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.
Moon Over Kentucky
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your pocked face remains impassive though I know it hurts you
Moon over Kentucky
Take me with you
Full moon over Kentucky
Leave this mooring and seek some new rendezvous
Cut your ties with this possessive mother, she'll destroy you
Moon over Kentucky
Take me with you
Full moon over Kentucky
Leave this mooring and seek some new rendezvous
You've been waiting for your first encounter, what a letdown
I'm just finishing my first encounter, what a letdown
Moon over Kentucky
Take me with you
Full moon over Kentucky
Leave this mooring and seek some new rendezvous
The lyrics of Sparks's song "Moon Over Kentucky" are full of emotion and depart from straightforward interpretations. The lyrics are complex, and the first verse suggests that something violent or negative is happening to the subject of the song. The lyrics suggest that there is something going on that is causing harm, but the person is not showing any emotion, even though it must hurt. The second verse tells the person to cut ties with a mother who is trying to control them and find someone else who will respect them. While the third verse is somewhat ambiguous, it seems to talk about a letdown in love and the moon over Kentucky, which is still present and can provide a new start and a better future.
One interpretation of this song is that it is about breaking free from something that is holding you down or causing you pain. The first verse could be interpreted that someone or something is causing the subject of the song to be hurt, but they are not showing any emotion, suggesting that they are repressing or internalizing the issue. The second verse advises the subject to leave behind an encampment that is causing trouble and pursue someone who will respect them, suggesting that there is something in their life that is holding them back. However, the chorus suggests that the moon over Kentucky can provide hope and escape.
A potential interpretation of the song's overall meaning is that it is about searching for something new amid adversity. The lyrics suggest there is a cycle, but there is hope as well. The idea may be that different phases of the moon represent different stages in one's life, and it is time to move on to a new phase. The song's message could be that the moon over Kentucky is an invitation to come and start anew, free of past troubles and with a future full of possibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard somewhere that they're stamping, trampling all upon you
I've heard that you're being mistreated and taken advantage of by others
Your pocked face remains impassive though I know it hurts you
You're trying to appear strong and unaffected, but I know deep down you're hurting
Moon over Kentucky
The moon shining high over the state of Kentucky
Take me with you
I want to escape from my current situation and join you under the moon in Kentucky
Full moon over Kentucky
The moon in its full and bright form over Kentucky
Leave this mooring and seek some new rendezvous
Let's leave this place where we're currently anchored and find a new place to meet and be free
Cut your ties with this possessive mother, she'll destroy you
End your relationship with the controlling and harmful person you're involved with, because they will only bring you harm
Cut your ties and find another one who will respect you
Break free and find someone who will treat you with the respect and kindness you deserve
You've been waiting for your first encounter, what a letdown
You may have had high hopes for your first experience, but it ended up being disappointing
I'm just finishing my first encounter, what a letdown
I've just finished something for the first time myself, but it didn't live up to my expectations either
Contributed by Aubrey A. 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.