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.
Rock 'N' Roll People In A Disco World
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
They sing hard day's night, they're as high as kites
And they sing and play and carry on like
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
They make L. P. records and a few make comebacks
And the rest sell shoes to all the other
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
We're rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Sparks's song "Rock 'N' Roll People In A Disco World" is a commentary on the changing musical landscape of the 1970s. The song is a celebration of the spirit of rock 'n' roll amidst the disco domination of the era.
The lyrics highlight the divide between the two genres, with "rock 'n' roll people" feeling out of place in the "disco world." They sing and play their music with the same passion as always, even as disco takes hold of the popular culture. The mention of "hard day's night" references a classic Beatles song, emphasizing the connection between rock 'n' roll's past and present.
Despite the changes in the music industry, "rock 'n' roll people" are still making LP records and some are even making comebacks. However, the reality for many is that they are now selling shoes to the younger generation who are embracing disco. Despite this, the song's repeated refrain of "rock 'n' roll people in a disco world" celebrates the continued existence and vitality of rock 'n' roll.
Overall, "Rock 'N' Roll People In A Disco World" is a rallying cry for rock 'n' roll fans to stay true to their music in the face of changing trends and fads.
Line by Line Meaning
Rock 'n' roll people in a disco world
Despite the mainstream popularity of disco music, there are still those who are passionate about traditional rock 'n' roll.
They sing hard day's night, they're as high as kites
These rock 'n' roll enthusiasts are so dedicated to their music that they often stay up all night singing and playing, fueled by drugs or alcohol.
And they sing and play and carry on like
Their love for rock 'n' roll is so intense that they will go to great lengths to keep the music alive, even in the face of changing musical trends.
They make L. P. records and a few make comebacks
Some of these rock 'n' roll people have managed to adapt to the changing times and continue their careers, while others have experienced brief periods of renewed success.
And the rest sell shoes to all the other
However, the majority of these rock 'n' roll people have had to find other means of making a living, such as working in retail selling shoes or other products.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RONALD D MAEL, RUSSELL CRAIG 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.