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.
Capitalism gone Mad
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Any time you living here in this country
You got to be in skullduggery, making your money illicitly
To live like somebody in this country
It's outrageous and insane, them crazy prices in Port of Spain
And like the merchants going out dey brain
And the working man, like he only toiling in vain
Where you ever hear, a television for seven thousand
Quarter million for lil piece of land
A pair of sneakers - two hundred dollars
Eighty, ninety thousand for motor cars
At last here in Trinidad, we see capitalism gone mad
It's sad and getting more bad because, doudou, capitalism gone mad!
To provide for your family today on your present salary
Is an impossibility in this country
So many bills to pay, there is no conceivable way
To save for a rainy day in this country
Avariciousness to be precise, is why every damn thing so overpriced
Big business making everybody feel
Government give them an open license to steal
Would you believe me, one nylon panty is nineteen ninety
Twenty dollars for some baby milk
The cheapest jersey cost over sixty
Two hundred and change a yard for silk
It hard here in Trinidad, lord have mercy, capitalism gone mad
It's sad, things getting more bad, oh lord, capitalism gone mad!
To buy a pack of cigarette does leave you with a hole in your wallet
And money is so hard to get in this country
Necessity or luxuries, it doesn't matter what the item is
They charging anything they please in this country
Primary school books prices lewd
Is highway robbery, the price of food
All hopes and dreams elude the poor man
But politicians still expect good work attitude
Just imagine this, the cheapest coffin over three thousand
Not even dying today easy
Thousands of dollars for the undertakers
So you could get a spot in the cemetery
It hard here in Trinidad, oh lord, capitalism gone mad
The gladness that once we had is gone because capitalism gone mad!
You got to have heavy contact, know how to move up in society
To make any kind of impact in this country
You got to know how to gyp the field
How to scheme and swindle properly
Perfect the art of wheel and deal in this country
I say, survival in this land isn't easy for no man
With unemployment and high inflation
Some of we go dead before the end of this recession
Wey de hell is dis, a Mango Julie costing three fifty
Forty dollars for one watermelon
Half your salary for fish, meat and poultry
Time you buy greens all your money done
It hard here in Trinidad, lord, have mercy, capitalism gone mad
It sad and getting more hard, put a hand, lord, capitalism gone mad!
In the song "Capitalism gone Mad" by Mighty Sparrow, the artist portrays the harsh reality of living in a capitalistic society, where the rich get richer, and the poor keep getting poorer. The lyrics showcase the struggle of ordinary working-class individuals who find it almost impossible to survive in a country where the economy is controlled by the wealthy elite. The artist highlights the greed and avarice of big corporations and the government officials who allow them to exploit the common man legally.
The first verse speaks of the societal pressure to be wealthy or part of the middle class to have a comfortable life. The high cost of living and inflation make it challenging for someone to meet their basic needs on their salary, let alone provide for their family. The artist points out how corrupt practices are becoming the norm in the society, and one has to resort to "skullduggery" or unlawful activities to make ends meet.
In the second verse, the lyrics focus on the exorbitant prices of basic items like land, sneakers, and motor cars, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average citizen. Even things like a pair of nylon panties, baby milk, or a pack of cigarettes cost an arm and a leg, leaving little room for individuals to save for an emergency. The artist draws attention to the unethical greed of big businesses, which exploit the poor while the government officials turn a blind eye.
In conclusion, the song "Capitalism gone Mad" by Mighty Sparrow accurately depicts the struggle of living in a society that upholds a capitalistic framework. It portrays how the system is skewed in favor of the rich and how the poor face discrimination, resulting in a society that is unjust and inherently unequal.
Line by Line Meaning
You got to be a millionaire or some kind of petit-bourgeoisie
To have a decent living in this country, one needs to have wealth or occupy a certain social status
Any time you living here in this country
This applies to anyone residing in Trinidad and Tobago
You got to be in skullduggery, making your money illicitly
To earn a decent living, one needs to be involved in shady and illegal activities
To live like somebody in this country
To have a dignified life in Trinidad and Tobago
It's outrageous and insane, them crazy prices in Port of Spain
The prices of goods and services are exorbitant and nonsensical in the city of Port of Spain
And like the merchants going out dey brain
Merchants are taking advantage of the situation by inflating prices excessively
And the working man, like he only toiling in vain
The average worker is merely working to survive and make ends meet
Where you ever hear, a television for seven thousand
A television being sold for seven thousand dollars
Quarter million for lil piece of land
A small piece of land being sold for a quarter of a million dollars
A pair of sneakers - two hundred dollars
A pair of sneakers being sold for two hundred dollars
Eighty, ninety thousand for motor cars
Motor cars being sold for extremely high prices, ranging from eighty to ninety thousand dollars
At last here in Trinidad, we see capitalism gone mad
The state of capitalism in Trinidad and Tobago has reached alarming levels
It's sad and getting more bad because, doudou, capitalism gone mad!
The situation is regrettable and getting worse by the day, as capitalism has gone mad
To provide for your family today on your present salary
To support one's family with the current salary
Is an impossibility in this country
It is an impossible feat in Trinidad and Tobago
So many bills to pay, there is no conceivable way
There are too many bills to pay, making it impossible to save money
To save for a rainy day in this country
To save money for emergencies
Avariciousness to be precise, is why every damn thing so overpriced
Greed is the cause for everything being extremely overpriced
Big business making everybody feel
Large corporations are making the common people feel oppressed
Government give them an open license to steal
The government allows big businesses to take advantage of the situation by letting them increase prices unfairly
Would you believe me, one nylon panty is nineteen ninety
A nylon panty being sold for nineteen ninety dollars
Twenty dollars for some baby milk
Baby milk being sold for twenty dollars
The cheapest jersey cost over sixty
Even the cheapest jersey being sold for over sixty dollars
Two hundred and change a yard for silk
Silk fabric being sold for an exorbitant price of over two hundred dollars per yard
It hard here in Trinidad, lord have mercy, capitalism gone mad
The situation is difficult in Trinidad and Tobago, where capitalism is at an insane level
It's sad, things getting more bad, oh lord, capitalism gone mad!
The situation is lamentable, and it is worsening every day, as the state of capitalism has gone mad
To buy a pack of cigarette does leave you with a hole in your wallet
Buying a pack of cigarettes puts a significant strain on one's finances
And money is so hard to get in this country
It is very difficult to earn money in Trinidad and Tobago
Necessity or luxuries, it doesn't matter what the item is
It does not matter if the item is a necessity or luxury; everything is overpriced
They charging anything they please in this country
Merchants are charging whatever price they want for their goods and services
Primary school books prices lewd
Prices for primary school books are obscene
Is highway robbery, the price of food
Food prices are exorbitant and tantamount to robbery
All hopes and dreams elude the poor man
The poor are unable to fulfill their hopes and aspirations
But politicians still expect good work attitude
The politicians still expect the common people to have a good work ethic, despite the high cost of living and the lack of wealth
Just imagine this, the cheapest coffin over three thousand
Even the cheapest coffin is being sold for over three thousand dollars
Not even dying today easy
Even dying has become a luxury and a difficulty due to the high cost of living
Thousands of dollars for the undertakers
Undertakers charging exorbitant fees for their services
So you could get a spot in the cemetery
To get a place in the cemetery, one must pay a substantial amount of money
It hard here in Trinidad, oh lord, capitalism gone mad
It is difficult to live in Trinidad and Tobago due to the current state of capitalism
The gladness that once we had is gone because capitalism gone mad!
The happiness and joy that once existed have vanished due to the extreme state of capitalism in the country
You got to have heavy contact, know how to move up in society
One must have powerful connections and know how to climb the social ladder to achieve success in this country
To make any kind of impact in this country
To make a difference in Trinidad and Tobago
You got to know how to gyp the field
One must know how to cheat or outsmart others to succeed
How to scheme and swindle properly
Knowing how to deceive and cheat others effectively
Perfect the art of wheel and deal in this country
To become a successful entrepreneur and negotiator in Trinidad and Tobago
I say, survival in this land isn't easy for no man
Surviving in Trinidad and Tobago is not easy for anyone
With unemployment and high inflation
Due to the high rate of unemployment and inflation
Some of we go dead before the end of this recession
Some of us may not survive the current state of recession
Wey de hell is dis, a Mango Julie costing three fifty
A Mango Julie being sold for three hundred and fifty dollars
Forty dollars for one watermelon
One watermelon being sold for forty dollars
Half your salary for fish, meat and poultry
Spending half of one's salary on fish, meat, and poultry
Time you buy greens all your money done
Spending all of one's money on vegetables and greens
It hard here in Trinidad, lord, have mercy, capitalism gone mad
The situation is challenging in Trinidad and Tobago, and divine intervention is needed as the state of capitalism has gone mad
It sad and getting more hard, put a hand, lord, capitalism gone mad!
The situation is sorrowful and increasingly difficult, and divine intervention is required as the state of capitalism has gone mad
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joy A.
I hope there's a 2020 appearance in NYC!
I will definitely get tickets!
@roybrown7357
imagine the mighty sparrow was singing about the things to come ,when it comes to the cost of living,that song was recorded in 1983.the mighty sparrow is shaking his head right now in 2023 saying i told you so,with theses prices at supper markets,and other places.
@kaisomania3905
His writer Winsford Devines.
@suzannebrahim
True dat
@benjaminfrank4122
Who's here still in 2019!! 🇬🇾
@Kaisokid7
We bow to the genius called Winsford 'Joker' Devine, Rest in Paradise Sir! 🙏🏾
@kennethablack2844
2020 and i still here. Back again in 2023 ❤❤
@TheSpikehere
A classic! ... Timeless, both lyrically and musically.
@josephwebster9546
Still relevant today 2019: 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹
@booiiiiibsyoutube
🇺🇸💃🙏🙏😍