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.
Benwood Dick
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don′t be afraid, I ain't the police
You wouldn′t know me, but I want you to show me
A girl around here they call Mildred
When I tell you mister, Mildred is meh sister
He jump up and then he said
Tell your sister to come down quick
Tell she it's Mr. Benwood Dick
The man from Sangre Grande
She know me well, I gih she already
She must remember me
Go on, go on, tell she Mr. Benwood come
Sorry old man, that won't do for me
I don′t carry message for anybody
If you want to see she, don′t worry to send me
Climb up the step, you won't fall
It have a bell on the gate, ring it and wait
She must come after you call
Tell your sister to come down quick
I have something for here for she
Tell she it′s Mr. Benwood Dick
The man from Sangre Grande
She know me well, I gih she already
She must remember me
Go on, go on, tell she Mr. Benwood come
If you see the man, you might dead with fright
Especially if it's in the night
Wearing a big old straw hat
A dirty dirty alpagat
All he shirt colored black and greasy
I don′t see what kind of business a man like this
Could have with my sister Milly
He bawling...
Tell your sister to come down quick
I have something for here for she
Tell she it's Mr. Benwood Dick
The man from Sangre Grande
She know me well, I gih she already
She must remember me
Go on, go on, tell she Mr. Benwood come
Curiosity had meh head confused
I wonder what Mildred doing with a man who cyah buy shoes
They start to talk and talk, then they went for a walk
If you see them hand in hand
When he gone and ask she, who is he?
She tell me, is she compere, but was she man
He bawling...
Tell your sister to come down quick
I have something for here to gih she
Tell she it′s Mr. Benwood Dick
The man from Sangre Grande
She know me well, I gih she already
She must remember me
Go on, go on, yes tell she Mr. Benwood come
The song "Benwood Dick" by Mighty Sparrow tells a story of a man who is looking for his sister, Mildred. He encounters a young boy and asks him to relay a message to Mildred, telling her that he, Mr. Benwood Dick, is looking for her. The boy initially refuses to pass on the message, but eventually relents and instructs Mr. Benwood Dick to go inside and ring the bell. The man is described as frightening and unkempt, wearing an old straw hat, and a dirty shirt. The lyrics suggest that Mildred may be involved with this man, a situation that the singer finds confusing.
The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of strangers and how appearances can be deceiving. It highlights the potential danger of trusting strangers and the importance of being cautious, especially when it comes to our loved ones. Furthermore, it explores the themes of betrayal and deception, portraying how trust can be easily broken and how our loved ones can end up hurting us.
Line by Line Meaning
Aye, little boy, let me tell you this
Hey young boy, listen closely to what I'm about to say
Don't be afraid, I ain't the police
Don't worry, I'm not a police officer
You wouldn't know me, but I want you to show me
You may not recognize me, but I need your help
A girl around here they call Mildred
I'm looking for a girl named Mildred
When I tell you mister, Mildred is meh sister
Just so you know, Mildred is my sister
He jump up and then he said
The man was surprised and reacted quickly by saying
Tell your sister to come down quick
Please ask your sister to come down here right away
I have something for here for she
I have something for her
Tell she it's Mr. Benwood Dick
Let her know that I am Mr. Benwood Dick
The man from Sangre Grande
I am from the town of Sangre Grande
She know me well, I gih she already
She knows me already, I've met her before
She must remember me
I'm sure she remembers me
Go on, go on, tell she Mr. Benwood come
Please go and let her know that Mr. Benwood has come to see her
Sorry old man, that won't do for me
I'm sorry, but I won't deliver your message
I don't carry message for anybody
I don't deliver messages for anyone
If you want to see she, don't worry to send me
You don't need to send me to see her
Climb up the step, you won't fall
Just climb up the steps, you won't trip or fall
It have a bell on the gate, ring it and wait
There is a bell on the gate, ring it and wait for her to come
She must come after you call
She will come after you call for her
If you see the man, you might dead with fright
If you see this man, you might be scared to death
Especially if it's in the night
Especially if it's at night
Wearing a big old straw hat
He's wearing a large, old straw hat
A dirty dirty alpagat
His shoes are dirty and worn out
All he shirt colored black and greasy
All of his shirt is greasy and black in color
I don't see what kind of business a man like this
I don't understand why a man like this would be here
Could have with my sister Milly
What he could possibly want with my sister Mildred
He bawling...
He is calling out...
Curiosity had meh head confused
I was confused out of curiosity
I wonder what Mildred doing with a man who cyah buy shoes
I'm wondering why Mildred is with a man who can't afford shoes
They start to talk and talk, then they went for a walk
They talked and talked, and then they went for a walk together
If you see them hand in hand
If you see them holding hands
When he gone and ask she, who is he?
After he's gone, I'll ask her, 'Who is he?'
She tell me, is she compere, but was she man
She'll tell me that he's her friend, but he's actually her lover
Go on, go on, yes tell she Mr. Benwood come
Please go and let her know that Mr. Benwood has come to see her
Contributed by Hunter L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dwayneteecuss4013
There's not another who's loved in the Caribbeans like the Mighty Sparrow ya. ...
@traceyk4531
Sparrow is one of many musical memories of my childhood and I 've loved him ever since. Back then, I never really paid attention to the lyrics or truly understood them until I got older. I thought, "Naughty, naughty man!" but loved it, of course, lol. I can safely say he is my favourite Calypsonian! :-)
@marialacaille6089
listening 2020 on my dads birthday...he loved mighty sparrow...both around same age but thankfully sparrow still here
@abdulahadmujahid3544
2021
@kenjack6172
The mighty sparrow long live the king and his craft also the perfect voice his gift from the almighty creator .My grand-mother was a lover of Sparrow's work, he impacted my child-hood years , now I'm a grown man I can't ignore the genius craft , I still listen , thanks for you tube my link.
@salsasoul4112
My Daddy used to sing this at the top of his lungs. Lolololol! I love Sparrow with everything I am ♡
@setewayoify
My father too did the same ting
@lindabrown0
Love it, Looooooooooooove it. Makes me laugh. Used to make my mother laugh when I used to sing this around the house......RIP mom. Thank you for posting it.
@ceceliagrant-peters2496
Taking me back to my childhood in the front room listening to Dad's vinyls, the Mighty Sparrow was one of his all time favourites.
@tripodthreefoot2268
Coming from the Caribbean and having a name like "Bendwood" is considered royalty