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.
60 Million Frenchmen
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you'll give your heart
But you have a whole body
Why not give each part?
When a love is true
There ain't nothing you wouldn't do
The French people know the trick
So they have everybody lick!
They say is Napoleon who start this thing
Every other Frenchman only copying
People used to always say how it shouldn't be
Now this thing is rampant here in this country
Long time when you catch a man committing this crime
First thing he will say, "Oh, gosh, boy, first time"
Nowadays he making his excuse in song
Singing, "60 million Frenchmen could not be wrong!"
It's easy to say
"I love you my dear"
But you have to prove to her
Your love is sincere
There's only one way
So hear what I say
If you want to keep your sweetheart
Go to Martinique and learn the art
They say is Napoleon who start this thing
Every other Frenchmen only copying
Hear them socialism then "Who you talking to, me?"
Now this thing is rampant here in this country
Long time when you catch a man committing this crime
First thing he will say, "Oh, gosh, boy, first time"
Nowadays he making his excuse in song
Singing, "60 million Frenchmen could not be wrong!"
All over the place
People carrying on
Especially them old time calypsonian
They like the fun
Hey. I never catch none
But Blakey tell me about one
And I don't intend to rest
'Til he picture hit the express
They say is Napoleon who start this thing
Every other Frenchman only copying
People used to always say how it shouldn't be
Now this thing is rampant here in this country
Long time when you catch a man committing this crime
First thing he will say, "Oh, gosh, boy, first time"
Nowadays he singing you a brand-new song
What the song is? "60 million Frenchmen could not be wrong!"
The song "60 Million Frenchmen" by Mighty Sparrow is about the French tradition of kissing as a form of showing love and affection. The singer of the song addresses someone who claims to love their partner but is hesitant to fully express it physically. The singer discusses how in France, people embrace and kiss freely as a sign of genuine love. The song explains how it originated during the Napoleon era and how it slowly spread throughout France to become a common practice. The singer suggests that if someone wants to truly show their love, they should go to Martinique and learn the art of French kissing.
The song also highlights the social stigma associated with French kissing in some countries. The singer compares the French reputation of being romantic and passionate with the negative attitudes towards the same behavior in other cultures. The song suggests that people should embrace true love and not be ashamed of expressing it physically.
The title of the song is a reference to the phrase "60 Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong", which was a best-selling book in the 1930s about the cultural differences between France and the United States. The book discussed the French lifestyle, including their love of kissing as a means of expressing affection.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, you say that you love
When you express your love to someone
And you'll give your heart
And promise to love them with all your heart
But you have a whole body
You should show your love with all of yourself
Why not give each part?
Why not express your love physically as well as emotionally?
When a love is true
If your love is genuine
There ain't nothing you wouldn't do
You will do anything for that person
The French people know the trick
The French know how to express their love fully
So they have everybody lick!
They physically express their love in a unique way
They say is Napoleon who start this thing
The French tradition of expressing love physically is attributed to Napoleon
Every other Frenchman only copying
Other French people only copied this tradition from Napoleon
People used to always say how it shouldn't be
Others expressed disapproval of the physical expression of love
Now this thing is rampant here in this country
Now this tradition is common in Trinidad
Long time when you catch a man committing this crime
In the past, when someone was caught expressing love physically, it was considered a crime
First thing he will say, "Oh, gosh, boy, first time"
People used to deny having ever expressed love physically before
Nowadays he making his excuse in song
Now, people justify their physical expression of love in song
Singing, "60 million Frenchmen could not be wrong!"
Using the justification that this tradition is popular in France as a way to excuse the physical expression of love
It's easy to say
It's easy to just say
"I love you my dear"
"I love you"
But you have to prove to her
But you have to show her
Your love is sincere
That your love is genuine
There's only one way
The only way to prove your love
So hear what I say
Listen to my advice
If you want to keep your sweetheart
If you want your relationship to last
Go to Martinique and learn the art
Learn from the French how to express love physically
All over the place
Everywhere you look
People carrying on
People are continuing to express love physically
Especially them old time calypsonian
Particularly the old calypso singers
They like the fun
They enjoy the physical expression of love
Hey, I never catch none
I haven't personally witnessed it
But Blakey tell me about one
But someone named Blakey has told me about it
And I don't intend to rest
And I won't stop until
'Til he picture hit the express
I have photographic evidence of it
What the song is? "60 million Frenchmen could not be wrong!"
Using the popularity of this French tradition to excuse the physical expression of love
Contributed by Hunter J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mandyharewood886
I still marvel at these songs, lyrics so naughty and classy at the same time. Exactly how sex should be - naughty, yet classy. Definitely not porn but naughty fun!
As a child though, I only caught one meaning, the second was lost on me. The mark of perfect double entendre.
And don't get me started on the melodies, the arrangements capturing the essence of the Caribbean personality at the time.
It reminds me of the West Indies cricket teams of the day, perfect players converging on the scene at the same time to work magic together that cannot be replicated.
The days when I had high hopes for a bright future based on Caribbean unity. I was no less proud of Sparrow and his team than if I were Trinidadian or Grenadian. I claimed him as I claimed Bob Marley, as my own. I claimed Maurice Bishop and wept when he died.
What went wrong?
@irving.d4959
What a calypso genius, the great mighty Sparrow.... it's part of the programme.
@saskialegrand7847
WONDERFUL Lyrics. So true WONDERFUL music arrangement. BEST Calipso singer.KING of Calipso
@vilady340284
I was fortune to have Dr. Hollis Urban Lester Liverpool (Chalkie) as my professor for Caribbean History at the University of the Virgin Islands....One day in class he wrote the lyrics to this song on the board and asked the class what this song was about.....many of the students answered -The French Revolution....my answer -Oral Sex....Love this song.
@VIProfessor
Love to all UVI alumni!
@burtonsankeralli5445
THE SPARROW REVOLUTION!!!!
@waynekhan2728
My father (rip) played these tunes this calypso not Socca .. this brings tears to my eyes ... and I played all this sparrow for my kids as were growing up !!! Still to dis day by far DA BEST THERE EVERY WAS AND WILL BE ... SLINGER FRISCO aka THE MIGHTY SPARROW
@vernecarty4043
Masterful lyrics.
Masterful arrangement by the peerless Art DeCoteau.
There is ONE AND ONLY MIGHTY SPARROW!!#
@davidsimmons9128
Arranger is Earl Rodney
@habibahahmad3248
Omg these songs brings back my childhood memories 😊
@bettytaylor1839
I was a teenager jamming to this song word for word I sang and dance to this like it was yesterday 💥💥