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 Lady Is Lingering
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There are no contractions, nothing slurred
Unprepared you watch in rank amazement
As she lights her cigarette and stirs
Every motion is complete, no editing of anything
Encouraging, encouraging, and not the
Customary bill of fare
This lady's lingering, and you cannot believe the reason why
Every sip is of the smallest quantity
That still denotes apparent thirst
Every question is a means to draw long answers
Play the fool, it doesn't hurt
Splitting, splitting headache coming
Get up early in the morning
Where are the funny phrases
That are always followed by goodbye
[Chorus: ]
Is it now all up to you, do you now
Guide the evening, or do you await
A further signal, a look, a touch, a sigh
[Chorus: ]
Risky business, all this waiting, wondering
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
[Chorus: ]
The lyrics of Sparks's song "The Lady is Lingering" paint a picture of a mysterious, intriguing woman who captivates and confounds those around her. The song's narrator watches in amazement as the lady speaks deliberately and enunciates every word clearly. She moves with precision, without any hesitation, and seems to enjoy defying convention. Her every question is designed to elicit long, detailed answers, and she sips her drink sparingly, always giving the impression of thirst.
Despite her seeming confidence, the lady's behavior makes those around her uneasy. The singer speaks of "splitting headaches" and an overall sense of riskiness in the situation. He wonders if it is up to him to guide the evening and whether he should wait for further signals from the lady. Ultimately, the song leaves us with a feeling of uncertainty, as the lady remains enigmatic and inscrutable to those around her.
Line by Line Meaning
Every word pronounced distinctly, slowly
The lady speaks clearly and slowly with no slurs or contractions.
Unprepared you watch in rank amazement
You observe her in astonishment as she lights her cigarette and stirs without prior notification.
Every motion is complete, no editing of anything
She conducts every movement fully, without any editing or holding back.
Encouraging, encouraging, and not the
She motivates and encourages, which is not what one would expect.
Customary bill of fare
There is nothing usual or conventional about her actions.
Can't you see the lady is lingering (lingering)
It's evident that the lady is stalling and taking her time.
This lady's lingering, and you cannot believe the reason why
You can’t comprehend her excuse for prolonging the situation.
Every sip is of the smallest quantity
She drinks in small sips, indicating she's not thirsty.
That still denotes apparent thirst
However, despite the small sips, she still appears thirsty.
Every question is a means to draw long answers
She poses questions to elicit lengthy responses from you.
Play the fool, it doesn't hurt
It’s harmless to act foolishly.
Splitting, splitting headache coming
A painful headache is beginning to form.
Get up early in the morning
You have to wake up early in the morning, regardless of what happens now.
Where are the funny phrases
Why aren't there any amusing expressions being said?
That are always followed by goodbye
That are usually said before departure.
Is it now all up to you, do you now
Are you now responsible for the evening?
Guide the evening, or do you await
Do you take charge of the evening, or do you wait for someone else?
A further signal, a look, a touch, a sigh
A sign of some kind, whether a glance, a touch, or a sigh.
Risky business, all this waiting, wondering
It's a dangerous game, waiting and wondering like this.
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
It's hazardous to wait and ponder like this.
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
This activity is unsafe due to the waiting and wondering involved.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RONALD D 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.