The band is a strong satire of the 70s and 80s heavy metal genre and scene, and their music reflects that, with blaring guitars, high vocals, and ridiculous lyrical themes, all of which take the stereotypes of the genre and exaggerate them to comedic extremes.
The first album of the band was a collection of songs made for the film, many of which were featured in the film itself. Their second album (Break Like The Wind) followed many years later, but was greeted with less enthusiasm, partially because people simply weren't interested in the band beyond their characters in the film, and partially because the heavy metal scene had already been killed by grunge by the time of the album's release. A third album, Back from the Dead, was released in 2009.
All three members of the band have continued to pursue their separate careers in film and television.
The first album (This is Spinal Tap) has a pure black cover, in reference to the movie, in which their latest album is forced to have a pure black cover ("none more black"). However, in the movie, the album is called "Smell the Glove," not "This is Spinal Tap."
Spın̈al Tap are played by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. The three also play a folk group called The Folksmen in the film A Mighty Wind.
Spın̈al Tap have appeared in The Simpsons when Homer takes Bart and Milhouse to one of their gigs.
They recently made a 'comeback' appearance at LiveEarth at Wembley in 2007, and appeared on the Main Stage at Glastonbury 2009.
Cups And Cakes
Spinal Tap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh what good things mother makes!
You've gotta take tea, won't you take it with me?
What a gay time it will be
Cups and cakes, cups and cakes
Please make sure that nothing breaks
The china's so dear and the treacle so clear
Milk and sugar, bread and jam
"Yes please, sir" and "Thank you, ma'am"
Here I am
Cups and cakes, cups and cakes
I'm so full my tummy aches
How sad it must end
But I'm glad I'd a friend
Sharing cups and cakes with me
And cakes with me
The song "Cups and Cakes" by the comedic rock band Spinal Tap is a playful and whimsical tune centered around the simple pleasures of enjoying cups of tea and cakes with friends. The lyrics boast of the delicious foods and delights of sharing them with company.
The song starts with the joyful repetition of the title phrase, "Cups and cakes, cups and cakes, oh what good things mother makes!" This establishes the tone of joyful excitement around the prospect of tea and cakes. The second verse invites the listener to "take tea" with the singer and is followed by the confident declaration, "what a gay time it will be!" The third verse emphasizes the importance of being careful with the expensive and delicate china and the sweet treacle, setting up the idea that this is a special occasion. The fourth verse describes the ritual of taking tea, requesting all the classic accompaniments: milk, sugar, bread, and jam. The song ends with the simple but profound statement that even though the tummy may ache from enjoying too many cups and cakes, it is worth it for the joy of sharing it with a friend.
Overall, "Cups and Cakes" by Spinal Tap is a lighthearted and nostalgic song about the joys of simple pleasures, good company, and the memories that these moments create. It speaks to the universal experience of taking a break, enjoying some food and drink, and feeling grateful for the people who share those moments with us.
Line by Line Meaning
Cups and cakes, cups and cakes
We have some delightful treats of cups and cakes
Oh what good things mother makes!
These treats are from our kind mother and they are just amazing
You've gotta take tea, won't you take it with me?
I would love to have some tea with you. Can you join me?
What a gay time it will be
It will be an incredible experience for us to have tea together
Please make sure that nothing breaks
Be careful with the expensive china as we do not want anything to break
The china's so dear and the treacle so clear
The china is expensive and the treacle is transparent
And I'm glad that you are here
I am happy that you could make it to join me
Milk and sugar, bread and jam
Tea tastes best with milk and sugar, with some bread and jam on the side
"Yes please, sir" and "Thank you, ma'am"
Politeness costs nothing, so please use 'yes please' and 'thank you ma'am' when appropriate
Here I am
I'm present, ready and waiting to share cups and cakes with you
Cups and cakes, cups and cakes
Let's keep enjoying these wonderful cups and cakes
I'm so full my tummy aches
The cups and cakes were so good that I indulged too much, and my tummy is hurting now
How sad it must end
It's unfortunate that our wonderful tea and snack time must come to a close
But I'm glad I'd a friend
However, I am happy to have had a friend to share cups and cakes with
Sharing cups and cakes with me
Thank you for joining me in this special moment of sharing cups and cakes together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER GUEST, HARRY SHEARER, MICHAEL MC KEAN, ROB REINER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind