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.
When Do I Get Sing "My Way"
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They will just say who are you
Is that a question or not, and you see that the plot
Is predictable, not new
But you're still stunned at the things you will do
No, no use in taking their time or in wasting two dimes
On a call to God knows who
When no person looks at you
So just be gracious and wait in the queue
So when do I get to sing "My Way"
When do I get to feel like Sinatra felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
So when do I get to do it my way
When do I get to feel like Sid Vicious felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
Yes, it's a tradition they say, like a bright Christmas Day
And traditions must go on
And though I say, yes I see, no I really don't see
Is my smiley face still on?
Sign your name with an X, mow the lawn
So when do I get to sing "My Way"
When do I get to feel like Sinatra felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
So when do I get to do it my way
When do I get to feel like Sid Vicious felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
They'll introduce me, hello, hello
Women seduce me and champagne flows
Then the lights go low
There's only one song I know
There, this home which once was serene, now is home to the screams
And to flying plates and shoes
But I have no souvenirs of these crackerjack years
Not a moment I could choose
And not one offer that I could refuse
So when do I get to sing "My Way"
When do I get to feel like Sinatra felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
So when do I get to do it my way
When do I get to feel like Sid Vicious felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
The lyrics of "When Do I Get to Sing 'My Way'" by Sparks are a cynical commentary on the manufactured nature of fame and the longing for individuality in a world that demands conformity. The singer acknowledges the futility of trying to change society's predetermined path and instead resigns themselves to waiting in line like everyone else. However, they still yearn for their moment to shine and be recognized for their unique voice, reminiscent of Frank Sinatra's iconic song "My Way." The references to Sid Vicious, another legendary figure who challenged the norm, add to the existential angst expressed by the singer.
The opening lines highlight the struggle to make a meaningful impact on the world, as any attempt to stand out will only be met with resistance or indifference. The following verses reflect the singer's sense of isolation and insignificance, as they observe the superficiality of social norms and their own lack of agency. The chorus then contrasts this sense of powerlessness with the fantasy of being a revered icon like Sinatra or Vicious, who symbolize rebellion and self-expression. The final verse acknowledges the harsh reality of life, with a home that has become a battleground and memories that offer no solace. Nonetheless, the singer's desire to be heard on their own terms persists.
Overall, "When Do I Get to Sing 'My Way'" presents a bleak but honest portrayal of the human condition, where the struggle for individuality and the conformity of the masses collide. The title of the song, and the repeated refrain of the chorus, encapsulate this dilemma, as the singer seeks to break free from the norm and find their own path to self-expression.
Line by Line Meaning
No, no use in lecturing them, or in threatening them
It's pointless to try and lecture or threaten them
They will just say "who are you"
They will question who you are and your authority
Is that a question or not, and you see that the plot
Is predictable, not new
But you're still stunned at the things you will do
The situation is predictable yet still surprising, and you may go to extreme measures
No, no use in taking their time or in wasting two dimes
On a call to God knows who
It's useless to waste time and money trying to reach someone unknown
When all you feel is the rain and it's hard to be vain
When no person looks at you
So just be gracious and wait in the queue
When you feel insignificant and unnoticed, it's important to be patient and humble
So when do I get to sing "My Way"
When do I get to feel like Sinatra felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
So when do I get to do it my way
When do I get to feel like Sid Vicious felt
When do I get to sing "My Way"
In heaven or hell
The singer longs to be able to express themselves creatively and authentically like famous musicians have
Yes, it's a tradition they say, like a bright Christmas Day
And traditions must go on
Traditions are often seen as important and should continue
And though I say, yes I see, no I really don't see
Is my smiley face still on?
Sign your name with an X, mow the lawn
The artist doesn't understand or care about why certain traditions are important, but will comply with them anyways
They'll introduce me, "Hello, hello"
Women seduce me and champagne flows
Then the lights go low
There's only one song I know
In the artist's fantasy, they are in a glamorous situation with attention and admiration, yet they feel limited to one song they can sing
There, this home which once was serene, now is home to the screams
And to flying plates and shoes
But I have no souvenirs of these crackerjack years
Not a moment I could choose
And not one offer that I could refuse
The artist's home life has become chaotic and negative, but they have no control over it and no happy memories to cling to
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RON MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@annabackman3028
Ron has called it "to combine emotional lyrics to a jolly melody".
In this particular song the melody isn't the jolliest I've heard 😅, there are others! 'Under The Table With Her', two kids playing under the dining table, the guests believing, or pretending to, they are dogs, and suddenly a line about that people in some countries only have tea and rice to eat. Not expected.
On the other hand, an emotional melody with emotional lyrics, but in the lyrics, from nowhere, are a line or just few words, usually a thought the storyteller has, that gives you an unexpected laugh.
'Good Morning' is a great example, a story about a guy, who obviously wants to find true love, but somehow doesn't seem to attract women easily. After a night on the town with maybe a drink too much, he wakes up with a beautiful woman bedside him.
He realizes that it's just a one night stand, but he wishes it to be a more. He is grateful for the moment anyway, but also thinking about who she is, probably not just any beautiful woman, more likely a 'scandal beauty'.
While he is making breakfast he thinks: "I hope it's just your laugh that is infectious".
The sentence isn't funny per se, but in that situation, a state between sadness (he really cares for the woman) and the gratitude for this short night, that very down to earth thought, expressed in that indirect way, gives a laughter almost stuck in your throat. Typically Ron's lyrics.
And, of course the dear little Brenda, always in the way, "caused her twins delay"😂
@andreasjour-spitzer3108
Thanks for this great song. I've never experienced anything like this.
The song has been played on German radio for about 2 years. I could swear I had never heard it before.
I first thought it was a brilliantly done Retro Song that perfectly conveyed the atmosphere of the 80s or 90s.
After hearing it countless times on the radio, I researched it and discovered yesterday that the song actually dates from that time. This is completely crazy and unbelievable because I would never have thought of it. And apparently I didn't notice anything about it in 1994.
This is absolutely mysterious, but also completely wonderful. I have never experienced something like that!
Thank you for awakening this wonderful feeling of the 90s in me.
I'm literally moved to tears. Cause it's so beautiful. 🥲🥲
What a great song. And apparently timelessly beautiful. ❤🙏🙏
What a great, artistic video.
What a beautiful, sweet, nice lady btw who really looks exactly like she's from the 1940s. Fantastic. She is so beautiful.
🥰You now have a new fan. Absolutely.
It's really really hard to believe that all of this passed me by in 1994...
@doog..
the melody of his voice in the first part is actually one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard
@dirk-arnoklein8417
In 2024☝🏻🙋🏼♂️👍🏻😊
@Robin_Hood054
This song is a timeless masterpiece
@bluetyler
100%. Had the pleasure of seeing them live last month. This song is truly their masterpiece.
@mot68000
Fuck yeah!
@deanbarry6433
Mint song 🎵 👌 ❤👍
@ritmnblues6908
Никогда не слышал такой шикарной песни. Спарксы - это настоящий феномен!
@dudu277
so underatted. one of the greatest pop songs of the 90's.
@worhill3460
+David Assulin .........Of the 90's. The Mael Brothers were great since the late 60's
@StewO101
+Wor Hill Nevertheless this song is from the 90's!