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.
Tips For Teens
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's 90 and you're a teen
I'm trying to cheer you up
Don't be so mean, don't be so mean
Crach, bam, now you're looking good
Tip Top, now you're feeling good
Once more, here's your Aunt Maureen
[Chorus]
Tips For Teens, Tips For Teens, the kind
You don't see in magazines
Tips For Teens, Tips For Teens, the kind
You don't see on T.V. screens
Tips For Teens, Tips For Teens
Wake up to music
And say you're too sick to go to work
Soon, you will lose all your zits
Tight sweaters no longer fit
Jetsetters will make their pitch
I told you so, I told you so
[Chorus]
Don't eat that ice cream
It is vanilla
Give it to me
Don't eat that pastry
What's in the middle
Give it to me
Don't eat that burger
Has it got mayonnaise
Give it to me
Keep that mystique up
And wear a "D" cup
No matter what
Don't eat no curry
Before a very
Important date
Do I look so knowing and old and wise
Maby it's those Dacron ties
How come you keep asking me
For Tips For Teens, for Tips For Teens
Crach, bam, now you're looking good
Tip Top, now you're feeling good
Once more, here's your Aunt Maureen
Don't you feel good, don't you feel good
[Chorus]
The song "Tips for Teens" by Sparks appears to be a comical take on offering advice to teenagers. It starts with an unusual snapshot of a 90-year-old aunt named Maureen that the singer is trying to use to cheer up the teen. The lyrics go on to discuss various matters that teens may face, including acne, tight sweaters, and health and beauty tips, including not eating certain foods before an important date. The chorus stresses the importance of waking up to music and not following the unrealistic ideals portrayed in magazines and on TV screens.
The song seems to be both a critique of and a tribute to teen culture. The lyrics offer off-beat suggestions on how to fit in while also poking fun at the unrealistic messages propagated by the media. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the song is the irreverence with which the lyrics approach the various difficulties and dilemmas faced by teenagers.
In summary, "Tips for Teens" is a satire on the advice given to teenagers, urging them to wake up to music, embrace their individuality, and not worry too much about following the mainstream expectations. Through humorous lyrics and a catchy tune, Sparks takes a lighthearted approach to reflect on some of the stereotypes and cliches that dominate teenage culture.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a snapshot of your Aunt Maureen
I have a funny picture of your elderly relative
She's 90 and you're a teen
There's a huge age gap between you and this older person
I'm trying to cheer you up
I want to make you feel better
Don't be so mean, don't be so mean
Please don't act rude or unkind
Crach, bam, now you're looking good
You've transformed and now look attractive
Tip Top, now you're feeling good
You're feeling great about yourself
Once more, here's your Aunt Maureen
Here's that funny picture again
Don't you feel good, don't you feel good
You should feel happy and confident now
[Chorus]
These are my Tips for Teens, unconventional advice that's not found in the usual places
Wake up to music
Start your day with a soundtrack that makes you feel energetic
And say you're too sick to go to work
Sometimes you need a break, so just lie and say you're too ill to work
Soon, you will lose all your zits
Your acne will clear up eventually
Tight sweaters no longer fit
Your body shape will change as you grow up
Jetsetters will make their pitch
People will always try to sell you things
I told you so, I told you so
I warned you this would happen
Don't eat that ice cream
Avoid eating unhealthy desserts
It is vanilla
This particular flavor isn't worth indulging in
Give it to me
I'll eat it instead
Don't eat that pastry
Pastries are loaded with empty calories
What's in the middle
The filling might not be worth it
Don't eat that burger
Fast food isn't good for you
Has it got mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is high in fat, so avoid it
Keep that mystique up
A little mystery can be attractive
And wear a "D" cup
Larger breasts might be seen as desirable
No matter what
This is an essential rule to follow, no exceptions
Don't eat no curry
Spicy foods might leave you with bad breath or an upset stomach
Before a very
Just be cautious
Important date
Don't let spicy food ruin your big night
Do I look so knowing and old and wise
You might think I'm experienced and insightful
Maby it's those Dacron ties
Perhaps my sophisticated clothing gives off that impression
How come you keep asking me
You seem to value my advice, even if it's unconventional
For Tips For Teens, for Tips For Teens
You keep coming back for more of my unique advice
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RONALD D MAEL, RUSSELL CRAIG MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pfzt
"Don't eat that pastry, What's in the middle, Give it to me" I'm dead. I love this band so much. Definitely one of the most original and sophisticated bands in all of Rock history.
HeartOfDorkness
In all of my 42 years I have never heard of SPARKS until I saw a trailer for the Edgar Wright documentary. Now I know that was 42 years wasted.
klimtklavier
Now you get to catch up !!!
BounceEnglish
I'm right there with you.
Anna Backman
To all of you "newbies"💖; Welcome to the wonderful world of Sparks ✨💖!!
Karoll Ramirez
Same here!
Scott Luckman
@OH_I _Will ...ha ha, well played
Joe Davis
"Whomp That Sucker" is an incredibly solid album! In my personal top 5 of all Sparks albums.
NoxiousRob
Worth buying the album just for I Married A Martian
BelatedCommiseration
I love the fact that in the middle of this song Russell says 'why do you keeping asking me about...Tips for Teens?' when that has been basically all he has been saying for the whole song :)