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.

The Greatest Show On Earth
Sparks Lyrics

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Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show

Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show

Step right up and see her walkin' down the street, she's somethin'
Watch her check you out and see if you're complete, she's somethin'
See her tap her foot to nothin' but your heavy breathing
She's the greatest show on earth and I ain't ever leaving

'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you gotta pay a heavy price
'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you got to push and shove and fight

Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show

'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you gotta pay a heavy price
'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you got to push and shove and fight

Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show

Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show

You could bring together everyone for one big show
The Four Tops, MopTops, Boston Pops, and Art Laboe
Half a million people pushin' and the crowd says, 'Go'
But I'd be up in my apartment with the greatest show

'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you gotta pay a heavy price
'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you got to push and shove and fight

Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show

'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you gotta pay a heavy price
'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you got to push and shove and fight

'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
And she's worth it even when you got to push and shove and fight

Overall Meaning

The song "The Greatest Show on Earth" by Sparks is an upbeat and catchy tune about a woman who is the center of attention wherever she goes. The song emphasizes her beauty and confidence, as well as her ability to captivate those around her. The lyrics repeatedly state that she is "the greatest show on earth," which adds to the image of her being an exciting and talented performer.

The chorus also highlights the price people are willing to pay to see her, indicating that her show is something worth fighting for. The rest of the lyrics reference various famous musical acts, as well as a massive crowd of people that are drawn to her show. However, the singer admits that he would prefer to stay in his apartment and admire her from afar rather than join the masses.

Overall, the song celebrates the idea of a woman who is confident and captivating, with an energy and presence that makes her the center of attention wherever she goes. It emphasizes the price people are willing to pay for her show, highlighting her worth and appeal.

Line by Line Meaning

Steady as it goes, she's the greatest show
She is a reliable and impressive performer

Step right up and see her walkin' down the street, she's somethin'
Come see this amazing and unique performer

Watch her check you out and see if you're complete, she's somethin'
She is discerning and will only perform for those who appreciate her

See her tap her foot to nothin' but your heavy breathing
She is a captivating and mesmerizing performer

She's the greatest show on earth and I ain't ever leaving
She is the best performer and I will never leave her show

And she's worth it even when you gotta pay a heavy price
Even though watching her show may be expensive, it is still worth it

And she's worth it even when you got to push and shove and fight
Even though getting into her show may be a struggle, it is still worth it

You could bring together everyone for one big show
You could try to gather all the top performers for one big event

The Four Tops, MopTops, Boston Pops, and Art Laboe
Musical groups of different genres and styles

Half a million people pushin' and the crowd says, 'Go'
The crowd is excited and eager for the event to start

But I'd be up in my apartment with the greatest show
I would rather stay home and watch her perform than go to a big event

'Cause she's the greatest show on earth tonight and every night
She is the best performer every night without fail.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: GIORGIO MORODER, HAROLD FALTERMEIER, RONALD D MAEL, RUSSELL CRAIG MAEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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