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 I'm With You
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never have a problem when I'm with you
I'm really well-adjusted when I'm with you, with you, with you
When I'm with you
When I'm with you
I lose a lot of sleep when I'm with you
I meet a lot of people when I'm with you, with you, with you
[Chorus:]
It's the break in the song
When I should say something special
But the pressure is on and I can't make up nothing special
Not when I'm with you
When I'm with you
I never feel like garbage when I'm with you
I almost feel normal when I'm with you
When I'm with you
When I'm with you
I'm always hot and bothered when I'm with you
I always need a shower when I'm with you, with you, with you
When I'm with you
[Chorus]
I never need a mirror when I'm with you
I don't care what I look like when I'm with you, with you, with you
When I'm with you
The lyrics of "When I'm With You" by Sparks describe the singer's infatuation with their significant other. They feel completely at ease and well-adjusted when they are with their partner, but they also lose sleep and feel hot and bothered in their presence. Despite their strong feelings, the singer struggles to express them when there is pressure to say something special, admitting that they can't make up anything that feels good enough. The song ends with the statement that the singer doesn't care what they look like when they are with their loved one.
Overall, the song is a testament to the power of romantic love to both exhilarate and confound those who experience it. The singer's feelings come across as intense and all-consuming, but they also struggle to put those feelings into words, suggesting that love can be both inspiring and intimidating at the same time.
One interesting aspect of the song is that it was originally released in 1980, but achieved greater commercial success when it was re-released as a single in 1985. It reached #60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and was a bigger hit in Canada, where it reached #26. The song's offbeat, quirky lyrics and catchy synth-pop melodies helped to set it apart from other songs of the era and give it a lasting appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm with you
Being around you has a profound effect on me.
I never have a problem when I'm with you
You make everything feel better when I'm around you.
I'm really well-adjusted when I'm with you, with you, with you
Being with you makes me feel more stable and secure than anything else.
I lose a lot of sleep when I'm with you
I get so wrapped up in being with you that I forget about everything else.
I meet a lot of people when I'm with you, with you, with you
You bring a lot of wonderful people into my life just by being there.
I never feel like garbage when I'm with you
Being with you makes me feel like a better, happier version of myself.
I almost feel normal when I'm with you
You help me feel like a more typical, regular person than I usually do.
I'm always hot and bothered when I'm with you
Being around you makes me feel intense and passionate in a way that's hard to explain.
I always need a shower when I'm with you, with you, with you
You make me feel compelled to clean up and take care of myself when I'm around you.
It's the break in the song
When I should say something special
But the pressure is on and I can't make up nothing special
Not when I'm with you
When I'm with you
You make me feel like I should say or do something amazing, but the pressure you impose makes it hard to do so.
I never need a mirror when I'm with you
Being around you makes me feel self-assured and confident enough that I don't need to check my reflection in a mirror.
I don't care what I look like when I'm with you, with you, with you
You make me feel like my looks and appearance aren't as important as being with you and enjoying moments together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RONALD D MAEL, RUSSELL CRAIG MAEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@luketube8351
I can't believe I found out about these guys literally weeks ago. I'm so grateful for the internet... bands can live on to new audiences so many years later. I love this song. I love Sparks! My world is a better place having heard this!
@mateoindiego
luketube I knew a couple of their songs in the 80’s but unfortunately didn’t pick up any of their music then.
I somehow heard one of their tracks about 5 years ago and it was truly like finding priceless treasure out of a sunken ship.
My life is unquestionably more complete with Sparks!!!
@Duffloop
Literally 5 years have passed since you found out - Too bad there ain't ten of you , u gotta beat the clock, beat the clock.
@PNEKarl
@Duffloop Thank you, my next youtube track is Beat The Clock! I hade all Sparks albums back in the day. Thanks to Youtube I can relive them days! I'm happy :-)
@kenbohl2176
I remember the sparks back when they had their first hit song. This town ain’t big enough for the both of us. Followed them thru the eighties and caught back up in the 2000
@gary9432
You are a very sad person.LOL
@rommix0
"It's that break in the song when I should say something special..."
I love how self-aware Ron Mael is with his lyrics.
@hans-jurgenmuller9148
did you mean Russel?
@rommix0
@hans-jürgen müller No. Ron is the one who wrote the lyrics.
@hans-jurgenmuller9148
@Mr. Spectacals Ahh ok, thx. :)