or resentment

Of her confidante
Of the person with whom she shares secrets

Strong though gaunt
Despite being thin, she is robust

And that's how to get your ass kicked
These actions lead directly to getting beat up

Never learn
You do not absorb the lessons

To discern
To recognize, differentiate or judge

Areas
Spatial zones or situations

Where you don't belong
Where you are not welcome or do not have authority