Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, affectionately dubbe… Read Full Bio ↴Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, affectionately dubbed, The Birdie is the unrivaled Calypso King of the World, with a career that spans over 40 years and counting. This artist par excellence has earned his rightful place as "King of the Calypso World" by defeating every other competitor/pretender to his throne. He has entertained audiences across the globe, including, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, to name but a few.

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.

Cock Fight
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Okay, alright
Johnny legalise cock fight
O'Halloran alright
Legalise cock fight
I have a cock here they calling Duncan
Well any time he fight is destruction
Now with a license around he head
Is leather 'til somebody fall down dead

Now Mama (cokie-o-coa)
Ah sure one ah these nights it will put me in trouble
(Cokie-o-coa)
I mehself raise this cock, ah fuss he terrible
(Cokie-o-coa)
The prettiest thing is to see when they square off
(Cokie-o-coa)
And when they start to fight they don't like to stop, I say
(Cokie-o-coa)
Whoa!

Johnny, I so glad
You go make it legal in Trinidad
Let them cock fight, let they fight in peace
Ah tired hiding meh cock from police
Long ago we had to fight in the jungle
Anytime we see a police was trouble
Now it is a legal sport in the land
Cock fighting in the police station

And mama (cokie-o-coa)
The more is the blood is the more he back, mama
(Cokie-o-coa)
Sometimes I feel like if he going mad
(Cokie-o-coa)

Don't ever let him catch you with the clinches
(Cokie-o-coa)
The length of his spurs is eleven inches
(Cokie-o-coa)
He he ha ha ha!

Duncan too sweet
I like to see him how he jumping when he in heat
With that lightning attack
In a minute and a half you're flat on your back
Ten of them attack him one night in Cedros
Is there ah prove how this cock dangerous
I mehself see they pull Duncan down
But he hold them and he cut their throat one by one

(Mama, cokie-o-coa)
You should see him how he coming when he hear the bell, mama
(Cokie-o-coa)
He got a hell of a temper like the devil in Hell
(Cokie-o-coa)
Eternal bobbing and weaving, he's left and right, mama
(Cokie-o-coa)
This is the cock and [?] he born to fight I say
(Cokie-o-coa)
Whoa!

I know one day as man
I go have to retire this champion
Because right now things tight
No matter where he go he can't get a fight
The Cockfight Association feel the pressure
Anybody he catch must walk with a stretcher
From the time they say "go" and he [?]
Is the score from your belly right to your neck
I want to hear you with...

(Mama, cokie-o-coa)
Always on the go, no time to train
(Cokie-o-coa)
He just finish fight, he go fight again
(Cokie-o-coa)
Drinking drug and blood and Guinea pepper
(Cokie-o-coa)
The money come in and they chopping like Jack the Ripper
(Cokie-o-coa)
Whoa!

Overall Meaning

In the song "Cock Fight," Mighty Sparrow advocates for the legalization of cockfighting in Trinidad. He shares his experience of raising his own fighting rooster, Duncan, and describes the intensity of the fights that take place. He also mentions the challenges of keeping the illegal activity hidden from the police and the potential consequences for getting caught. Sparrow believes that legalizing the sport would allow for more peaceful and regulated competition.

Throughout the song, Sparrow celebrates the prowess of his own rooster, describing his lightning-fast attacks and impressive spurs. He also refers to the dangerous and often deadly nature of the sport, alluding to the fact that bloodshed is almost always inevitable. Despite this, he revels in the excitement and thrill of the fights, hinting at the addictive nature of the typically illegal activity.

In "Cock Fight," Mighty Sparrow addresses the complex and controversial issue of cockfighting, shining light on the passion and devotion of those who participate in the activity while also acknowledging the potential harm it can cause.

Line by Line Meaning

Okay, alright
The singer acknowledges the situation before him.

Johnny legalise cock fight
The singer addresses Johnny with his request to legalize cock fight.

O'Halloran alright
O'Halloran is doing well.

Legalise cock fight
The artist reiterates his request to legalize cock fight.

I have a cock here they calling Duncan
The artist introduces his prized cock named Duncan.

Well any time he fight is destruction
Duncan's opponents face certain destruction when they face him in a fight.

Now with a license around he head
Since Duncan is now licensed to fight, he is unstoppable.

Is leather 'til somebody fall down dead
The fight between the two cocks is intense and deadly until one comes out as the winner.

Now Mama (cokie-o-coa)
The artist addresses his mother with affection.

Ah sure one ah these nights it will put me in trouble
The artist is anxious that his involvement in cock fights may land him in trouble someday.

(Cokie-o-coa)
The singer affectionately calls his mother again.

I mehself raise this cock, ah fuss he terrible
The artist takes pride in raising his cock, Duncan, who has an impressive fighting record.

The prettiest thing is to see when they square off
The singer finds it beauftiful when the two cocks are about to fight each other.

And when they start to fight they don't like to stop, I say
Once the fight begins, the cocks go all out and they refuse to stop.

Whoa!
The singer expresses profuse excitement.

Johnny, I so glad
The artist expresses his happiness to Johnny.

You go make it legal in Trinidad
The artist wants Johnny to push for the legalization of cockfighting in Trinidad.

Let them cock fight, let they fight in peace
The singer wants to allow the cocks to fight without any interference.

Ah tired hiding meh cock from police
The singer is tired of hiding his cock from the police who are against cockfighting.

Long ago we had to fight in the jungle
In the past, people used to fight cocks in clandestine locations such as the jungle.

Anytime we see a police was trouble
Police were a hindrance to those who wanted to participate in cockfighting.

Now it is a legal sport in the land
Cockfighting is now recognized as a legitimate sport.

Cock fighting in the police station
Even the police have come around to the sport and even hold cock fights in their own station.

And mama (cokie-o-coa)
The artist affectionately calls his mother again.

The more is the blood is the more he back, mama
Duncan is more determined to fight when he sees more blood.

Sometimes I feel like if he going mad
The singer thinks Duncan might lose his mind at times due to his insatiable appetite for fighting.

Don't ever let him catch you with the clinches
Duncan has a move called the clinch that can be very dangerous.

The length of his spurs is eleven inches
Duncan has very long spurs that are lethal to his opponents.

He he ha ha ha!
The artist laughs in delight.

Duncan too sweet
The singer has fondness for Duncan.

I like to see him how he jumping when he in heat
The singer enjoys Duncan's fighting spirit.

With that lightning attack
Duncan has an impressive and effective attack style.

In a minute and a half you're flat on your back
Duncan can beat his opponents very quickly -- they can be defeated within a minute and a half.

Ten of them attack him one night in Cedros
Ten opponents tried to take on Duncan at the same time in Cedros.

Is there ah prove how this cock dangerous
Duncan's opponents learned a painful lesson that night and it's proof of how dangerous Duncan can be.

I mehself see they pull Duncan down
The artist saw witnesses Duncan being targeted by his opponents.

But he hold them and he cut their throat one by one
Despite the odds, Duncan eventually defeated all ten of his opponents by cutting their throats one by one.

(Mama, cokie-o-coa)
The singer affectionately calls his mother once again.

You should see him how he coming when he hear the bell, mama
Duncan gets very excited and motivated when he hears the bell signaling the start of the fight.

He got a hell of a temper like the devil in Hell
Duncan has a fiery temperment that matches the devil's in hell.

Eternal bobbing and weaving, he's left and right, mama
Duncan is highly agile, using moves like bobbing and weaving in his fighting style.

This is the cock and [?] he born to fight I say
Duncan is a natural fighter and it's his destiny to fight.

I know one day as man
The singer knows that he will one day have to retire from cockfighting.

I go have to retire this champion
The artist will have to retire Duncan, the champion.

Because right now things tight
The artist is currently struggling financially.

No matter where he go he can't get a fight
Duncan is currently having trouble finding opponents to fight.

The Cockfight Association feel the pressure
The Cockfight Association is feeling the pressure to make the sport more lucrative and attract more fights.

Anybody he catch must walk with a stretcher
Duncan is so powerful that anyone who faces him might leave the fight on a stretcher.

From the time they say 'go' and he [?]
As soon as the fight begins, Duncan is deadly and always looking for an opening to defeat his opponent.

Is the score from your belly right to your neck
The fight is intense and can take a serious toll on one's body, from the stomach right up to the neck.

I want to hear you with...
The singer wants to hear the crowd being vocal and excited.

(Mama, cokie-o-coa)
The artist affectionately calls his mother once more.

Always on the go, no time to train
Duncan is always on the move and the artist has no time to train him for upcoming fights.

He just finish fight, he go fight again
Duncan is highly motivated and never wants to stop fighting even after he's already had a fight.

Drinking drug and blood and Guinea pepper
Cockfighting requires the singer to deal with a mix of alcohol, drugs, blood, and spices.

The money come in and they chopping like Jack the Ripper
Participants in cockfighting receive money and often use it to chop, or gamble, similar to how Jack the Ripper chopped his victims.

Whoa!
The artist continues to express excitement and enthusiasm.

Contributed by Adam J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS