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.
A Mother's Love
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way they treat their mother is a disgrace
In this place certain men should hide their face
The way they treat their mother is a disgrace
Neglect the old lady for donkey years
When she dead they shedding crocodiles' tears
And spending money like hell
To buy a casket big like Hilton Hotel
But when their mother was alive, they didn't know she then
Is night clubs and brothels they money used to spend
They used to carry on, but now that she's gone
Them hypocrites does weep and mourn
But if you are lucky and you still have your mummy
Remember what Sparrow say
Forget them jagabats and all them jezebel
And make sure your mummy okay
So indiscreet, some of them drunk in the street
And they ma have nothing to eat
Buying company every day, they in a spree
And their mummy belly empty
I know a man, he join he wife one night to cuss he mother
Two weeks later he end up in Carrera
When she dead he start to moan and shout
I wish the dead could a-wake up and bust he damn mouth
When his mother was in need, he never paid a heed
And she used to eat the bread the devil knead
It was so unfair, I mean a postcard once a year
To pretend he's so sincere
Though she don't need a lot please give her what you got
Whether you're rich or you're poor, I say
Not only on her birthday, no that isn't the way
Every day should be Mother's Day
Oh no, don't neglect your mummy so
Don't leave her in tears and sorrow
Don't forget, boy, you owe her the respect
That all good mothers should get
You got to make it a point of duty
Try your best to see that she's always happy
Not like those who pay the doctor bill
Only to make sure that their name come out in she will
Oh you drove her out of mind, you treated her unkind
How could you be so blind to leave your ma to pine
The pain she had to bear to bring you safely here
And now you don't really care
You treated her crude, and for your ingratitude
Someday you will have to pay
Because retribution meets every man
Who treats his mummy that way
My friend, tell me why do you pretend
To remember your mother when?
Why do you mourn when she's buried all alone
And no longer can she return?
The Lord above will take care of her up there
But your obligation lies right here
It's unkind to leave her undone
Don't be a blased ungrateful son
Now after all is said and done, I'm warning every son
Please give your mama your love and affection
Try to understand, she did the best she can
So now give her a helping hand
I say you cannot repay even until your dying day
Though you may own the stars and moon above
You'll be a very lucky fella if you still have the treasure
As the wealth of a mother's love
"Mighty Sparrow's song "A Mother's Love" is a poignant reminder of the importance of treating our mothers with the respect and love that they deserve. Throughout the song, Sparrow paints a picture of a world where some men neglect their mothers and fail to appreciate all that they do. He describes how some men spend their money in nightclubs and brothels, neglecting their mothers while she is still alive. Later, when their mothers pass away, they shed crocodile tears and overspend on caskets to atone for their past neglect. Sparrow urges listeners to remember what is important: that they should show their mothers love and respect while they are alive, not just after they have passed away.
Sparrow also critiques the hypocrisy of some men, who publicly mourn their mothers' passing even as they continue to treat other women poorly. For Sparrow, it is crucial that a person's relationship with their mother reflects their broader personality, and that anyone who cannot treat their mother well will likely treat others poorly as well. Throughout the song, Sparrow emphasizes the need for people to appreciate their mothers while they are alive, not just when they are gone, and to repay their mothers' love and affection with kindness and care.
Overall, "A Mother's Love" is a vital and touching reminder of the importance of family, and of the need to treat our mothers with love and respect. Sparrow's lyrics remind us that our mothers have done so much for us, and that we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid."
Line by Line Meaning
In this place certain men should hide their face
Some men in this society should be ashamed of themselves
The way they treat their mother is a disgrace
These men treat their mothers disrespectfully
Neglect the old lady for donkey years
They ignore their mothers for an extended period of time
When she dead they shedding crocodiles' tears
They cry insincerely when their mother dies
And spending money like hell
They spend a lot of money on the funeral
To buy a casket big like Hilton Hotel
They purchase an expensive coffin
But when their mother was alive, they didn't know she then
They didn't appreciate their mothers while they were still alive
Is night clubs and brothels they money used to spend
They spent their money on vices instead of helping their mothers
They used to carry on, but now that she's gone
They used to ignore their mothers, but now that they're dead they pretend to miss them
Them hypocrites does weep and mourn
They pretend to grieve, but they are not sincere
But if you are lucky and you still have your mummy
If you are fortunate enough to have a living mother
Remember what Sparrow say
Remember Sparrow's advice
Forget them jagabats and all them jezebel
Ignore negative influences in your life
And make sure your mummy okay
Take care of your mother
So indiscreet, some of them drunk in the street
Some men behave inappropriately in public
And they ma have nothing to eat
Their mothers may be struggling financially
Buying company every day, they in a spree
They spend a lot of money on unnecessary things
And their mummy belly empty
Their mothers may be hungry
I know a man, he join he wife one night to cuss he mother
There is a man who spoke ill of his mother with his wife
Two weeks later he end up in Carrera
He was punished for his actions
When she dead he start to moan and shout
He began to cry and grieve when his mother died
I wish the dead could a-wake up and bust he damn mouth
He regrets speaking ill of his mother now that she's dead
When his mother was in need, he never paid a heed
He ignored his mother's needs
And she used to eat the bread the devil knead
His mother was in a difficult situation and had to make do with whatever she had
It was so unfair, I mean a postcard once a year
Sending a postcard once a year was not enough for his mother
To pretend he's so sincere
Sending just one postcard was not a genuine display of care
Though she don't need a lot please give her what you got
Even if your mother doesn't ask for much, try to provide what you can
Whether you're rich or you're poor, I say
Regardless of your financial status
Not only on her birthday, no that isn't the way
Don't limit your expressions of love to just one day
Every day should be Mother's Day
We should appreciate our mothers every day
Oh no, don't neglect your mummy so
Don't ignore your mother
Don't leave her in tears and sorrow
Don't let her be sad and unhappy
Don't forget, boy, you owe her the respect
You should show respect to your mother
That all good mothers should get
All good mothers deserve respect
You got to make it a point of duty
It is your responsibility
Try your best to see that she's always happy
Do your best to make your mother happy
Not like those who pay the doctor bill
Don't be like those who only take care of their mothers when they are sick
Only to make sure that their name come out in she will
They only pretend to care about their mother so they can be included in her will
Oh you drove her out of mind, you treated her unkind
You caused your mother to suffer and treated her poorly
How could you be so blind to leave your ma to pine
How could you not see that your mother was suffering?
The pain she had to bear to bring you safely here
Your mother went through a lot to give birth to you
And now you don't really care
But now you don't show her any appreciation
You treated her crude, and for your ingratitude
You treated her badly, and now you aren't grateful for what she did for you
Someday you will have to pay
You will eventually have to face the consequences of your actions
Because retribution meets every man
Everyone will face consequences for their actions
Who treats his mummy that way
If you treat your mother poorly, you will face consequences
My friend, tell me why do you pretend
Why are you pretending?
To remember your mother when?
Why do you only think of your mother when she's no longer here?
Why do you mourn when she's buried all alone
Why are you sad when your mother is dead and gone?
And no longer can she return?
Why are you crying when she cannot come back?
The Lord above will take care of her up there
God will take care of your mother in heaven
But your obligation lies right here
But you still have a responsibility down here on earth
It's unkind to leave her undone
It's unfair to leave your mother without help
Don't be a blased ungrateful son
Don't be an ungrateful son
Now after all is said and done, I'm warning every son
In conclusion, I'm advising every son
Please give your mama your love and affection
Give your mother love and show her affection
Try to understand, she did the best she can
Understand that your mother tried her best
So now give her a helping hand
Now it's your turn to help her
I say you cannot repay even until your dying day
You can never fully repay your mother for her sacrifices
Though you may own the stars and moon above
Even if you are rich and successful
You'll be a very lucky fella if you still have the treasure
You'll be lucky if you still have your mother's love
Contributed by Grayson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@faithbobb5777
Yes this is really true what the Mighty Sparrow sung so many years ago,to me every day should be Mother’s Day.
@luciacadasse3686
Mothers should be respected and treated with care and love.
@vigirlioblanco6217
The masters of instrumentation!! Sparrow finds them, in lyrics he CAN NOT be beaten.
@SuperSnk1
Take Heed fellas and Honor thy Mother for Paradise lies at her feet so see and be there . What a CLASSIC .
@gregst.a4144
I Love you Ma!!!
Thank you for making me into the man I am today!🙏🏽🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Rest well Ma🙏🏽 I’m continuing your good work😔😔😔
@rayfung-a-fat4047
I love this song so much
@misssoriginal1
2019 and still listening to The Mighty!
@jeffgrant4941
2023 and it still going strong
@gizmogizz7653
🔥🔥💯💯💯🔥🔥
Happy Mother's Day
To Every mom outhere
@vernamollineau4026
Sparrow l love you so much these past year's l miss hearing you ever so much may the Lord bless you with many many more loving years l could hear you all the time God's bless