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.

Over the Summer
Sparks Lyrics

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You've got to trust in summer, miracles can happen if you do
'Cause all that heat speeds change in everything, maybe even you

If you're a summertime believer
If you're a summertime believer
July, you were the plainest of Janes
Through August, you got rearranged
September, you're not just a brain

Over the summer, over the summer, over the summer
I tried to find myself this summertime,
I found you instead
And please forgive me Karen, but in June you were kind of dead
But, then we had that three day hot spell

You really turned into a bombshell
July, you were the plainest of Janes
Through August, you got rearranged
September, you're not just a brain
Over the summer, over the summer, over the summer

Over the summer you're under the summer sun
Over the summer you're under the summer sun
Over the summer you're under the summer sun
Lying there, lying there, lying there, getting hot

You know the records that I got in June don't sound good no more
And all the clothes I bought in June are now rotting in my drawers
But you're a different girl, much better
A little redder, but much better

Was it just the heat of the sun
Was it that you had lots of fun

I wish that the summer weren't done
Over the summer, over the summer, over the summer.

Overall Meaning

Sparks's song "Over the Summer" tells a story of personal transformation and the power of summer to change people and things. The initial message of the song is about trusting in summer and the miracles that can happen if one does. The heat of summer can bring change to anything, including people. It is a call to be a summertime believer, to believe that good things can happen during summer.

The lyrics showcase a personal transformation that the singer undergoes over the summer. They initially set out to "find themselves" during the summertime but instead find someone else, Karen, who they connect with. The singer acknowledges that Karen was kind of "dead" in June but the three-day hot spell was all that was needed for Karen to turn into a "bombshell." Karen undergoes a physical transformation, turning a little redder and becoming much better.

The song ends with a sense of longing for the summer not to be over, wishing for it to continue so that the changes that happened to Karen can continue as well. The song is essentially about the transformative power of summer and the magic that can occur during those few months.

Line by Line Meaning

You've got to trust in summer, miracles can happen if you do
Believing that summer can work wonders is key, as summertime is a catalyst for change - even in you.

'Cause all that heat speeds change in everything, maybe even you
The high temperatures of summer accelerate transformation in all aspects of life, including the possibility of personal growth.

If you're a summertime believer
Only if you truly embrace summer and all its potential can you experience its benefits.

July, you were the plainest of Janes
At the start of summer, you were unremarkable and unmemorable.

Through August, you got rearranged
But as the season progressed, you underwent positive changes and transformations.

September, you're not just a brain
By the end of summer, you are more than just a rational mind; you have also opened yourself up to feelings and personal connections.

Over the summer, over the summer, over the summer
Repetition emphasizes the impact of summertime experiences and transformations.

I tried to find myself this summertime, I found you instead
Although the artist set out to discover something about themselves, they ultimately found a connection with someone unexpected.

And please forgive me Karen, but in June you were kind of dead
The artist admits that they initially overlooked the person they are now involved with, citing their unremarkable state at the beginning of summer.

But, then we had that three day hot spell
However, they acknowledge that something changed during a specific period of intense heat.

You really turned into a bombshell
As a result of that moment, the person the singer is involved with underwent a remarkable change, becoming very attractive and appealing.

Over the summer you're under the summer sun
Existing under the sun and the experience of summertime has a powerful effect on people.

Lying there, lying there, lying there, getting hot
The physical sensations associated with lying under the sun during summertime can be overwhelming and transformative.

You know the records that I got in June don't sound good no more
The music that the singer was interested in before summer no longer has the same appeal, suggesting that their personal tastes and preferences have changed.

And all the clothes I bought in June are now rotting in my drawers
Similarly, the clothes that the singer purchased before summer are now unimportant and unused, indicating that they have outgrown their previous self.

But you're a different girl, much better, A little redder, but much better
The person the artist is involved with, on the other hand, has become more attractive and valuable to them as a result of the summertime experiences.

Was it just the heat of the sun, Was it that you had lots of fun
The artist questions whether the transformations that took place during summertime were due to external or internal factors - was it simply the environment, or was it the person themselves having fun?

I wish that the summer weren't done
The singer expresses sadness that the summertime experiences have come to an end.

Over the summer, over the summer, over the summer
Repetition once again emphasizes the power and impact of the summertime experiences on the singer.

Contributed by Grace C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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