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.
Tryouts For The Human Race
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One of us might make it through, the rest will disappear like dew
Pressure building, gettin' hot, give it, give it, give it all you got
When that love explosion comes, my, oh my, we want to be someone
[Chorus:]
Tryouts for the human race, from Burlington to Bonn
Ah, we are a quarter-billion strong
We just want to be someone
We're the future and the past, we're the only way you're gonna last
We're just pawns in a funny game, tiny actors in the oldest play
It's an angry sea we face, just to get the chance to join the race
Gotta make it, gotta try, gotta get the chance to live and die
[Chorus]
We must, we must, we must leave from here
We must, we must, we must, we must leave from here
Gotta make our play, gotta get away
Gotta make our play, gotta get away
Gotta make our play, gotta get away
Gotta make our play
Let us out of here, let us out of here, let us out of here
We just want to feel the sun and be your little daughter or your son
We're just words that lovers use, words thaat light that automatic fuse
When that love explosion comes, my, oh my, we want to be someone
[Chorus]
The song "Tryouts for the Human Race" by Sparks is an energetic track that talks about the desire for recognition, the struggle for individuality, and a yearning to exist. The lyrics suggest that the human race is on trial, and that the ultimate goal is to gain acceptance or validation by being "someone" or anything significant. The first verse describes the beginnings of life as a simple idea, a daydream of lovers, which slowly becomes more tangible, before it quickly fades away into nothingness. The chorus carries a message of unity and strength, suggesting that everyone is in this struggle together, from Burlington to Bonn, and that it is a race with high stakes. It highlights the desire to survive and leave a mark in a world that feels like an "angry sea."
The second verse suggests that life is just a game, and we are tiny actors. The game is both old and new, and everyone is fighting to be a part of it. The lyrics build upon the ideas from the chorus, highlighting the frustration and urgency of the human experience. The bridge takes a turn towards defiance, with the repeated phrase "let us out of here," suggesting that this game, this race, or this struggle, may not be worth it. It feels like a whole generation is seeking liberation and fleeing from something that is trapping or holding them back from achieving their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
We're just a gleam in lover's eyes, steam on sweaty bodies in the night
We are new and exciting, just like the beginning stages of a romantic relationship. Our energy and passion are like the steam rising off of two hot, sweaty bodies in the night
One of us might make it through, the rest will disappear like dew
Not all of us will succeed in life. Some of us will be forgotten, like dew that evaporates with the morning sun. But maybe, just maybe, one of us will make it to the top
Pressure building, gettin' hot, give it, give it, give it all you got. When that love explosion comes, my, oh my, we want to be someone
Life is intense and can be overwhelming, but we must give it our all if we want to achieve success. When we finally reach our goals, it will be like a powerful love explosion, and we want to be remembered as someone important
We're the future and the past, we're the only way you're gonna last. We're just pawns in a funny game, tiny actors in the oldest play
We are the present, the past, and the future all at once. We are the key to survival and longevity. But in reality, we are just pawns in a game we don't understand, playing out the same roles as those who came before us
It's an angry sea we face, just to get the chance to join the race. Gotta make it, gotta try, gotta get the chance to live and die
Life is a difficult journey full of obstacles and struggles, but we must persevere if we want the opportunity to succeed. We have to work hard, take risks, and fight for the chance to live a life worth remembering
Tryouts for the human race, from Burlington to Bonn. Ah, we are a quarter-billion strong
Life is a competition that spans the globe. All of us are vying for the same opportunities, and there are a lot of us. We are a massive force to be reckoned with
We must, we must, we must leave from here. Gotta make our play, gotta get away
We must leave behind the comfort and safety of our current situation in order to chase after our dreams. We have to take risks in order to succeed
Let us out of here, let us out of here, let us out of here. We just want to feel the sun and be your little daughter or your son
We are eager to break free of our mundane lives and experience the world outside. We want to feel the warmth of the sun and be loved as someone's child
We're just words that lovers use, words thaat light that automatic fuse. When that love explosion comes, my, oh my, we want to be someone
Our lives are just fleeting moments that disappear quickly, like words spoken between lovers that ignite a fuse. But when we finally reach our goals and make an impact, we want to be remembered as someone important
Tryouts for the human race, from twilight time 'til dawn. We just want to be someone
Life is a constant audition for success, from the beginning of our adult lives until the very end. All we really want is to make a name for ourselves and be remembered as someone significant
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GIORGIO MORODER, GIORGIO G. MORODER, RONALD D MAEL, RUSSELL CRAIG MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@luxuanwang5846
We're just a gleam in lover's eyes, steam on sweaty bodies in the night
One of us might make it through, the rest will disappear like dew
Pressure building, gettin' hot, give it, give it, give it all you got
When that love explosion comes, my, oh my, we want to be someone
Tryouts for the human race, from Burlington to Bonn
Ah, we are a quarter billion strong
Tryouts for the human race, from twilight time 'til dawn
We just want to be someone
We're the future and the past, we're the only way you're gonna last
We're just pawns in a funny game, tiny actors in the oldest play
It's an angry sea we face, just to get the chance to join the race
Gotta make it, gotta try, gotta get the chance to live and die
Tryouts for the human race, from Burlington to Bonn
Ah, we are a quarter billion strong
Tryouts for the human race, from twilight time 'til dawn
We just want to be someone
We must, we must, we must leave from here
We must, we must, we must, we must leave from here
Gotta make our play, gotta get away
Gotta make our play, gotta get away
Gotta make our play, gotta get away
Gotta make our play
Let us out of here, let us out of here, let us out of here
@jacko9179
I never tire of listening to this song, I hope Ron gets the accolades he deserves while still alive.
@rowanc88
If he doesn't get Oscar nominations for 'Annette', we riot.
@jacko9179
@@rowanc88 Yeah I'm with you
@kyachdistent1301
@@jacko9179 "And when I'm With You, I never feel like garbage When I'm With You, With You, With You, With You..."
@j.maxell3030
Solo hay un nombre para todo esto... Giorgio⚡Moroder
My name is Giovanni Giorgio, but everybody calls me...Sparks
@GringoTovar
It’s ridiculous Sparks is so underrated. This stuff blows my mind over and over again
@j.maxell3030
Solo hay un nombre para todo esto... Giorgio⚡Moroder
My name is Giovanni Giorgio, but everybody calls me...Sparks
@gozerthegozarian9500
How do even get the idea of writing a song from the perspective of sperm? Sparks are equal parts genius and madness!
@worstnurse1565
I appreciate this song so much more with that tid bit
@NoxiousRob
If push comes to shove, this is my favourite Sparks song, precisely because of the subject matter. '
It's such a poignant song as well, got me thinking about how incredibly lucky I am to have made it out of there and get the chance to feel the sun, although being Scottish, it's been more about feeling the wind and the rain, but hey ho, can't complain!