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.
Bois Bande
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fifty girls belong to me
I could handle fifty more
And if you had my recipe
You could do it too, I'm sure
So if you want to know my secret
Listen carefullySoak the bark and drink the water
From a certain tree
What's the name of that tree again, tell me
(Bois Bande!)
Ask any man in Port of Spain about
(Bois Bande!)
Don't care how the woman strong
Don't care how she fat and round
You goin' have she tumbling down with
(Bois Bande)
If the woman leave and go
She bound to come back I know
Don't care who the man may be
She bound to remember me
So if you want to keep the woman
Just follow my plan
Let me mix the brew for you
To join me bois bande gang
And what's the name of that drink, ah want to hear you now
(Bois Bande!)
Sing the chorus! Ask the men in Port of Spain about
(Bois Bande!)
Oh Lord, don't care how the woman strong
You goin' have she tumbling down with
(Bois Bande)
Fire!
When a man pass 53
He start losing his vitality
So he runs for ovaltine
Guinness stout or phospherene
That's all well and good, I agree
But listen what I say
Nothing keeps a woman happy
Like a man charged with bois bande
Tell me what's the name of the drink, ah want to know now
(Bois Bande!)
Ask any man in Port of Spain about
(Bois Bande!)
Oh Lord, don't care how the woman strong
Don't care how she jump around
You goin' have she tumbling down with
(Bois Bande)
Fire!
Once there was a policeman
He joined the bois bande gang
But he mix the brew too strong
For two weeks he can't lay down
Stand up like a Roman soldier
Like he want to fight
Is a block of ice they had to tie
On he head to cool him than night
Tell me what's the name again, brother
(Bois Bande!)
Oh tell me, tell me I want to remember
(Bois Bande!)
Oh Lord, don't care how the woman strong
Don't care how she fat and round
You goin' have she tumbling down with
(Bois Bande)
Oh every morning I drink a glass of
(Bois Bande!)
Oh and attacking anything that pass with
(Bois Bande!)
They go making plenty, plenty, plenty, plenty
(Bois Bande!)
Oh, I'll go treat meh yard in
(Bois Bande!)
Come down, buy me ah selling anybody
(Bois Bande!)
Oy woman, woman, woman, woman
(Bois Bande!)
Come on, come on, everybody
(Bois Bande!)
Come on, come on, come on, come on
(Bois Bande!)
The song "Bois Bande" by Mighty Sparrow is an ode to the aphrodisiac properties of a certain tree bark. The singer claims to have the recipe for a magical concoction made from the bark that can help him handle fifty girls and could make anyone else do the same. He shares his secret with listeners, stating that the bark needs to be soaked in water to make a drink that can make the woman tumble down even if they are strong or fat. The chorus of the song involves repeating the name of the drink, "Bois Bande," which is aimed at promoting it.
The song highlights the power dynamic between men and women and how the consumption of an aphrodisiac by men can lead to a loss of agency for women. The singer states that regardless of who the woman is with, she is bound to return to him, indicating that he is using the concoction to manipulate women. The song also comments on the aging process of men and how the consumption of the bark can help them regain their vitality.
Line by Line Meaning
Fifty girls belong to me
I have many women in my life
I could handle fifty more
I am capable of handling even more women
And if you had my recipe
If you followed my secret method
You could do it too, I'm sure
You could also have many women like me
So if you want to know my secret
If you want to know how I do it
Listen carefully
Pay attention and listen closely
Soak the bark and drink the water
Extract the juice from the bark of a particular tree and drink it
From a certain tree
From a specific type of tree
What's the name of that tree again, tell me
What is the name of that specific tree?
(Bois Bande!)
The name of the tree is Bois Bande
Ask any man in Port of Spain about
Inquire with anyone from the city of Port of Spain about it
Don't care how the woman strong
I don't care how strong or powerful a woman may be
Don't care how she fat and round
I don't care how big or curvy a woman is
You goin' have she tumbling down with
You will be able to bring her down with
(Bois Bande)
Bois Bande
If the woman leave and go
If the woman decides to leave
She bound to come back I know
She is sure to return to me
Don't care who the man may be
I don't care who the woman may be with
She bound to remember me
She will always remember me
So if you want to keep the woman
If you wish to keep your woman
Just follow my plan
Simply follow my advice
Let me mix the brew for you
Allow me to prepare the drink for you
To join me bois bande gang
To join my group of people who drink Bois Bande
And what's the name of that drink, ah want to hear you now
I want to confirm the name of the drink
(Bois Bande!)
The drink is named Bois Bande
Sing the chorus! Ask the men in Port of Spain about
Sing the chorus and ask the men in Port of Spain about it
Oh Lord, don't care how the woman strong
Oh Lord, it doesn't matter how strong the woman is
I'll fight for a night 'fore long
I am willing to fight for her all night long
You goin' have she tumbling down with
You will make her fall for you with
(Bois Bande)
Bois Bande
Fire!
Exclamation to pump up the listeners
When a man pass 53
When a man reaches the age of 53
He start losing his vitality
He starts losing his energy and vigor
So he runs for ovaltine
He resorts to drinking Ovaltine
Guinness stout or phospherene
Other popular drinks that may help with vitality
That's all well and good, I agree
Those drinks are fine, I don't have a problem with them
But listen what I say
However, pay attention to what I am suggesting
Nothing keeps a woman happy
The only thing that makes a woman truly happy
Like a man charged with bois bande
Is a man who drinks Bois Bande regularly
Tell me what's the name of the drink, ah want to know now
What is the name of the drink again? I want to remember
(Bois Bande!)
The drink is named Bois Bande
Oh Lord, don't care how the woman strong
Oh Lord, it doesn't matter how strong the woman is
Don't care how she jump around
I don't care how much a woman may resist
You goin' have she tumbling down with
You will make her fall for you with
(Bois Bande)
Bois Bande
Fire!
Exclamation to pump up the listeners
Once there was a policeman
One time there was a police officer
He joined the bois bande gang
He began drinking Bois Bande regularly
But he mix the brew too strong
But he made the drink too powerful
For two weeks he can't lay down
For two weeks he couldn't sleep
Stand up like a Roman soldier
He was upright and stiff like a soldier
Like he want to fight
As if he was looking for a fight
Is a block of ice they had to tie
They had to tie a block of ice
On he head to cool him than night
On his head to cool him down that night
Come down, buy me ah selling anybody
Come down and buy from me, I'm selling to anyone
(Bois Bande!)
Bois Bande
Oy woman, woman, woman, woman
Hey woman, woman, woman, woman
(Bois Bande!)
Bois Bande
Come on, come on, everybody
Come on, everyone!
(Bois Bande!)
Bois Bande
Contributed by James M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@freddysparrow359
Martinique is there....Bois bandé!!!
@riyadhrafique8377
Drink Bois Bande (and you in big trouble)!!! When your pencil cant go down you will be in San Fernando General Hospital or Port Of Spain bawling like seven (7) Tarzan!!!
@JabariBethel
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