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.
Likeable
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm likeable
I'm likeable
I'm likeable
I'm likeable
'Cause I'm likeable, they all say
And there's no other reason things go my way
I'm just likeable, night and day
No hidden motives and no master plan
Strangers come up, want to shake my hand
It's in my makeup, make 'em feel at ease
Without intending to I always please
'Cause I'm likeable, they all say
Wouldn't have it any other way
And there's no other reason things go my way
I'm just likeable, night and day
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
When they see me coming round no one ever wears a frown
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
And I'm likeable, come what may
That in sum's my resumé
And whatever the season they beg me to stay
'Cause I'm likeable, come what may
I'm at a bar and they all want to pay
Men, women, old and young, straight and gay
Receiving favors for what I am
Seems rather strange, but I understand
'Cause I'm likeable, they all say
Wouldn't have it any other way
And there's no other reason things go my way
I'm just likeable, night and day
And I'm likeable, come what may
That in sum's my resumé
And whatever the season they beg me to stay
'Cause I'm likeable, come what may
'Cause I'm likeable, they all say
Wouldn't have it any other way
And there's no other reason things go my way
I'm just likeable, night and day
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
When they see me coming round no one ever wears a frown
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
Likeable, they all say
Wouldn't have it any other way
Likeable, come what may
That in sum's my resumé
Wonder what it feels like to be in love
How would you describe it, like a push or shove
Guess I keep pretending this is all I need
Wanting more than what I have might appear as greed
'Cause I'm likeable, they all say
Wouldn't have it any other way
And there's no other reason things go my way
I'm just likeable, night and day
And I'm likeable, come what may
That in sum's my resumé
And whatever the season they beg me to stay
'Cause I'm likeable, come what may
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
When they see me coming round no one ever wears a frown
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
When they see me coming round no one ever wears a frown
I don't care if you love me, just so you like me
I don't care if you love me, just so you like me
I don't care if you love me, just so you like me
I don't care if you love me, just so you like me
Like me, like me, like me, like me
Like me, like me, like me, like me...
Sparks's song Likeable talks about how likability sometimes seems to be the only thing necessary to succeed in life. The repeated phrase "I'm likeable" in the chorus creates a feeling of acknowledgment and validation that comes with constantly hearing that one is likable. The song points towards how being likable opens doors, and how people seem to want to be around those they perceive as friendly and approachable, which helps pave the way for personal or professional success. There is no hidden agenda behind the singer's likability; it's just who they are, and people are drawn to that authenticity. The song portrays a protagonist who seems to be in wonder, but also somewhat trapped, by the ease of their pleasant interactions.
Moreover, the song also touches on the idea that true love might not matter as much as being likable to others. The lyrics "I don't care if you love me, just so you like me" re-emphasize how being likable is the ultimate goal for the singer, even though they seem to be longing for something more profound: love. The song's central message is both a statement and a question about the importance of likability in our lives. While it seems like being likable could be helpful in creating positive connections with others, it also raises questions about how genuine such relationships can be.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm likeable
I possess a certain charm and charisma that draws people towards me.
'Cause I'm likeable, they all say
The reason everyone thinks I'm great is because of my likeable nature.
Wouldn't have it any other way
People strongly prefer my likeable qualities and wouldn't want it to be any different.
And there's no other reason things go my way
The only reason why things work in my favor is due to my natural likeability and not due to any ulterior motives or plans.
I'm just likeable, night and day
I'm always likeable, no matter what time of day it is or what the situation.
No hidden motives and no master plan
I have no secret agenda and no elaborate scheme. What you see is what you get.
Strangers come up, want to shake my hand
People I don't know often approach me and want to greet me warmly, likely because of my likeable qualities.
It's in my makeup, make 'em feel at ease
My likeable nature is an inherent part of who I am, and it makes other people feel comfortable and relaxed around me.
Without intending to I always please
I don't make a conscious effort to make people happy, but I always seem to do so without even trying.
No one ever wears a frown when they see me coming round
People always smile when they see me, indicating that I'm good at putting them at ease and making them feel happy.
And I'm likeable, come what may
Regardless of the circumstances, my likeable nature always stays intact.
That in sum's my resumé
My likeability is the defining characteristic of who I am and what I bring to the table.
And whatever the season they beg me to stay
No matter what time of year it is, people always want me around because of my likeable nature.
I'm at a bar and they all want to pay
People at bars often offer to buy me drinks or food, likely because of my likeable qualities.
Men, women, old and young, straight and gay
People from all walks of life are drawn to me and my likeable nature, regardless of their age or sexual orientation.
Receiving favors for what I am
I often receive special treatment or favors simply because of my likeable nature and not due to anything else.
Seems rather strange, but I understand
I recognize that it's odd to receive favors just for being likeable, but I accept it as part of who I am.
Wonder what it feels like to be in love
I'm curious about the sensation of being in love (which is unrelated to my likeable nature).
How would you describe it, like a push or shove
I'm unsure what being in love is like, and I'm wondering if it's more of a forceful feeling (like a push) or a gentle one (like a shove).
Guess I keep pretending this is all I need
I'm pretending that being likeable is all I need in life, even though I may secretly want more (like love).
Wanting more than what I have might appear as greed
I worry that if I express a desire for more than just likeability, it may come across as greedy or ungrateful.
I don't care if you love me, just so you like me
I don't need people to love me, but I do want them to like me (since that's what I'm good at).
Like me, like me, like me, like me
Overall, my likeability is the defining characteristic of my personality and the one thing that people seem to admire most about me.
Contributed by Zoe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.