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.
Both o'Dem
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She sister Mary say she love me too
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(With both o' dem, with both o' dem)
Ah tell she tings doh work out so
She say de next sister ain′t bound to know,
(Both o′ dem, both o' dem)
(Both o′ dem, with both o' dem)
Just because I ain′t like dem scandal
Deh have yuh partner fool all day
Kitchener like all dem bacchanal
So ah call Kitchy on de phone one day
Dis is what de old man say:
Do it! Do it! Do it! Oh God, Birdy
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Man, come on!
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, with both o' dem)
Carlene, is you ah waited for
Ah ah want ah lover not no brother-in-law,
(Both o′ dem, both o′ dem)
(With both o' dem, with both o′ dem)
I know all men like to roam
And I know charity begins at home
(With both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(With both o' dem, both o′ dem)
But de sister such ah loving child
All relationship is great
And she always wear ah charming smile
Kitchener say "Birdy, doh hesitate
There is nothing to sit and contemplate!"
Do it! Do it! Do it! Oh God, Birdy
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Man, come on!
(Both o' dem, both o' dem)
(Both o′ dem, with both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
Though she prettier than me
I could boogie down better than she
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, with both o' dem)
Ah remember Lord Melody,
Shame and scandal in de family,
(Both o′ dem, both o′ dem)
(With both o' dem, with both o′ dem)
All de brakes ah brakes was all in vein
She ask me if ah showing off
Then she start to tackle me again
Kitchener say: "Boy you must treat dem rough
Otherwise dem woman go say you tough!"
Do it! Do it! Do it! Oh God, Birdy
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Man come on!
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, with both o′ dem)
If I was ah different shot
Maybe I would ah get trapped enough
(With both o' dem, both o' dem)
(With both o′ dem, both o′ dem)
All de offers that she made
I tink bout it but I cyah make de grade
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, with both o′ dem)
Where I empty in the spice of life
Polygamy today I dread
Thank Kitchener for his good advice
Ah still could remember what he said
De message still ringing in meh head:
Do it! Do it! Do it! Oh God, Birdy
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Gih she what she want,
Man, come on!
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, with both o' dem)
(Both o′ dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
(Both o' dem...)
The song "Both o'Dem" by Mighty Sparrow is a comical commentary on the dangers and temptations of polygamy. The singer of the song is torn between the affections of two sisters, Betty-Lou and Carlene. Although he loves Betty-Lou, Carlene is more of a lover than a sister-in-law to him, and he is tempted by her advances. When he seeks advice from his friend Kitchener, Kitchener advises him to give both sisters what they want, suggesting that he can keep them both happy by being a little rough with them.
The lyrics are presented in a humorous and light-hearted way, with the singer's confusion and indecision being played for laughs. The chorus, "Gih she what she want, Man, come on!" captures the casual attitude towards polygamy in some cultures, and the notion that men are entitled to multiple partners. However, the song also highlights the potential problems and complications that can arise from such arrangements, such as jealousy, scandal, and emotional turmoil.
Overall, "Both o'Dem" is a witty and entertaining song that uses humor to make a serious point about the dangers of polygamy. It is a reflection of the cultural attitudes of the time, and serves as a reminder of the complex social dynamics at play in romantic relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in love with Betty-Lou
I have fallen in love with a woman named Betty-Lou
She sister Mary say she love me too
Betty-Lou's sister Mary has expressed her love for me as well
(Both o' dem, both o′ dem)
Both Betty-Lou and Mary have feelings for me
(With both o' dem, with both o' dem)
I am romantically involved with both Betty-Lou and Mary
Ah tell she tings doh work out so
I explain to them that this type of relationship won't work out
She say de next sister ain't bound to know
Mary suggests that we keep our relationship a secret from their other sister
Just because I ain't like dem scandal
I don't want to get involved in any scandalous behavior
Deh have yuh partner fool all day
They can fool their partners about their true feelings all day
Kitchener like all dem bacchanal
Kitchener enjoys participating in wild and outrageous parties
So ah call Kitchy on de phone one day
I call Kitchener to seek his advice
Dis is what de old man say:
This is what Kitchener tells me:
Do it! Do it! Do it! Oh God, Birdy
Go ahead and pursue both women
Gih she what she want,
Give them what they want
Man, come on!
Don't hesitate
Carlene, is you ah waited for
I have been waiting for a woman named Carlene
Ah ah want ah lover not no brother-in-law
I want a romantic partner, not a family member
I know all men like to roam
I know that men like to have multiple partners
And I know charity begins at home
But I know that it's best to focus on one relationship at a time
But de sister such ah loving child
Carlene is a loving person
All relationship is great
She would be great in any relationship
And she always wear ah charming smile
She has a charismatic smile
Kitchener say 'Birdy, doh hesitate
Kitchener advises me not to hesitate
There is nothing to sit and contemplate!'
There's no need to overthink the situation
Though she prettier than me
Even though Carlene is more attractive than me
I could boogie down better than she
I am more fun to be around than she is
Ah remember Lord Melody,
I remember a song by Lord Melody
Shame and scandal in de family,
The song is about a scandal involving a family
All de brakes ah brakes was all in vein
All attempts to avoid the scandal were unsuccessful
She ask me if ah showing off
Carlene questions whether I'm trying to show off
Then she start to tackle me again
She continues to pursue me
Kitchener say: 'Boy you must treat dem rough'
Kitchener advises me to be firm and assertive with them
Otherwise dem woman go say you tough!'
Otherwise they will think I'm weak
If I was ah different shot,
If I were a different person
Maybe I would ah get trapped enough
Maybe I would fall for their advances
All de offers that she made
All the offers that Carlene made to me
I tink bout it but I cyah make de grade
I have considered them, but I can't bring myself to accept
Where I empty in the spice of life
Where I am content in life
Polygamy today I dread
I am not interested in having multiple spouses
Thank Kitchener for his good advice
I am grateful to Kitchener for his helpful advice
Ah still could remember what he said
I still remember his words of wisdom
De message still ringing in meh head:
His message is still resonating with me
(Both o' dem...)
Both women are still pursuing me
Writer(s): Francisco Slinger
Contributed by Lincoln S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@silverbackgorillaace7899
I remember as a young boy in Belize dancing to this Big Tune. Still hits hard to this day!!!!
@shugar4847
I been in love with Sparrow since I was 8 years old. Back in the 50’s 💝🥀🌹🦋🇹🇹🇹🇹❤️🎉🎊🤗🥳
@lindanewton1943
I never get tired of Sparrow. July 2022
@irving.d4959
Like wise ...I'm a 70s son.
@brentbernard2452
Both of them ur dam right 2023 thing 🔥🔥🇹🇹🇹🇹😂
@ttpryce672
One of my favourite song from Sparrow.. listening in 2021
@theolamarshall-bernard
2024
@nabimikev4700
Big up mi Trini peeps 🇹🇹love this tune bad
@steventheartist7667
I 'm not a trini but I think I have SOCA in my soul because I choose this song, I m black American living in Orlando Florida and let me tell ya .....I have SOCA fever......and Im coming to tubago you hear .....to live and dance SOCA......
@Gunsmoke2220
you coming Tobago in almost this covid madness ?