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.
Who Don't Like Kids
Sparks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
You got a cigar, here's a couple more
Because the offspring are springing through swinging doors
Into a world of "ain't he cute,
He looks a lot like his father"
And Here comes another
Of that proof that I'm not just a vegetable,
The little Proof that I'm more than a mineral,
The little Proof that I'm just like the next guy,
Whoever he may be
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
Crawl, walk, running around
Living proof that I'm really sound
They'll ensure I'm always around
And your bit and my bit'll do their dance
To body rumblings And tumblings and rote romance
And all the while I'm thinking,
Deeply thinking, hey what's it gonna be Sod or celebrity
(Boy or girl)
(Boy or girl)
Oh well its off to work
And so long baby, kiss him goodbye for me
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
Crawl, walk, running around
Living proof that I'm really sound
They'll ensure I'm always around
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
There's more in the wings shall we bring them on or
Shall we just sit and talk 'til the early morn and
Recite sweet nothings (sweet, nothings)
In everybodys ear
Who don't like kids
Who don't like kids
Who don't like kids
Who don't like kids
Crawl, walk, running around
Living proof that I'm really sound
They'll ensure I'm always around
Who don't like kids
Who don't like kids
Who don't like kids
Who don't like kids
Living proof that I'm really sound
They'll ensure I'm always around
The lyrics of Sparks' song "Who Don't Like Kids" celebrate the joy of parenthood and the love that parents have for their children. The recurring hook of the song is "Who don't like kids," which serves as a rhetorical device to highlight the sheer irrationality of anyone not liking children. The opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer hands out cigars to celebrate the arrival of newborns into the world. The singer revels in the cuteness of the babies, and the fact that they resemble their fathers, as he notes that they are not just "vegetables" or "minerals," but rather living proof that he is "more than a mineral."
The second verse of the song continues the theme of parenting, as the singer watches his children grow up and become independent. He notes that they will "ensure [he's] always around" and that they are "living proof" of his own soundness as a person. The bridge of the song is more introspective and philosophical, as the singer reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. He wonders whether he will be remembered as a "Sod or celebrity" and whether his legacy will be his children.
Overall, "Who Don't Like Kids" is a loving tribute to parenthood and the joys of raising a family. The song celebrates the innocence and purity of children, as well as the enduring bonds between parents and their offspring.
Line by Line Meaning
Who don't like kids, who don't like kids
Isn't it universally acknowledged that everyone likes children?
You got a cigar, here's a couple more
Here, have some cigars to celebrate the multitude of children in the world.
Because the offspring are springing through swinging doors
Children are entering the world with enthusiasm and energy, like they are running through swinging doors.
Into a world of "ain't he cute,
He looks a lot like his father"
Everyone admires the children and comments on their resemblance to their fathers, which they find cute.
And Here comes another
Every moment brings the possibility of another child coming into the world.
Of that proof that I'm not just a vegetable,
The little Proof that I'm more than a mineral,
The little Proof that I'm just like the next guy,
Whoever he may be
Children are a reminder that I'm alive and not just a non-feeling plant or unfeeling rock. They also show that I have commonalities with everyone else.
Crawl, walk, running around
Living proof that I'm really sound
They'll ensure I'm always around
Watching children grow and develop shows that I am still healthy and functional, and they will make sure I am present in their lives.
And your bit and my bit'll do their dance
To body rumblings And tumblings and rote romance
And all the while I'm thinking,
Deeply thinking, hey what's it gonna be Sod or celebrity
We will create children together, and they will go through the physical and emotional journey of life, while I wonder about whether we should prioritize hard work or fame.
Oh well its off to work
And so long baby, kiss him goodbye for me
Even though I have to work, I'm still thinking about and saying goodbye to our child.
There's more in the wings shall we bring them on or
Shall we just sit and talk 'til the early morn and
Recite sweet nothings (sweet, nothings)
In everybodys ear
Shall we have more children, or shall we just enjoy talking to each other and whispering sweet nothings all night long?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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.