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.
Now That I Own the BBC
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
what could I have been thinking.
It's going one time, it's going two times, sold to the gent
who wears the stunned expression.
As I took it off their hands, a five pound note was changinghands.
I had plans, I had plans
[Chorus:]
What am I supposed to do with that thing
Now that I own the BBC
What am I supposed to make of this thing
All this power, all this glory, all these DJ's and all theselorries
What was I thinking, what was I thinking, what was I thinking
What could I have been thinking
Hey Rupert Murdoch, help me out
I'm flying blind, I'm flying blind
You know the way to lay things out, for the refined andunrefined.
[Chorus:]
Hey Ted Turner, help me out
I'm flying blind, I'm flying blind
You know the way to lay things out, to colorize and still feelfine.
[Chorus:]
Make of it what you will, make of it what you will, make of itwhat you will
make of it what you will
Should we go brighter, should we go lighter, should we gowhiter
Go left or righter
What was I thinking, what was i thinking, what was I thinking
I wasn't thinking, what could I have been thinking.
[Chorus:]
Make of it what you will, make of it what you will, make of itwhat you will
[Chorus:]
The Sparks song "Now That I Own the BBC" is a tongue-in-cheek take on the idea of suddenly gaining great wealth and power. The lyrics describe the singer's surprise at finding themselves in possession of the BBC (the British Broadcasting Corporation), one of the most significant media organizations in the world. The song's chorus repeats the line "What am I supposed to do with this thing?" as the singer ponders the possibilities and challenges of owning such a massive institution.
The verses of the song are filled with humorous observations about the BBC, including its DJs and lorries (trucks). The singer lightheartedly calls out to media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner for advice on what to do with their newfound power. The bridge of the song wonders if the BBC should go "brighter" or "lighter" with its programming, or if it should go "left or righter" politically.
Overall, "Now That I Own the BBC" is a fun and satirical take on the concept of gaining power and wealth, and the challenges it brings. The song's upbeat tempo and clever lyrics make it a standout track on Sparks' album "In Outer Space".
Line by Line Meaning
What was I thinking, what was I thinking, what was I thinking, what could I have been thinking.
The singer regrets their impulsiveness and wonders what they were thinking when they bought the BBC.
It's going one time, it's going two times, sold to the gent who wears the stunned expression.
The singer bought the BBC at an auction and the person they outbid looks shocked.
As I took it off their hands, a five pound note was changing hands. I had plans, I had plans.
The singer paid a small amount of money for something they envision making a big impact with.
Now that I own the BBC, What am I supposed to do with that thing? Now that I own the BBC, What am I supposed to make of this thing?
The artist is unsure what the purpose of owning the BBC is and wants guidance on what to do next.
All this power, all this glory, all these DJ's and all these lorries. What was I thinking, what was I thinking, what was I thinking, What could I have been thinking?
The artist is marveling at the vastness of the BBC and once again questioning their decision to own it.
Hey Rupert Murdoch, help me out. I'm flying blind, I'm flying blind. You know the way to lay things out, for the refined and unrefined.
The singer is looking to expert Rupert Murdoch for advice on how to use his new ownership of the BBC to appeal to a wide audience.
Hey Ted Turner, help me out. I'm flying blind, I'm flying blind. You know the way to lay things out, to colorize and still feel fine.
In a similar vein, the singer is seeking out Ted Turner for guidance on how to effectively use color in content produced by the BBC.
Make of it what you will, make of it what you will, make of it what you will, make of it what you will.
The artist acknowledges that the BBC can be interpreted in different ways and is open to suggestions on how to use it.
Should we go brighter, should we go lighter, should we go whiter? Go left or righter. What was I thinking, what was I thinking, what was I thinking? I wasn't thinking, what could I have been thinking.
The artist is brainstorming different ideas on how to make the BBC's content more appealing and is once again acknowledging their impulsive decision to buy it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RON MAEL, RUSSELL MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
andrea anzani
One of the most outstanding band ever!
velma D
If I got the opportunity to meet this guys I would blush and feel like jello. Especially around Ron! I love their music I haven’t heard anything but great songs!💜💜
Paul Lea
I also have yet to hear a dud Sparks song. All their songs are catchy and always infectious. I don't mind getting the Sparks injection infection 🤩😎. 😀.
Alan Penfold
Met them 3times . Great guys . And new album soon. Yip E .
MoreToKnowShow
Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins is still one of my favorite albums by the Maels. The music was that really cool 90's house/techno pop sound with the brothers touch.
Rebecca V.
So funny because my sister played saxophone in high school and I played the violin.
Wididididididi
Can we just acknowledge how good they both look in this video? Like D A M N
Alison DeLuca
Every Sparks album is my favorite, that is all
vita redit
SPARKS has an incredible imagination and a huge humour!
Kyach Distent
Hell yeah!