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.
Charlie
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They had a big confusion next door
This morning 'bout half past four
They had a big confusion next door
The women said openly
"Charlie you're avoiding me
And you're getting me head confused
With all your blasted lying excuse"
Man you're always sleepy
And you're always tired
When you ain't hungry
Is when you feeling bad
In the night I can't touch you
You does even vex when I watch you
But between food and sleep and the thing where I want
Which more important?
They argue 'til break of day
I couldn't hear what the fella say
But the woman was getting on
You could see she wasn't making fun
Like she ain't getting satisfaction
With this sleepy head old man
So the morning she ran amock
Bawling "Charlie come and do you work!"
Man you're always sleepy
And you're always tired
When you ain't hungry
Is when you feeling bad
In the night I can't touch you
You does even vex when I watch you
But between food and sleep and the thing where I want
Which more important?
Imagine me ah just come
From the club ah loaded with rum
Ah can't even stand up straight
So ah lean me head on me gate
Is then I hear the chouchou
"Charlie I got feelings too!"
When I hear how Charlie back-back
Ah sober up and push me ears in the crack
Ah hear:
Man you're always sleepy
And you're always tired
When you ain't hungry
Charlie is the time you feeling bad
In the night I can't touch you
You does even vex when I watch you
But between food and sleep and the thing where I want
Which more important?
Before I know what they talking 'bout
"Clicks!" I see the lights went out
Ah hear the bedroom door shut "Bram!"
So I decide well it's time to scram
But ah drunk and ah staggering
Wayla, wayla, ah started singing
Ah fall down in a rubbish pan
And ah singing the chorus like the woman
Charlie sleepy, you're always sleepy
And you're always tired, sleepy-head!
When you ain't hungry
Is when you feeling bad
In the night I can't touch you
You does even vex when I watch you
But between food and sleep and the thing where I want
Which more important?
Shame on you, Charlie!
The song "Charlie" by Mighty Sparrow is a humorous yet poignant portrayal of the troubles between a man named Charlie and his lover. The lyrics detail a dispute that occurred around 4 am between Charlie and his partner, with some of their neighbors also getting involved. The main issue at hand is Charlie's constant tiredness and sleeping, which his partner sees as an avoidance tactic to not spend time with her. She accuses him of lying and confusing her, leading to a heated argument that lasts until morning. The song then takes a darker turn, with Charlie's partner running amok and yelling at him to do his job. The frustration of both parties is palpable, and the song ends in a comedic twist as the singer drunkenly stumbles upon the scene and begins to mimic the woman's words to Charlie.
Despite its lighthearted tone in places, "Charlie" is actually quite telling of gender roles and power dynamics within relationships. The woman's anger and frustration are depicted as justified, as she feels that Charlie is avoiding her and lying to her. However, Charlie's own exhaustion and lack of attention is also humanized, showing how societal expectations of masculinity can cause problems in relationships. The song is both a humorous and relatable commentary on the trials and tribulations of love.
Line by Line Meaning
This morning 'bout half past four
At around 4:30 am this morning
They had a big confusion next door
There was a big argument or commotion occurring in the neighboring house
The women said openly
The woman spoke frankly to Charlie
"Charlie you're avoiding me
Charlie is purposefully trying to avoid her
And you're getting me head confused
Charlie’s behavior is causing her to become mentally disoriented
With all your blasted lying excuse"
Charlie makes excuses that she believes are untrue
Man you're always sleepy
Charlie is always tired or sleepy
And you're always tired
Charlie is frequently exhausted
When you ain't hungry
When Charlie is not hungry
Is when you feeling bad
He is not feeling well
In the night I can't touch you
He is not receptive to her advances at night
You does even vex when I watch you
He becomes bothered or upset when she observes him
But between food and sleep and the thing where I want
Charlie needs to choose between his basic needs or fulfilling her desires
They argue 'til break of day
They argue all throughout the night
I couldn't hear what the fella say
The singer cannot hear Charlie's responses during the argument
But the woman was getting on
The woman was becoming annoyed or angry
You could see she wasn't making fun
The woman was not joking or being playful
Like she ain't getting satisfaction
She is not being pleased
With this sleepy head old man
She is unhappy with Charlie being tired all the time
So the morning she ran amock
In the morning, she goes into a frenzy or loses control
Bawling "Charlie come and do you work!"
She is loudly crying out asking for him to be more attentive or present
Imagine me ah just come
The artist has just arrived
From the club ah loaded with rum
The singer is intoxicated
Ah can't even stand up straight
The artist is staggering or unable to balance
So ah lean me head on me gate
The singer rests their head on a gate or fence for support
Is then I hear the chouchou
The singer hears the argument or commotion clearly
"Charlie I got feelings too!"
The woman expresses that she also has needs and emotions
When I hear how Charlie back-back
The artist hears Charlie’s responses
Ah sober up and push me ears in the crack
The artist sobers up and tries to listen more closely
Before I know what they talking 'bout
The singer has difficulty understanding what the argument is about
"Clicks!" I see the lights went out
The light switch is turned off
Ah hear the bedroom door shut "Bram!"
The door is slammed shut loudly
So I decide well it's time to scram
The artist decides to leave the area
But ah drunk and ah staggering
The artist is still intoxicated and unsteady on their feet
Wayla, wayla, ah started singing
The singer begins to sing loudly
Ah fall down in a rubbish pan
The artist falls into a bin or garbage can
And ah singing the chorus like the woman
The singer sings the chorus of the song like the woman in the argument
Shame on you, Charlie!
The singer expresses disapproval towards Charlie
Contributed by Dominic W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@yvettehackett2310
De Sparrow! ❤ Who else is watching and listening to this in 2022.
@Smallhorsetv
The nostalgic feeling of just watching the Mighty Sparrow perform here. He was definitely feeling in the mood as if he were young again I guess the full band feeling brought back his youthful energy for that moment. This man is a Caribbean Jewel with many many Caribbean hit songs.
@Smallhorsetv
A Caribbean Jewel and a golden moment in history from none other than the great Mighty Sparrow.
@godwinkehinde4431
Great great, legend his voice never change since I knew him in the early sixties, what an amazingly beautiful musician?l love him till date
@Sybex82
Old but still singing dancing partying respect 😎👍🏾
@ftjam5783
Even as an Elder Statesman , Sparrow is still Mighty King of Calypso!
Yes Man!
@anthonytenia3232
Slinger Francisco " Mighty Sparrow " & King Swallow ! Good combination !! Up in age but still a great showing........ Thanks for posting.
@Smallhorsetv
Oh my this was a true performance from the Mighty Sparrow he was definitely feeling that home crowd energy. I guess him seeing all the those Trini flags flying all about and people dancing made him feel excited. He definitely was loving every moment of it.
@Marlontig
Thank you Franky and Charlie
@eddie5604
sweet music you cannot stop west indian people