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.
Ride 'Em Cowboy
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then laughed at me
They said, "how true "
Then said, "not you"
They thought how wise
Then thought goodbye
You hit your stride
Then Mr. Hyde
The lyrics of Sparks's song "Ride 'Em Cowboy" seem to speak about the fleeting nature of fame and the fickleness of those who claim to be your supporter. The beginning of the song seems to suggest that the singer enjoyed some kind of success or admiration from others, who laughed with him, and thought him wise. However, this changes suddenly and the admiration turns to ridicule, as they start laughing at him and thinking that he is not worthy of their praise.
The line "You hit your stride, then Mr. Hyde" reflects how quickly someone's fortunes can change, from success to failure, from adoration to ridicule, from hero to villain. This is a reference to the character Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, who represents the duality of human nature between good and evil, and the idea that someone's personality can change drastically. The chorus of the song, "Ride 'em cowboy, ride 'em high / You're the one they idolize" seems to suggest that despite the fleeting nature of fame, the singer still feels like he is on top and can keep pushing forward through the ups and downs.
Overall, the message of the song seems to suggest that one should not become too attached to fame or adoration, as it can quickly turn into ridicule and disappointment. The chorus, with its call to "ride 'em cowboy" suggests that the singer is still determined to push forward with confidence despite this.
Line by Line Meaning
They laughed with me
People were enjoying my company and having fun with me
Then laughed at me
Suddenly, the same people started mocking and belittling me
They said, "how true "
Initially, they agreed with what I was saying or doing
Then said, "not you"
However, they quickly changed their minds and decided that I wasn't worthy of their agreement or support
They thought how wise
At one point, they regarded me as smart and knowledgeable
Then thought goodbye
But then, they abruptly and unfairly turned their backs on me
You hit your stride
Despite their fickle attitudes, you found your rhythm and confidence
Then Mr. Hyde
But just when things were going well, something unexpected and negative happened
ride em cowboy ride em
Despite the ups and downs, keep pushing forward and riding the wild ride of life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RON MAEL, RUSSELL MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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.