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.
Carlton Peeping at Me
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Help save me this girl start to cry
A man in the key hole peeping
Look ah see he eye
Well I ain't staying here no longer,
I am going away
I got no privacy in here,
Aye aye Carlton move from dey
Carlton is a peeping tom
(Carlton peeping at me!)
Where he get this habit from
(Carlton peeping at me!)
Yes, I come inside to rest
Ah take off me shoes and me dress
But when ah peep through the jalousie
Who ah see - Carlton peeping at me!
Then she start to bawl out
"Neighbour this thing can't be true,
I am feeling so embarrassed
I don't know what to do
I regret the day I come
To live on Laventille Hill!"
All the time she quarrelling
Carlton peeping still
Carlton is a peeping tom
(Carlton peeping at me!)
Where he get this habit from
(Carlton peeping at me!)
Oh I come inside to rest
Ah take off me shoes and me dress
But when ah peep through the jalousie
Look at this, oh...
Shame on you, Carlton!
This time if you see
How she running all over the room
Wrapped up in blanket
But she thin like a broom
And she brassiere got two holes in front
Like if a cockroach bite out a piece
She feel so shame that Carlton see
Now she turning beast
(Murder!)
Carlton is a peeping tom
(Carlton peeping at me!)
Yes, where he get this habit from
(Carlton peeping at me!)
I come inside to rest
Ah take off me shoes and me dress
But when ah look through the jalousie
Who ah see - Carlton peeping at me!
Shame on you Carlton, shame on you!
Well I didn't know that this woman
Had two bad john son
Always beating people with iron
And walking with gun
Well, when they come they got the news
They didn't care whether true or lie
Soap water with salt and pepper
And they throw it in Carlton eye
Next time when you want to peep
Stop peeping at she, that's meh mother
Rub your eye and go to sleep
Stop peeping at she
Carlton, next time you press luck
It's meh bull pistol passing on your back
And if you must peep at somebody
Go home and peep at your own mammy!
The Mighty Sparrow's song "Carlton Peeping at Me" is a humorous take on a serious issue of privacy invasion. The song tells the story of a woman who feels violated as she notices Carlton peeping at her through her window while she's getting undressed. She calls out for help, and her neighbors come to her aid. However, Carlton persists in his behavior even as the woman bawls out in embarrassment. The song explains how the woman's anger turns to fury when she finds out that Carlton is a peeping tom who has been doing this to everyone in the neighborhood. Things take a turn for the worse when the woman's two bad johnsons, who are known for their violent behavior, step in to confront Carlton, and he is blinded by salt, pepper, and soap.
The song sheds light on the issue of privacy invasion and how it can make a person feel violated and exposed. The woman is shown as vulnerable, angry, and helpless, and the song makes a case for people to respect each other's privacy. The humor in the song helps to diffuse the seriousness of the issue and make it more accessible to listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Murder! Murder!
There is imminent danger.
Help save me this girl start to cry
The woman is crying out for help.
A man in the key hole peeping
Carlton is peeping through the keyhole.
Look ah see he eye
The woman sees Carlton looking at her.
Well I ain't staying here no longer,
The woman wants to leave the place.
I am going away
She is leaving immediately.
I got no privacy in here,
The woman has no privacy in her current location.
Aye aye Carlton move from dey
She asks Carlton to leave.
Carlton is a peeping tom
Carlton likes to spy on people.
(Carlton peeping at me!)
The woman sees Carlton watching her.
Where he get this habit from
She wonders how Carlton developed this bad habit.
Yes, I come inside to rest
The woman came inside to take a break.
Ah take off me shoes and me dress
She took off her shoes and dress to relax.
But when ah peep through the jalousie
When she looks through the blinds...
Who ah see - Carlton peeping at me!
...she sees Carlton watching her.
Then she start to bawl out
The woman cries out.
"Neighbour this thing can't be true,
She can't believe what's happening.
I am feeling so embarrassed
The woman is embarrassed.
I don't know what to do
She is unsure how to deal with the situation.
I regret the day I come
She regrets moving to this place.
To live on Laventille Hill!"
Laventille Hill is the name of the place where she lives.
All the time she quarrelling
She keeps arguing.
Carlton peeping still
...while Carlton continues to spy on her.
Look at this, oh...
The singer is disgusted.
Shame on you, Carlton!
The singer blames Carlton for his behavior.
This time if you see
If you witness the following scene...
How she running all over the room
...the woman will run around the room.
Wrapped up in blanket
...wrapped in a blanket.
But she thin like a broom
...but she's very thin.
And she brassiere got two holes in front
Her bra has two holes in the front from wear and tear.
Like if a cockroach bite out a piece
It looks like a piece has been bitten out by a cockroach.
She feel so shame that Carlton see
She is ashamed that Carlton saw her like this.
Now she turning beast
She becomes very angry.
(Murder!)
The situation is getting worse.
Yes, where he get this habit from
The woman is still wondering how Carlton developed this habit.
Oh I come inside to rest
The woman reiterates that she came inside to relax.
Ah take off me shoes and me dress
She emphasizes that she removed her shoes and dress.
But when ah look through the jalousie
When she looked through the blinds...
Who ah see - Carlton peeping at me!
...she saw Carlton watching her again.
Shame on you Carlton, shame on you!
The singer scolds Carlton for his behavior.
Well I didn't know that this woman
The singer reveals some new information.
Had two bad john son
The woman has two violent sons.
Always beating people with iron
They are abusive and use irons to harm others.
And walking with gun
They are also carrying guns.
Well, when they come they got the news
When the sons find out...
They didn't care whether true or lie
...they don't care if it's true or not.
Soap water with salt and pepper
They prepare a mixture of soapy water with salt and pepper.
And they throw it in Carlton eye
They throw it in Carlton's eyes.
Next time when you want to peep
The singer gives some advice to Carlton.
Stop peeping at she, that's meh mother
Stop spying on her, who is like a mother figure to me.
Rub your eye and go to sleep
Rub your eye and go to bed.
Stop peeping at she
The singer repeats that he should stop spying on her.
Carlton, next time you press luck
If Carlton continues to spy...
It's meh bull pistol passing on your back
...the singer will shoot him with his gun.
And if you must peep at somebody
If you really need to spy on someone...
Go home and peep at your own mammy!
...go spy on your own mother!
Contributed by Ruby J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Verne
on Both o'Dem
"in that" not enough
Verne
on Both o'Dem
"If i was a different chap" not different shot
Joy A.
on Capitalism gone Mad
I hope there's a 2020 appearance in NYC!
I will definitely get tickets!
Amina Phillip
on Education Is Essential
I love your video and it is a good calypso that Ican makeone about education to
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Bokaille Bodlo
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.