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.

Love-O-Rama
Sparks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Trains are leaving from the station
(Hop on board for Love-o-Rama)
Hopin' for that sweet sensation
(Hop on board for Love-o-Rama.)
Brothers, sisters, all invited,
(Love him, love her, Love-o-Rama.)
All your love will be requited.
(Love him, love her, Love-o-Rama.)

[Chorus]
You'll feel my love and then you'll know.
You'll feel my love and then you'll know.
You'll feel my love and then you'll know.
You'll feel my love and then you'll know.
Love-o-Rama, will it move me?
(Ain't no doubt about Love-o-Rama)
Is it liable to improve me?
(Ain't no doubt about Love-o-Rama)
In the moonlight, nothing fancy.
(Love him, love her, Love-o-Rama)
Don't go pulling a Polanski.
(Love him, love her, Love-o-Rama)

[Chorus]

Get on up man, time is flying,
(Love him, love her, Love-o-Rama.)
Someone needs you, someone's crying.
(Love him, love her, Love-o-Rama.)

Final call for Love-o-Rama.
Final call for Love-o-Rama.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sparks's song Love-O-Rama describe an invitation to join a train ride towards a place called Love-o-Rama, a place where love reigns supreme. It speaks of an all-inclusive gathering, with the invitation extended to all, regardless of gender or social status. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the concept of feeling the love and knowing it.

The song's second verse asks if Love-o-Rama will move and improve the individual and advises against doing anything fancy or risky, such as the infamous Polanski incident. The final verse urges the listener to get on board and not waste time, as someone needs them and someone is crying. It then issues a final call for Love-o-Rama.

The song feels like an invitation to join a utopia devoted to love, leaving behind the troubles and mundanity of reality, even if it's just for the duration of the train ride. It emphasizes the importance of being present, seizing the moment, and feeling the love around us.

Line by Line Meaning

Trains are leaving from the station
Opportunities for love are presenting themselves

Hop on board for Love-o-Rama
Seize the opportunity for love

Hopin' for that sweet sensation
Seeking the happiness and pleasure that love can bring

Brothers, sisters, all invited,
Everyone is welcome to experience love

All your love will be requited.
Love will be returned in kind.

You'll feel my love and then you'll know.
Experiencing love will bring understanding

Love-o-Rama, will it move me?
Wondering if love will have an impact

Is it liable to improve me?
Questioning if love will make life better

In the moonlight, nothing fancy.
Love doesn't need to be extravagant

Don't go pulling a Polanski.
Don't commit any unethical acts in the name of love

Get on up man, time is flying,
Take action and pursue love while there is still time