The Lion
Roaring Lion (born Rafael de Leon, Aroquita, Trinidad, British Trinidad and Tobago, February 22, 1908; died July 11, 1999) was one of the greatest calypsonians (calypso singer/composers) of the 20th century. His 65-year career began in the early 1930s and he is best known for his compositions “Ugly Woman” (1933), “Mary Ann” and “Netty, Netty,” which are still performed today. From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona Read Full BioRoaring Lion (born Rafael de Leon, Aroquita, Trinidad, British Trinidad and Tobago, February 22, 1908; died July 11, 1999) was one of the greatest calypsonians (calypso singer/composers) of the 20th century. His 65-year career began in the early 1930s and he is best known for his compositions “Ugly Woman” (1933), “Mary Ann” and “Netty, Netty,” which are still performed today.
From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona and always appeared sharply dressed. His career officially began in 1924. He recorded extensively between the 1930s and 1950s, and was one of the calypsonians who deserves the most credit for the increasing international popularity of the genre during this period. In March 1934 the Trinidadian phonograph merchant Eduardo Sa Gomes sent Roaring Lion and Attila The Hun to New York to record; they became the first calypsonians to record abroad.
Roaring Lion achieved fame for his linguistic prowess as much as for his catchy tunes. His lyrics, delivered in rapid-fire style, show an impeccable command of the English language (as well as Trinidadian slang), and are replete with witty turns of phrase, humorous metaphors, and clever alliterations and internal rhymes.
From a young age, Roaring Lion (de Leon’s adopted stage name) became known for his skill in creating calypsos (particularly in his ability to extemporize lyrics on any subject). Contrary to his humble origins, he cultivated a refined stage persona and always appeared sharply dressed. His career officially began in 1924. He recorded extensively between the 1930s and 1950s, and was one of the calypsonians who deserves the most credit for the increasing international popularity of the genre during this period. In March 1934 the Trinidadian phonograph merchant Eduardo Sa Gomes sent Roaring Lion and Attila The Hun to New York to record; they became the first calypsonians to record abroad.
Roaring Lion achieved fame for his linguistic prowess as much as for his catchy tunes. His lyrics, delivered in rapid-fire style, show an impeccable command of the English language (as well as Trinidadian slang), and are replete with witty turns of phrase, humorous metaphors, and clever alliterations and internal rhymes.
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Some Girl Something
The Lion Lyrics
Search the skies.
There's darkness only
Moments after light.
Then it fades.
The horizon forms
Into a massive wave.
So run
And hide.
You're the only one
That thinks you should stay alive.
If she's the undertow, she's taking everything I own,
And pulls me out to sea and begs for me to drown.
Not without a fight
She begs for me to drown (Justin)
And then my eyes
See water all around (Justin)
Feeling the building sway,
Tends to make me nauseous.
The blinds are dimming gray
As it comes to get whatever it wants.
She won't stop until everything's demolished. [x2]
Soon all of us will be leagues under.
She won't stop until there's just gray and no more lines.
If she's the undertow, she's taking everything I own,
And pulls me out to sea and begs for me to drown.
If she's the undertow, she's taking everything I own
And she begs for me to drown.
And with the final blow, I feel the floorboards go
If she's the undertow, she's never letting go.
And your lips are tightly bound.
Not without a fight
She begs for me to drown (Justin)
And then my eyes
See water all around (Justin)
Not without a fight [Repeat until end]
Contributed by Elena A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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lost find
hermosa joya musical, que pocos podemos disfrutar,. like si hablas español
Shaun Rambaran
It was recorded in 1978?
I find the quality of the recording feels older than that.
cool4rocknroll
No, it was actually recorded in the late 1930's during the early stages of the Roaring Lion career in Calypso. It was not recorded in 1978. But he did re-recorded some of this earlier selection of songs in the mid 1970's like Carnival Long Ago, Ha'Peny Rice, and I Ain't Gonna Do It No More with Art DeCoteau.