low spark of high-heeled boys

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serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

0 posted 2004-03-23 07:13 PM

Just what does this mean?

um, to you...?

As writers and readers of poetry, we are consistently called upon to interpret meanings of images presented in words. So just for the fun of it, I thought I'd ask you all for your interpretations of one of my very favorite songs, by the classic rock band "Traffic". For those unfamiliar, here is a link to the lyrics:
http://www.guntheranderson.com/v/data/lowspark.htm

So...hmmm...whaddya think?

Just what is "the low spark of high-heeled boys"?

muted

Member Elite

since 2004-01-15

Posts 2949
Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving

1 posted 2004-03-23 08:15 PM

ok, im just fishing around in the dark here...but sounds like they are talking about the lure of music....

"If you see something that looks like a star
And it's shooting up out of the ground
And your head is spinning from a loud guitar
And you just can't escape from the sound
Don't worry too much, it'll happen to you
We were children once, playing with toys"

this reminds me of going to rock concerts, especially the ones back when "glam rock" was in...lots of fireworks shooting from the stage, and men who wore outrageous costumes, include platform boots (like Kiss, or Ziggy Stardust)....

Refrain}
"The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
But today you just read that the man was shot dead
By a gun that didn't make any noise
But it wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest
Was the low spark of high-heeled boys"

this one made me immediately think of "midlife crisis"...alot of people who go through that try to relive their younger days...including the style of music...there again leading me to think that this song is about the lure of "rock and roll".

"If you had just a minute to breathe
And they granted you one final wish
Would you ask for something like another chance
Or something similar as this
Don't worry too much, it'll happen to you
As sure as your sorrows or joys

And the thing that disturbs you is only the sound
Of the low spark of high-heeled boys"

and of course i think this line is talking about the "older years" of your life, just before dying...and the stereotype of "older" people is...they cant stand "the music that these kids today listen to"
once again, leading me to believe they are talking about the music.

"If I gave you everything that I owned
And asked for nothing in return
Would you do the same for me as I would for you
Or take me for a ride
And strip me of everything, including my pride
But spirit is something that no one destroys

And the sound that I'm hearing is only the sound
Of the low spark of high-heeled boys
Heeled boys"

and i think this last one is the muscian "talking" to the music...

so..dont know if im right..but im interested in what others think! LOL...

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

2 posted 2004-03-23 11:25 PM

Those are some incredible lyrics. Unfortunately I can't explain them very well. From several reviewers of the piece, the general consensus is that it is a song depicting the decadence of the rock era and the fights between the performers and the music executives. I can see that in some of the phrases but not all. The title came from a comment made by actor Michael J. Pollard but I'm unable to find where he made that comment or what it referred to...sorry

Dr.Moose1
Member Elite

since 1999-09-05

Posts 3448
Bewilderment , USA

3 posted 2005-06-27 11:58 PM

I am way late with this, as with most things, but, believe that the motivation for these lyrics is the fact that well heeled people can also act atrociously.( simply substitute "well" for "high").
Doc

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

4 posted 2005-06-28 04:47 PM

Wow..I'd forgotten I'd asked this, but I do appreciate the different insights.

You guys are great.

and Michael, I'll may have to ask about that in the local music. Every now and then I go in there and start trouble.

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