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. War
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swing it out, boys
Well they drop a hydrogen bomb in B.G.
Lord have mercy
They drop a hydrogen bomb in B.G.
Lord have mercy
Riot in town mama
Ah hear the whole place on fire
From Kitty to the waterfront all that
Burn down flat, flat, flat
I ain't care if the whole of B.G. burn down
I ain′t care if all of Bookers burn down
But they will be putting me out meh way
If they tackle Tiger bay
And burn down the hotel
Where all meh wahbeens does stay
They lock up over a thousand people
Well that was trouble
They send for policemen in the country
To bring unity
But police and all afraid
Stand up and they watching stores get raid
Walk in the store take everything
And when you done set fire to the building
But I ain't care if the whole of B.G. burn down
I ain't care if all of Bookers burn down
But they will be putting me out meh way
If they tackle Tiger bay
And burn down meh hotel
Where all meh wahbeens does stay
A woman walk in a store on main street
Slippers on she feet
Dirty petticoat, long time straw hat
And she smelling worse than that
But she walk out like a lady
High heels, glasses, jewelry
The straw hat she had on wearing before
She take matches and she burn it inside the store
I ain′t care if the whole of B.G. burn down
I ain′t care if all of Bookers burn down
But they will be putting me out meh way
If they tackle Tiger bay
And burn down meh hotel
Where all meh wahbeens does stay
Sweet sax, Basso!
Let's go, let′s go daddy!
They send for soldiers quite up in England
With big confusion
They bring down warships with cannon like peas
To shoot Guyanese
But Burnham said all right now
I'm the only man to stop this row
He give we the signal and that′s the case
Now we have peace and quiet in the place
But I ain't care if the whole of B.G. burn down
I ain′t care if all of Bookers burn down
They'll be putting me out meh way
Only if they tackle Tiger bay
And burn down meh hotel
Where all meh wahbeens does stay
The Mighty Sparrow's "B. G. War" is a commentary on the violent and tumultuous events that took place in British Guiana (now Guyana) during the 1960s. The song is a response to a variety of issues that plagued the country at the time, including the threat of a hydrogen bomb, riots, looting, and the involvement of the military and police. The chorus of the song, "I ain't care if the whole of B.G. burn down," expresses the frustration and apathy felt by many citizens in the face of the constant turmoil.
The first verse describes the fear and devastation caused by the threat of a hydrogen bomb being dropped on British Guiana. The second verse highlights the looting and destruction of businesses during riots, and the subsequent deployment of police and soldiers. The third verse tells the story of a woman who walks into a store in disheveled attire and burns it down, highlighting the desperation and lack of order in the country.
Sparrow's lyrics show a deep understanding of the complex issues facing British Guiana at the time, and his use of music and storytelling was a powerful tool for expressing the frustrations and fears of the citizens.
Line by Line Meaning
One more time, that's more like it
Swing it out, boys
Starting anew with enthusiasm and energy. Let's get moving!
Well they drop a hydrogen bomb in B.G.
Lord have mercy
They drop a hydrogen bomb in B.G.
Lord have mercy
Riot in town mama
Ah hear the whole place on fire
From Kitty to the waterfront all that
Burn down flat, flat, flat
The singer is describing the horrific bombing that occurred in B.G. (British Guiana) and the dreadful aftermath of the riot in town. Everywhere in the city is destroyed and burning.
I ain't care if the whole of B.G. burn down
I ain't care if all of Bookers burn down
But they will be putting me out meh way
If they tackle Tiger bay
And burn down the hotel
Where all meh wahbeens does stay
The singer doesn't care about the destruction of the city or its buildings except for the hotel in Tiger Bay where they keep their own belongings.
They lock up over a thousand people
Well that was trouble
They send for policemen in the country
To bring unity
But police and all afraid
Stand up and they watching stores get raid
Walk in the store take everything
And when you done set fire to the building
The authorities try to control the chaos by arresting and bringing in police officers, but they are powerless to stop the looting and burning of stores by violent protesters.
A woman walk in a store on main street
Slippers on she feet
Dirty petticoat, long time straw hat
And she smelling worse than that
But she walk out like a lady
High heels, glasses, jewelry
The straw hat she had on wearing before
She take matches and she burn it inside the store
The artist describes a woman looting a store but transforming into a refined and elegant person despite her disheveled appearance. She then burns the shop down.
They send for soldiers quite up in England
With big confusion
They bring down warships with cannon like peas
To shoot Guyanese
But Burnham said all right now
I'm the only man to stop this row
He give we the signal and that's the case
Now we have peace and quiet in the place
The British government sends soldiers and warships to stop the conflict, but a man named Burnham steps in and resolves the issue, bringing order and peace to the town.
But I ain't care if the whole of B.G. burn down
I ain't care if all of Bookers burn down
They'll be putting me out meh way
Only if they tackle Tiger bay
And burn down meh hotel
Where all meh wahbeens does stay
The singer reiterates that the only concern is the hotel in Tiger Bay since it contains their personal belongings.
Contributed by Ellie M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@donnah5378
Real old school GT! friend from Jamaica bought this song to my attention 🤓
@jeanmompelat8262
Fabuleux
@RKSingh-pi4dq
Oh Man! I have not heard this since I was a little kid. LMAO
@deniscarrington9000
Don’t touch Tiger Bay where all my wabbin stay 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤣
@normanosborne7367
SOME SERIOUS LYRICS BEHIND ""B G WAR"". SPARROW REALLY CONQUER THE ENTIRE KAISO UNIVERSE WITH HIS MUSICAL TALENT.
@jaybirdlady1407
She tek di straw hat and burn it in di store 😅
@daviddeverteuil8663
WHO was Vasso? (Alto Sax Solo from 3 mins 23 seconds and polishing off at end of tune. His name was Harold De Freitas. He was a member of Sparrow's band (the Troubadors) for many years and was given that nick name which was short for "Vassoline" because of the smoothness of his playing. He was a great master of improvisation and was well known throughout the caribbean musical scene for those "sweet passages" that he so masterfully slotted in at the right time.
He was also a very dear friend of mine during the mid sixties and seventies as we played music together with a small group of friends as well "The Orchestra" at conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses. I played electric violin. Our arranger and composer was Richard Gaskin also a very highly talented musician (plays both six string and base guitar). Check out 'Rick G and friends' on youtube. Richard is sitting at front of band on rythym guitar. The music scores on the music stands is Richard's work. I no longer live in Trinidad as I migrated to Australia in November 79 and I do have a few recordings of stuff we did together back then which I cherish very much. Vasso is no longer with us but remains in Jehovah God's memory to be brought back in the resurrection. (Acts 24:15)
22/01/2017. David M. De Verteuil.
@126jazz
The song is about race riots, allegedly instigated by the CIA for political purposes ( early 1960s) that took place in British Guiana aka BG. Today this South American country is called Guyana.
@gorviv529
What's the actual story behind this track (the events I mean ?
@romemeka
The reply above should answer your question about the American CIA in British Guiana.