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.
Springtime
Spinal Tap Lyrics
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Flower bloomin', all the time
Smell the roses, smell the grass
Old man winter can kiss my ass
Don't you think that it's a pity?
Don't you think that it's a shame?
Don't you wish that
Time for lovin' in the park
Wear a jumper when it gets dark
Mind the prickles, mind the dew
Wash your willie when you're through
Don't you think that it's a pity?
Don't you think that it's a shame?
Don't you wish that
Every season was the same?
Springtime, enough's enough
Tired of flowers and all that stuff
Want some drizzle, want some sleet
Want some wellies on my feet
Don't you think that it's a pity?
Don't you think that it's a shame?
Don't you wish that
Every season was the same?
The song "Springtime" by Spinal Tap is a satirical take on the idea of spring being the season of renewal and growth. The opening lines, "Springtime is on my mind/ Flower bloomin', all the time" portray the positive aspects of spring; the blooming of flowers and the anticipation of warmer weather. However, the next line, "Smell the roses, smell the grass/ Old man winter can kiss my ass" takes a humorous turn as the band expresses their disdain for the previous winter season.
The second verse introduces the idea of monotony; "Don't you wish that every season was the same?" The band sarcastically suggests that if every season was like spring, it would be better as it is the most pleasant season. The next lines, "Time for lovin' in the park/ Wear a jumper when it gets dark/ Mind the prickles, mind the dew/ Wash your willie when you're through" reinforce the idea of spring as a romantic and carefree time, but with a crude sense of humor.
The third verse sees the band claims that they have had enough of spring, and they want some rain and cold weather. "Want some drizzle, want some sleet/ Want some wellies on my feet" shows that despite the positivity of spring, they are ready for a change and craving the diversity of the other seasons. The chorus repeats the same line once again, driving home the tongue-in-cheek message that springtime might not always live up to the euphoria it promises.
Line by Line Meaning
Springtime is on my mind
I'm thinking about Spring and all that it brings
Flower bloomin', all the time
The flowers are in bloom and it's a beautiful sight
Smell the roses, smell the grass
Take in the sweet scent of the roses and the freshly cut grass
Old man winter can kiss my ass
I'm done with Winter and ready for Spring
Don't you think that it's a pity?
Don't you find it unfortunate?
Don't you think that it's a shame?
Don't you think it's a disgrace?
Don't you wish that
Every season was the same?
Wouldn't it be great if every season had the same enjoyable qualities?
Time for lovin' in the park
It's a perfect time for romantic walks in the park
Wear a jumper when it gets dark
Put on a sweater when it starts to get chilly at night
Mind the prickles, mind the dew
Be careful of the thorns and morning dew on the grass
Wash your willie when you're through
Clean your private parts after relieving yourself in nature
Springtime, enough's enough
I've had enough of Spring
Tired of flowers and all that stuff
I'm sick of seeing flowers and other Spring-related things
Want some drizzle, want some sleet
I'm craving some rainy and cold weather
Want some wellies on my feet
I want to wear my rain boots
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER GUEST, HARRY SHEARER, MICHAEL JOHN MCKEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind