Sparrow's roots are in Gran Roi, a rural fishing village in Grenada. He was born to a poor working class family. They migrated to his adopted homeland, Trinidad, when he was just one year old. He attended the New Town Boys School where he was selected to sing in the boys. choir of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. This was his initial involvement in music. The harmonics of the Gregorian Chants and the Plainsongs of the church that were embedded in him would later affect the depth and intensity of his compositions. His vocal abilities also reflect his childhood role as the head choirboy who sang baritone and tenor in Latin in the church.
Other influences included listening to American street quartets, pop tunes by Nat King Cole and Frankie Laine, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstein, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with their jazz contributions, and the early calypsoes of Lord Melody, Lord Kitchener, Lord Christo, Lord Invader (of Rum and Coca Cola fame) and the Mighty Spoiler, to name a few.
At the tender age of 20, Sparrow emerged, as the leading Calypsonian with his record-breaking hit, Jean and Dinah. (Yankees Gone, 1956 covered by Harry Belafonte). Throughout the years he managed to showcase his diversity each year with the release of at least one album dating from the catchy Jean and Dinah. in 1956 to Carnival Boycott (1957, a song responsible for the many changes and improvement for mass men, calypsonians and steelband men). This song was eventually responsible for the formation of the Carnival Development Committee. An organization to assist calypsonians, steelband men and mas men. This committee was fully endorsed by the Founding Father of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric Eustace Williams.
In 1958 he became the only calypsonian to have had a triple win, in the same year, in the Road March Competition. The calypsoes were P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn, a song that enabled the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, to understand the importance of paying taxes). Russian Satellite (a song reflecting on the act of cruelty to animals) and Theresa (a number where, for the first time in his career, he utilized other languages). In an unprecedented move, he was awarded a cash prize by the Carnival Development Committee, for winning the Road March Competition that year.
In 1959 he released Federation, (a song that reflected his disappointment over the breaking up of the proposed Caribbean Federation). In 1960 his career continued to soar with the melodious May May and Leave the damn Doctor, Royal Jail and Ten to one is Murder followed in 1961. In 1962 he presented us with Sparrow Come Back Home and Model Nation. Dan is the Man in the Van came in 1963 and the Village Ram in 1964.
In 1965 we experienced Congo Man. In that same year Sparrow proved himself a balladeer with his remake of Arthur Prysock's original, Only A Fool Breaks His Own Heart accompanied by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. This rendition won him a Gold Record in Holland. He also recorded Frank Sinatra's My Way and Lucho Gatica's "El Reloj".
In 1966, He won the Road March Competition again with Melda and 1967 he advised the youth on the importance of Education. Mr. Walker was his hit in 1968, he won the Road March Competition again in 1969 with Sa Sa Yea and in 1970 he appealed to the people of this world to Love one Another and Lend A Hand. These songs appealed to the country for unity "Unity somehow if Trinidad ever needed you is now".
In 1971 Good Citizen followed and in 1972 he won the Calypso Monarch and Road March Competitions with Drunk and Disorderly. No Kind of Man at all was released in 1973 and We Pass That Stage (a strong social commentary in 1974. In 1975 he gave us a psychological analysis, showing where the rich is envious of the poor with Neurosis of the Rich. The Mayor of Detroit, Coleman Young, also presented him with the keys to the city.
In 1976 we got the humorous Salt Fish, and in 1977 he lead the Caribbean with a tribute to Hasley Crawford, the Olympic Gold Medallist. In the same year, during FESTAC, in Nigeria, Sparrow received the honorary title of Chief of the Yorubas, (which is Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi).
In 1978 he paid tribute to Penny Commissiong (the first black Miss Universe) with The First Black Miss Universe, and chided Idi Amin Dada, tyrant in Africa. Kerry Packer (a song about the cricket revolution) followed in 1979 and in 1980 the Shah of Iran (Wanted Dead or Alive ). This number was covered by the popular American group, Manhattan Transfer.
Sparrow continued to climb the ladder of success while becoming the most popular caypsonian of all time. He demonstrated year after year, with his social commentaries that the calypsonian is really the eyes and ears of the people. In 1981 he registered his social/political Commentaries. We Like It So and his first chutney contribution Sexy Marajhin another liguistic inclusion. In 1982 he gave us Human Rights and in 1983 another powerful, State of the Union address Capitalism Gone Mad. He added another Road March title to his record in 1984 with Doh Back Back and in 1985 he demonstrated to the youth in the business that he can step up to another level when necessary with Soca Pressure.
Around this same time, Mayor Ed Koch of New York proclaimed March 18th, The Mighty Sparrow Day. He dealt with another evil of society in 1986 advising the vulnerable that Coke Is Not It. In 1987 he thrilled the world with another classic, the humorous Lying Excuses. He made another appearance in Nigeria, this time as Chief Omo Wale of Ikoyi, during his National Tour of Afirca and upon his return he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, Doctor of Letters, from the University of the West Indies. Hence, the reason for Dr. Bird his chronicling of the event at the University of the West Indies, (using humor again as he always does She had a headache and this Dr. Bird performed a myomectamy on her) in 1988.
Manjhay, and Dutch Romance (which gave us a touch of French and Dutch languages) in 1989. In 1990 he gave us Let the Music Play and was inducted into the SUNSHINE Awards Calypso and Steelband Music Hall of Fame on June 24th. That same day the Brooklyn Borough President, Howard Golder proclaimed the day The Mighty Sparrow Day. Another strong social commentary, We Could Make It Easy If We Try and Precious a dedication to his daughter followed in 1991.
Sparrow continued to define the true meaning of "The Calypso King of the World. In 1992 with Both of Them, Crown Heights Justice and Man will Survive. All making a big impact in the Caribbean and the United States.
In 1993 he sang Put On Your Dancing Shoes and More the Merrier and in 1994 told the youth on his heels that Age Is Just A Number and Salvation, underscoring his roots as a choirboy in the church. In 1995 he gave us a course in history where once again he kept the linguistic involvement Democracy In Haiti (Liberte) and a keen sense of observation with the social situation at home This Is Madness, ("Why have we cast aside intelligence and abandon common sense with unprecedented violence for which there is no known defense"). Incidentally these gems earned him third place in the Calypso Monarch Competition. He gave us OJ (the juice is loose) and the Royal Divorce in 1996 and an assortment of Soca Ballads in 1997.
This illustrious lyricist/composer/singer/comedian/entertainer is an 11 time Calypso Monarch. This includes winning the King of Kings Competition (where every monarch in the calypso world is invited to compete against the Mighty Sparrow, each time suffering total defeat at his hands) in Trinidad. He also won the Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Road March Competition eight (8) times, second only to the Lord Kitchener, (his songs were selected and played most often by the bands in this category). Sparrow received many other University citations and awards from Governments and organizations too numerous to mention.
Now in 1998, The Mighty Sparrow, continues to rule the Calypso/Soca world with his voice, lyrics and melodies. He is demonstrating once more that he is the King. His new release, The Supreme Serenader is full of dance, humor and facts. The first track Paramaribo is not only a beautiful rendition of how he was captivated by the girls in Surinam but it also demonstrates the depth of his thoughts and his gratitude for a land of style and grace.
Santo Domingo is a track full of dance and proof positive that the King is truly global with his music. He will be embraced by the Latino communities around the world for this one. Racism is a very powerful social commentary, both lyrically and musically. In this song, Sparrow once again deals with an issue of international concern while at the same time reflecting on those who have been in the forefront of the struggle.
Willie Dead is a humorously and classically executed double entendre, so convincing that you will mourn for Willie. Another powerful and appealing social commentary is Raperman. The King assumes the role of messenger and protector of women and underscores his position with the following tracks, Born To Love, and Don't Give It Up.
The Mighty Sparrow has proved himself as the Quintessential Calypsonian, par excellence, with over seventy (70) albums to his credit. He is richly endowed with many gifts. He possesses an amazing ability not only to put into works and tempo the exploits of society, but to crown it all with showmanship and appeal. His great contribution to the artform and our lives has unraveled the mysteries of Caribbean life, leaving the professionally trained sociologist and economist befuddled.
A combination of talent, hard work and opportunity enabled Sparrow's ascendance to Calypso King of the World. He brought honor, glory and dignity to an indigenous art form that was once scorned upon by the elite of Caribbean society. He is one extraordinary entertainer who utilizes the medium he masters not just to entertain but also to edify, enlighten, and educate.
The King is currently preparing for the new millennium when he will re-enter the World Monarch and Road March Competitions for a cataclysmic encounter with his competitors.
Without doubt, as The Mighty Sparrow, The King of Kings, is the real Supreme Serenader.
Village Ram
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's me, the Village Ram, I care of dem!
Let me tell you:
I cut dem down, black is white
My now walking day and night
If you have a job to be done, look for me
I am making fun.
Not a woman ever complained yet with me!
I am posing, but I know I got your ability
And if a woman ever tell you that I
Ever left her dissatisfied
She lie, she lie, she lie!
Beware when I drink me rum
I like to don
And I bite like a cobra snake
No try to escape
Because, when I put you in the clinch
Don't care how you bite and pinch
And I've got me hand on your moat
The way it is locked the neck they can't shout
Not a woman ever complained yet with me!
I am posing, but I sure got your ability
And if a woman ever tell you that I
Left her dissatisfied
She lie, she lie, she lie!
The girls that we have in town
They're so big and strong
And Lord, look me confusion
They're afraid no man
So, in case of emergency
If you ain't able with she
And you find yourself in a jam
Send for the Village Ram!
Not a woman ever complained yet with me!
I am posing, but I know I got your ability
And if a woman ever tell you that I
Ever left her dissatisfied
She lie, she lie, she lie!
I am the champion without a doubt
I never lose a bout
And I fight dem in every class
Don't ask who come last
Let me tell you:
All me fight is fifteen rounds
If you end in shape no come
Any time this champion connect
The power of the punch always get respect!
Not a woman have complained yet with me!
I am posing, but I know I got your ability
And if a woman ever tell you that I
Ever left her dissatisfied
She lie, she lie, she lie!
She lie, she lie, she lie!
She lie, she lie, she lie!
The song “Village Ram” by Mighty Sparrow is a lively and upbeat tune that has captured the hearts of many. The lyrics depict a man who takes great pride in his abilities and accomplishments, specifically with women and in fighting. The opening verses reveal that he is a hard worker and can get any job done, making it seem effortless and fun. He states that women have never complained about him and boast that he has their ability. The overall tone is confident and playful as he talks about drinking rum and being able to handle himself in a fight. He says that he is the champion and has never lost a bout in fifteen rounds. The chorus insists that any woman who claims to have been disappointed by him is lying, emphasizing his prowess and ability.
The song’s lyrics can be interpreted in several ways. On the surface, it could be seen as a comical and lighthearted take on a man who is glad to be of service to his village, both in his work and with women. However, there is a deeper theme of masculinity and bravado underlying the verses. It could be seen as Mighty Sparrow’s commentary on men who overcompensate with their abilities and achievements to prove their worthiness in society. Alternatively, it could be seen as a criticism of the power dynamics between men and women, where men are allowed to make boastful claims and women are expected to comply without complaints.
Line by Line Meaning
It's me, the Village Ram, I care of dem!
I am the Village Ram and I take care of everyone.
Let me tell you:
I want to share something with you.
I cut dem down, black is white
I am able to accomplish any task, no matter how difficult it may seem.
My now walking day and night
I am constantly active, always working hard and getting things done.
If you have a job to be done, look for me
I am someone who can be relied on to get things done.
I am making fun.
I enjoy life and like to have fun while I work.
Not a woman ever complained yet with me!
Women enjoy being around me and never have anything negative to say.
I am posing, but I know I got your ability
I have confidence in myself and know that I am capable of doing great things.
And if a woman ever tell you that I
If a woman ever tells you that I
Ever left her dissatisfied
Have ever left her unsatisfied
She lie, she lie, she lie!
She is lying about me.
Beware when I drink me rum
Be careful when I am drinking rum.
I like to don
I like to have fun and be mischievous.
And I bite like a cobra snake
I can be aggressive if needed.
No try to escape
Don't try to run away.
Because, when I put you in the clinch
When I am fighting and get close to my opponent,
Don't care how you bite and pinch
I don't care how much my opponent fights back.
And I've got me hand on your moat
I have a strong grip on my opponent's neck.
The way it is locked the neck they can't shout
Once I get my opponent in a hold, they are unable to break free.
The girls that we have in town
The women in our town
They're so big and strong
They are large and powerful.
And Lord, look me confusion
It's difficult for me to handle these women.
They're afraid no man
They are not intimidated by anyone.
So, in case of emergency
If there's a problem
If you ain't able with she
If you can't handle these strong women
And you find yourself in a jam
If you're in trouble
Send for the Village Ram!
Call on me to help you.
I am the champion without a doubt
I am a champion and nobody can deny it.
I never lose a bout
I always win my fights.
And I fight dem in every class
I fight in any weight class against anyone.
Don't ask who come last
Don't ask for anyone else after me.
All me fight is fifteen rounds
All my fights go for fifteen rounds.
If you end in shape no come
If you're not in good shape, don't challenge me.
Any time this champion connect
Whenever I land a punch as a champion
The power of the punch always get respect!
My punches are strong and impressive.
She lie, she lie, she lie!
She is lying about me.
She lie, she lie, she lie!
She is lying about me.
Writer(s): Luther Dixon, Slinger Francisco
Contributed by Henry N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joy A.
on Capitalism gone Mad
I hope there's a 2020 appearance in NYC!
I will definitely get tickets!
Amina Phillip
on Education Is Essential
I love your video and it is a good calypso that Ican makeone about education to
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Bokaille Bodlo
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.