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.
Bag Ah' Sugar
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't care how a woman clever, I sure I smarter than she
I could size up any woman in here or on the street even though we have never met
I could tell you if she's sour, if she's salt, if she's sweet, if she's easy or she's hard to get
Now if her eyes started coming kind of sleepy when you watch she face
My advice is to take it kinda light maybe she's out for tricks
But if she smile with dimples on she cheek and if she laugh and she got open teeth
Some men like to see a woman very well built and have plenty butt
To be with her they're in heaven to capture her is a must
Well with me it really doesn't matter even if the chest flat like 2 fry egg
I would give she any money just as long as I could see she have two knob knee or bandy leg
If she pretends to be serious and play she's not observing you
Grab she hand if she fight to pull away from you that's a clue
Yes if she smile with dimples on she cheek and if she laugh and she got open teeth
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey.
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey.
If you have a bachelor neighbor and your girl keeps talking him bad
Saying how he's so vulgar, wearing jockey shorts in the yard
Invite the bachelor over, see if she will treat him with scorn
Keep a rather observation watch her reaction during the conversation
If when he talks she can's watch him she just bow she head or turns she face
That is a sign she is willing to go with him any time or place
So when he gone I am advising you from then on you must wear jockey shorts too
That's the only way you gon protect the sugar down dey
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey
Before a man settles with a woman he better know what it's all about
Especially if she have children measure the size of she mouth
A big mouth woman will settle with any man for a drink of rum
And they so easy to handle, they don't give no kind of trouble
From the time you call them they come.
And if their lips start to tremble and they blushing when they hear you speak
Take a look at the nose if it's perspiring you should know their resistance weak
And if they dress loose and kinda fluffy that is a sign of some type of pregnancy
You better run away, is only jail and courthouse down dey.
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey
(She have it dey, she have it dey) yes
(She have it dey, she have it dey) Open teeth woman
(Sugar) you know
(She have it dey, she have it dey) yes
(She have it dey, she have it dey) Open teeth woman
(Sugar)
The Mighty Sparrow's song "Bag Ah' Sugar" is an example of the calypso genre, which uses humor and sharp social commentary to shed light on social issues. The song is about a man who claims to have an uncanny ability to read women and their intentions. He believes that he is smarter than any woman and can easily determine if a woman is "sour, if she's salt, if she's sweet if she's easy or hard to get." Sparrow even claims that he knows more about women than a fortune teller could.
The song's opening lines introduce Sparrow's bold assertion that he knows more about women than a fortune teller could. He claims that he can size up any woman whether he has met her or not. He even suggests that he knows how to interpret a woman's gestures and subtle signs such as her sleepy eyes or dimples on her cheeks. According to the song, these signs indicate whether the woman has a "bag of sugar down dey," meaning she is sexually attractive to men. The song suggests that women are easily readable and that Sparrow, as a man, is always in control.
The song is a commentary on the stereotypical gender roles in the Caribbean, where men are seen as more powerful and intelligent than women. The song also reveals the objectification of women and how men view them as mere objects for sexual gratification. It pits men's supposed intelligence against women's supposed naivety and opens up conversations about gender power balances.
Line by Line Meaning
Even a fortune teller couldn't tell you more about woman than me
I am confident that I know more about women than anyone, including a fortune teller
Don't care how a woman clever, I sure I smarter than she
No matter how clever a woman is, I am sure that I am smarter than her
I could size up any woman in here or on the street even though we have never met
I am able to analyze any woman in this room or on the street, despite not having met her before
I could tell you if she's sour, if she's salt, if she's sweet, if she's easy or she's hard to get
Based on my analysis, I can determine if a woman is mean, salty, kind, easy to approach, or hard to win over
Now if her eyes started coming kind of sleepy when you watch she face
If a woman's eyes seem droopy or tired when you look at her face
My advice is to take it kinda light maybe she's out for tricks
Perhaps she is trying to trick you, so be cautious and don't take her too seriously
But if she smile with dimples on she cheek and if she laugh and she got open teeth
If she smiles with dimples in her cheeks and laughs with an open mouth
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey. (2x)
Don't let her escape, because she has something special and valuable
Some men like to see a woman very well built and have plenty butt
Some men prefer women who are curvy with a big butt
To be with her they're in heaven to capture her is a must
Being with this type of woman is a dream come true, so capturing her is a must
Well with me it really doesn't matter even if the chest flat like 2 fry egg
I don't really care about a woman's chest size or shape
I would give she any money just as long as I could see she have two knob knee or bandy leg
I am attracted to women with bent or bowed legs, and I would gladly give them money
If she pretends to be serious and play she's not observing you
If she tries to act serious and pretend that she is not paying attention to you
Grab she hand if she fight to pull away from you that's a clue
If she resists when you try to hold her hand, that is a sign that she is not interested in you
Yes if she smile with dimples on she cheek and if she laugh and she got open teeth
If she smiles with dimples in her cheeks and laughs with an open mouth
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey.
Don't let her escape, because she has something special and valuable
Before a man settles with a woman he better know what it's all about
A man should understand everything about the woman before committing to her
Especially if she have children measure the size of she mouth
If she has children, you should observe the size of her mouth
A big mouth woman will settle with any man for a drink of rum
Women with big mouths will settle for any man who buys them a drink
And they so easy to handle, they don't give no kind of trouble
They are easy to deal with and won't cause any problems
From the time you call them they come.
They will respond to your every call
And if their lips start to tremble and they blushing when they hear you speak
If their lips tremble and they blush when you speak to them
Take a look at the nose if it's perspiring you should know their resistance weak
If their nose is sweating, it means their resistance is weak
And if they dress loose and kinda fluffy that is a sign of some type of pregnancy
If they dress in loose and fluffy clothing, it's a sign that they might be pregnant
You better run away, is only jail and courthouse down dey.
You should get away from them because the only places down there are jail and courthouse
(She have it dey, she have it dey) yes
She has it there, she has it there
(She have it dey, she have it dey) Open teeth woman
She has it there, she has it there - referring to the woman with the open teeth smile
(Sugar) you know
This refers to the valuable thing the woman has - a bag of sugar
(She have it dey, she have it dey) yes
She has it there, she has it there
(She have it dey, she have it dey) Open teeth woman
She has it there, she has it there - referring to the woman with the open teeth smile
(Sugar)
This refers to the valuable thing the woman has - a bag of sugar
Contributed by Lucy L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jcrl96
Mighty Sparrow – Bag Ah' Sugar lyrics
Even a fortune teller couldn't tell you more about woman than me
Don't care how a woman clever, I sure I smarter than she
I could size up any woman in here or on the street even though we have never met
I could tell you if she's sour, if she's salt, if she's sweet, if she's easy or she's hard to get
Now if her eyes started coming kind of sleepy when you watch she face
My advice is to take it kinda light maybe she's out for tricks
But if she smile with dimples on she cheek and if she laugh and she got open teeth
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey. (2x)
Some men like to see a woman very well built and have plenty butt
To be with her they're in heaven to capture her is a must
Well with me it really doesn't matter even if the chest flat like 2 fry egg
I would give she any money just as long as I could see she have two knob knee or bandy leg
If she pretends to be serious and play she's not observing you
Grab she hand if she fight to pull away from you that's a clue
Yes if she smile with dimples on she cheek and if she laugh and she got open teeth
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey.
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey.
If you have a bachelor neighbor and your girl keeps talking him bad
Saying how he's so vulgar, wearing jockey shorts in the yard
Invite the bachelor over, see if she will treat him with scorn
Keep a rather observation watch her reaction during the conversation
If when he talks she can's watch him she just bow she head or turns she face
That is a sign she is willing to go with him any time or place
So when he gone I am advising you from then on you must wear jockey shorts too
That's the only way you gon protect the sugar down dey
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey
Before a man settles with a woman he better know what it's all about
Especially if she have children measure the size of she mouth
A big mouth woman will settle with any man for a drink of rum
And they so easy to handle, they don't give no kind of trouble
From the time you call them they come.
And if their lips start to tremble and they blushing when they hear you speak
Take a look at the nose if it's perspiring you should know their resistance weak
And if they dress loose and kinda fluffy that is a sign of some type of pregnancy
You better run away, is only jail and courthouse down dey.
Don't let she get away, she have a bag of sugar down dey
(She have it dey, she have it dey) yes
(She have it dey, she have it dey) Open teeth woman
(Sugar) you know
(She have it dey, she have it dey) yes
(She have it dey, she have it dey) Open teeth woman
(Sugar)
@Smallhorsetv
A master of Caribbean folklore and a magnificent story teller. The Mighty Sparrow.
@kevmichael2064
We Grew Up in California.... Loving Calypso....I wish I was in Trinidad and Jamaica when this song was made WOW....
@alorey24
Sparrow...you should stay on this EARTH forever! Has anyone really listened the composition, expressions, diction and poetry in this song? That's the MIGHT of SPARROW!
@texxbee
Vintage Sparrow...the best...thanks.
@cliftonaitken2191
Sparrow is the one and only. lone love
@Iam_jay_lord
A bag a sugar down they🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@cecilyreid9884
Any Calypso by Sparrow capture my fancy.🎶🎵
He was the greatest Calypso entertainer.
And to this day listening to his songs never grows old or cold always fresh
never less.👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽
@judebassey
Mighty Sparrow is the man.....
@bryanvidal8066
Sparrow is the one and only, big respect to this man, I can listen to calypso over and over again
@nellymarlenewatkinss.9443
Bryan Vidal Me Too!