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.
B.G. Plantain
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Tell me why you ban B.G. plantain"
"Doctor," she said, "I am inquiring
Why de hell you ban B.G. plantain?
Doctor, I can′t take it no longer
Like if you want me to suffer with hunger
Trinidad plantain ain't good at all
And so the men making style wid dem, so they small"
But one B.G. plantain does full up de pot
It′s so satisfying, 'specially when hot
Lord knows ah suffering
Since you ban B.G. plantain
It is to much to bear
Doctor, you too unfair
I will do anything
To taste a B.G. plantain
Dear Doctor, I hope you will agree
To change the law and show some sympathy
Even tho' you are angry with B.G.
Why should you make we pay de penalty?
You say you want us to use local plantain
But dis is one time you ain′t know wha′ you doing
De plantain here in this place
Too small, too soft, and got no blasted taste
But one B.G. plantain does full up de pot
It's so satisfying, ′specially when hot
Lord knows ah suffering
Since they ban B.G. plantain
It is to much to bear
Doctor, you too unfair
I will do anything
To taste a B.G. plantain
Woy oy oy
Aye aye aye, mama
She tell me even when she sleeping it's confusion
Dreaming how she have a big plantain in she hand
"Mister," she said, "ah going staring mad
You can′t imagine how ah want dis thing so bad"
Freighter from B.G. so I send de girl by him
When she come back she fuming and cussing
Asking if I ain't hear wha′ she say
She want plantain and I send she for sikiye
But one B.G. plantain does full up de pot
Lord knows ah suffering
Since they ban B.G. plantain
It is to much to bear
Doctor, you too unfair
I will do anything
To taste a B.G. plantain
Since de B.G. boat don't bring plantain again
Only up in Toco you could find some good size grain
De vendors in de city only fas and bobol face
Except for Massy Fay and big-nose Amal Bess
Still dem is joke to real B.G. plantain
When it hanging on de tree it still dragging
Long like a man hand, tough like iron
Dat is why ah want de Doctor to raise de ban
One B.G. plantain does full up de pot
It's so satisfying, ′specially when hot
Lord knows ah suffering
Since they ban B.G. plantain
It is to much to bear
Doctor, you too unfair
I will do anything
To taste a B.G. plantain
The lyrics to Mighty Sparrow's "B.G. Plantain" revolve around the frustration and longing for a type of plantain that has been banned by the doctor. A woman writes a letter to the doctor, questioning why he has banned the "B.G." plantain, and pleads with him to reconsider the ban. She explains the inadequacy of the local plantain and the satisfaction that the B.G. plantain provides when added to a pot. The lyrics also explain that the ban has caused the woman and others to suffer, and they are willing to do anything to taste a B.G. plantain.
The song captures the theme of longing for something that has been taken away or forbidden, and the frustration and desperation that comes with that. The ban on the B.G. plantain represents a larger issue of control and decision-making, as the doctor's decision affects the lives of many. The lyrics also demonstrate the importance of food culture and the sensory experience and pleasure that comes with eating. The longing for B.G. plantain is not just a hunger for sustenance, but also a craving for something delicious and satisfying.
Line by Line Meaning
A woman write a letter to the doc inquiring
A woman wrote a letter to the doctor to ask why B.G. plantains were banned.
"Tell me why you ban B.G. plantain"
The woman asked the doctor why he banned B.G. plantains.
"Doctor," she said, "I am inquiring
The woman addressed the doctor and asked why B.G. plantains were banned.
Why de hell you ban B.G. plantain?
The woman questioned the doctor's decision to ban B.G. plantains.
Doctor, I can't take it no longer
The woman expressed that she could no longer handle the ban on B.G. plantains.
Like if you want me to suffer with hunger
The woman felt like the doctor was purposely causing her to suffer from hunger by banning B.G. plantains.
Trinidad plantain ain't good at all
The woman believed that the plantains in Trinidad were not as good as B.G. plantains.
And so the men making style wid dem, so they small
The woman implied that Trinidadian men were not as well-endowed because they ate Trinidadian plantains instead of B.G. plantains.
But one B.G. plantain does full up de pot
One B.G. plantain could fill up an entire cooking pot.
It's so satisfying, 'specially when hot
B.G. plantains were especially satisfying when hot.
Lord knows ah suffering
The woman was suffering due to the ban on B.G. plantains.
Since you ban B.G. plantain
The woman's suffering was due to the ban on B.G. plantains.
It is to much to bear
The woman could not bear the ban on B.G. plantains any longer.
Doctor, you too unfair
The woman believed that the doctor was being unfair in banning B.G. plantains.
I will do anything
The woman was willing to do anything to taste a B.G. plantain.
To taste a B.G. plantain
The woman wanted to taste a B.G. plantain.
Dear Doctor, I hope you will agree
The woman hoped that the doctor would agree with her plea.
To change the law and show some sympathy
The woman wanted the doctor to change the law and be sympathetic to her plea.
Even tho' you are angry with B.G.
The doctor may be angry with B.G., but the woman still wanted him to lift the ban on B.G. plantains.
Why should you make we pay de penalty?
The woman wondered why she and others had to suffer the consequences of the ban on B.G. plantains.
You say you want us to use local plantain
The doctor wanted people to use local plantains instead of B.G. plantains.
But dis is one time you ain't know wha' you doing
The woman believed that the doctor was mistaken in banning B.G. plantains.
De plantain here in this place
The plantains in Trinidad were not as good as B.G. plantains, according to the woman.
Too small, too soft, and got no blasted taste
The Trinidadian plantains were small, soft, and lacked flavor, in the woman's opinion.
Woy oy oy
Aye aye aye, mama
These are interjections and do not have a specific meaning in the context of the song.
She tell me even when she sleeping it's confusion
The woman was so preoccupied with the ban on B.G. plantains that she even dreamt about it.
Dreaming how she have a big plantain in she hand
In her dream, the woman imagined herself holding a large B.G. plantain.
"Mister," she said, "ah going staring mad
The woman declared that she was going insane over her intense desire for B.G. plantains.
You can't imagine how ah want dis thing so bad
The woman's craving for B.G. plantains was intense beyond description.
Freighter from B.G. so I send de girl by him
The woman arranged for her friend to go on a freighter from B.G. to bring back B.G. plantains for her.
When she come back she fuming and cussing
The woman's friend returned angry and swearing about not being able to find B.G. plantains.
Asking if I ain't hear wha′ she say
The woman's friend was frustrated that she was unable to find B.G. plantains.
She want plantain and I send she for sikiye
The woman mistakenly sent her friend to look for a different type of plantain, sikiye, instead of B.G. plantains.
Since de B.G. boat don't bring plantain again
The boat from B.G. no longer brings B.G. plantains.
Only up in Toco you could find some good size grain
B.G. plantains could only be found in Toco.
De vendors in de city only fas and bobol face
The vendors in the city sold poor quality plantains, according to the woman.
Except for Massy Fay and big-nose Amal Bess
Only two vendors, Massy Fay and big-nose Amal Bess, sold decent plantains, according to the woman.
Still dem is joke to real B.G. plantain
However, these vendors still did not compare to the quality of B.G. plantains.
When it hanging on de tree it still dragging
B.G. plantains were so large that they drooped down from the tree branches.
Long like a man hand, tough like iron
B.G. plantains were long and tough, like a man's hand and iron, respectively.
Dat is why ah want de Doctor to raise de ban
The woman wanted the doctor to lift the ban on B.G. plantains because they were superior in size and taste.
Contributed by Ethan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@davidmarquez4634
Kaiso Kaiso !! Pure Genuis !!!! Lyrics, melody and orchestration fuh days!
@aliyahlalchand1112
Mawn I love love love Sparrow
@normanosborne7367
THE TRUE ESSENCE OF CALYPSO DEEP FROM THE ROOT (SOULFUL CLASSIC)
@hollisterfleming202
it is OK
@romemeka
British Guiana Plantain
@Multi197519751975
please what is the name of this song? @
@marverem
BG Planting (British Guyana Planting)
@tabutamborim
The reply you got was not quite right ... BG=British Guyana ... but it's "plantain" ... "BG Plantain"... a fruit in the banana family ... in the Spanish Caribbean it's "platano" ... much bigger than a banana, hence the "double entendre" in the lyrics ... the lady is asking for something a lot bigger!
@henryganteaume3595
@@tabutamborim great explanation