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.

Dotish Married Man
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You pick up a Jagabat running wild
You feel like a champ, all you face in smiles
You pick up a sardine running wild
You feeling happy, all you face in smiles
You tell she this kind of life must stop
You put she in a house and you furnish up
Your family don′t agree
Because is married you going to married to she

And when you married you playing boss
You get so jealous, you get so cross
But if you plant cassava, you can't get fig
You put a hog in a palace, it still remain a pig
I say you stupid married man
Run and put ring on she hand
You know is horn you goin′ get
And when you get it you want to cut off she neck

Well they sick in they head, they ain't got reason
They think that marriage is a medicine
Buying trouble and they making strife
Marry a devil but want an angel for a wife
Everything she was accustomed to
Must stop from the moment she say "I do"
Don't go here, don′t do this, shut your trap
And have she belly always big, them girl ain′t like that

And when they married they playing boss
They get so jealous, they get so cross
But if you plant cassava, you can't get fig
You put a hog in a palace, it still remain a pig
I say you stupid married man
Run and threw ring on she hand
You know is horn you goin′ get
And when you get it you want to cut off she neck

Some of them will have a girl for donkey years
And will abide with her numerous love affairs
She could have man from John John to Tableland
Well they cry to she but want to kill the man
But when they married it's a different score
Licks like fire if she talk to the neighbour next door
Always pulling and tugging she
Like if they get she in a sale at Kirpalani

When they married they playing boss
They get so jealous, they get so cross
But if you plant cassava, you can′t get fig
You put a hog in a palace, it still remain a pig
I say you dotish married man
Run and put ring on she hand
You know is horn you goin' get
And when you get it you want to cut off she neck

Whoopsie, mama!

Listen to meh gospel:

Take my advice, I′m sure you will agree
It's you who breaking up your marriage with jealousy
If you see your girl in my Kapitan
Maybe a drop I'm giving she, so don′t break she hand
You know it′s a wahbeen you married to
So you have to live like a cascadoo
Stay in you shell with no fault to find
You and she is two of a kind

When you married stop playing boss
Stop getting jealous, stop getting cross
When you plant cassava, you can't get fig
You put a hog in a palace, it still remain a pig
I say you stupid married man
Run and threw ring on she hand

Ah man you know is horn you goin′ get
And when you get it you want to cut off she neck

Overall Meaning

The Mighty Sparrow's song "Dotish Married Man" describes the foolishness of a married man who expects to have complete control over his wife, and as a result creates problems for himself and his marriage. The lyrics suggest that many men view marriage as a means to possess and control their partners, rather than as a partnership of equal respect and love. The song conveys that such men often become jealous and controlling, even if their partners give them no reason to do so. The lyrics also imply that such men are deluded to believe that marriage will solve all their problems, and that it requires a lot of effort and commitment to maintain a healthy union.

Sparrow's lyrics suggest that the problems in the relationship arise because of a clash of values between the man and woman, which cannot be overcome solely by marriage. The man is depicted as wanting to curb his partner's freedom and force her to conform to his idea of what he wants her to be, which ultimately results in him becoming increasingly controlling and jealous. The song also acknowledges that many married men remain unfaithful despite their claims of commitment, and warns that their behavior will ultimately lead to problems and heartache.

Line by Line Meaning

You pick up a Jagabat running wild
You impulsively pursue a woman who is not looking for a serious commitment

You feel like a champ, all you face in smiles
You feel proud of yourself for attracting a woman, but it's only temporary happiness

You pick up a sardine running wild
You are excited to be with an easy-to-catch woman

You feeling happy, all you face in smiles
You're momentarily satisfied with this new relationship

You tell she this kind of life must stop
You try to change the woman to fit your expectations of a committed relationship

You put she in a house and you furnish up
You try to create a comfortable and stable environment for your partner

Your family don't agree
Your family disapproves of your decision to marry this person

Because is married you going to married to she
Because you are married to her, you have to stay committed to her

And when you married you playing boss
You become controlling and dominant in the marriage

You get so jealous, you get so cross
You become possessive and angry with your partner

But if you plant cassava, you can't get fig
You can't expect to get a certain result if you don't put in the right effort

You put a hog in a palace, it still remain a pig
No matter how much you try to elevate someone, their true nature will eventually show

I say you stupid married man
The singer thinks that married men who act this way are foolish

Run and put ring on she hand
The singer advises men to commit to a woman before they start acting possessive

You know is horn you goin' get
The singer warns that being possessive and controlling will lead to infidelity

And when you get it you want to cut off she neck
The singer suggests that jealous husbands may become violent towards their wives

Well they sick in they head, they ain't got reason
The singer thinks that possessive men are irrational and illogical

They think that marriage is a medicine
They believe that marriage will cure all their problems and insecurities

Buying trouble and they making strife
They are causing problems in their relationships by being possessive and controlling

Marry a devil but want an angel for a wife
They expect their partners to be perfect even though they are flawed themselves

Everything she was accustomed to
The woman had her own habits and lifestyle before getting married

Must stop from the moment she say "I do"
The husband expects the woman to change completely after the marriage

Don't go here, don't do this, shut your trap
The husband tries to control the woman's behavior and speech

And have she belly always big, them girl ain't like that
The husband expects the woman to have children and stay home, but not all women want or can have that lifestyle

Some of them will have a girl for donkey years
Some men have long-term, casual relationships without commitment

And will abide with her numerous love affairs
Some men will put up with their partner's infidelity

She could have man from John John to Tableland
The woman may be with many different men

Well they cry to she but want to kill the man
Men may get upset with their partners who cheat, but they also blame the other man instead of taking responsibility

When they married it's a different score
Once married, the man expects complete loyalty and commitment from his partner

Licks like fire if she talk to the neighbour next door
Husbands become violent and angry if their wives talk to other men

Always pulling and tugging she
The man tries to control his wife's movements and behavior

Like if they get she in a sale at Kirpalani
The husband treats his wife like a possession that he owns

Take my advice, I'm sure you will agree
The singer wants men to follow his advice to avoid problems in their relationships

It's you who breaking up your marriage with jealousy
The singer blames the husbands for causing problems with their possessive behavior

If you see your girl in my Kapitan
The singer jokes about the possibility of being with one of these men's partners

Maybe a drop I'm giving she, so don't break she hand
The singer warns these men not to be too possessive, or they will lose their partners to someone else

You know it's a wahbeen you married to
The singer thinks that these wives are not perfect and have their own flaws

So you have to live like a cascadoo
The husband must accept his partner's flaws and learn to live with them

Stay in you shell with no fault to find
The husband should stop trying to control his partner and accept her for who she is

You and she is two of a kind
The couple should try to find common ground and learn to live together without conflict

Stop getting jealous, stop getting cross
The singer advises husbands to stop being possessive and controlling

Ah man you know is horn you goin' get
The singer reminds husbands that possessive behavior will lead to infidelity

And when you get it you want to cut off she neck
The singer suggests that husbands may become violent towards their wives if they cheat

Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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