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.
The Angels
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard the angels call your name
They feel ashamed
They feel ashamed
I saw the angels glaring down
I saw the angels glaring down
They feel inane
They feel in pain
Because you're oh so fucking cool
Me, I take it in stride
Me, I know I'm on the right side this time
I see the angels disappear
I see the angels disappear
They feel confused
They feel bemused
They are a pale picture of you
Me, I take it in stride
Me, I know I'm on the right side this time
They've felt the heat
And felt defeat
Because you look so fucking good
They've felt the heat
And felt defeat
Because you look so fucking good
"The Angels" by Sparks is a song that appears to be about a person who has caught the attention of the angels. The opening phrase "I heard the angels call your name" suggests that the person is so compelling that even divine messengers are taking notice. The next line "They feel ashamed" feels contradictory, however, as angels are usually portrayed as pure and beyond reproach. The singer's assertion later in the song that the angels have "felt the heat" and "felt defeat" because the person looks so good complicates the notion of the angels being ashamed. It suggests that the angels themselves may be becoming corrupted by their desire for this person.
The lyrics continue with the repeated assertion that the person looks "so fucking good," which could be interpreted as both a compliment and a condemnation. The repeated refrain of "Me, I take it in stride / Me, I know I'm on the right side this time" suggests that the singer is comfortable with their own existence and sense of self, despite being overshadowed by this person who has captivated the angels. The final line "They are a pale picture of you" seems to suggest that the angels themselves are fading in comparison to this person's beauty and allure. Overall, the song seems to be about the dangers of becoming too obsessed with outward appearances and the personal toll that can take, even on divine beings.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard the angels call your name
The angels were beckoning and calling out your name
They feel ashamed
The angels feel regretful or apologetic due to something that has happened
Because you look so fucking good
The reason for the angels' shame or remorse is that you are highly attractive or visually appealing
I saw the angels glaring down
The angels were looking down upon something in a disapproving or angry manner
They feel inane
The angels feel silly or foolish
They feel in pain
Because you're oh so fucking cool
The angels are experiencing emotional pain or distress because of how cool or impressive you are
Me, I take it in stride
Me, I know I'm on the right side this time
The singer is unfazed or unaffected by the angels' reactions and knows that they are doing something that is morally correct or justified
I see the angels disappear
The angels have disappeared from the situation or location
They feel confused
The angels are feeling uncertain or bewildered about what has happened
They feel bemused
They are a pale picture of you
The angels are feeling amused or entertained, but compared to you, they are much less interesting or impressive
They've felt the heat
And felt defeat
Because you look so fucking good
The angels have been negatively affected or defeated by your exceptional physical appearance
They've felt the heat
And felt defeat
Because you look so fucking good
The angels have been negatively affected or defeated by your exceptional physical appearance
Contributed by Charlie O. 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.