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.
Federation
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, they want to know why Jamaica run away from the Federation
Jamaica have a right to speak she mind, that is my opinion
And if you believe in democracy, you'll agree with me
But if they know they didn't want
Federation (Federation)
And they know they don't want to unite as one
This is no time to say you eh federating no more
When they didn't get the capital site, that nearly cause big fight
When Sir Grantley Adams took up his post, that even made things worse
They bawling, "We ent want no Bajan premier
Trinidad can't be capital for here!"
So the grumbling went on and on to a big referendum
But if they know they didn't want Federation (Federation)
And they know they don't want to unite as one and only one
I say to tell the Doctor you not in favour, don't behave like a blasted traitor
How the devil you mean you eh federating no more?
Sorry, but no Federation again, I think it's a big shame
After so much efforts and energy-Goodbye everybody
Right now it's only a memory, we fail miserably
Some may say we shouldn't help part it, but is Jamaica wey start it
If they know they didn't want Federation (Federation)
And they know they don't want to unite as one
Just tell the Doctor you not in favour, don't behave like a blasted traitor
This is no time to say you eh federating no more?
Federation boil down to simply this-is dog eat dog and survival of the fittest
Everybody fighting for Independence singularly, Trinidad for instance
We going get it too, so don't bother, but I find we should we all be together
Not separated as we are because of Jamaica
If they know they didn't want Federation (Federation)
And they know they don't want to unite as one... Tell the Doctor
Tell the Doctor you not in favour, don't behave like a blasted traitor
How the devil you mean you eh federating no more?... Outside, man
The Mighty Sparrow's iconic song, "Federation", explores the reasons behind Jamaica's departure from the West Indies Federation in the early 1960s. The song criticizes Jamaica's decision to leave the union, arguing that the country should have stayed in the Federation to work together with the other Caribbean nations towards independence. The lines "Federation boil down to simply this-is dog eat dog and survival of the fittest" and "everybody fighting for Independence singularly" suggest that the division of the Caribbean weakened their position in the fight for self-government.
Throughout the song, The Mighty Sparrow expresses frustration with Jamaica's insistence on independence, rather than working towards it through the shared framework of the West Indies Federation. The lines "Independence was at the door, why didn't they speak before?" suggest that Jamaica was pursuing self-rule while still benefiting from the support of the Federation. The song portrays Jamaica as selfish and short-sighted, only interested in its own independence rather than the betterment of the Caribbean as a whole.
Overall, "Federation" is a commentary on the complexities of Caribbean politics during the late colonial period. Jamaica's departure from the Federation was a significant moment in the region's history, and The Mighty Sparrow uses his lyrics to express his opinions on the matter.
Line by Line Meaning
People want to know why Jamaica run from the Federation
Some people are curious about why Jamaica withdrew from the Federation
Jamaica have a right to speak she mind, that is my opinion
In my opinion, Jamaica has the right to express her thoughts and opinions freely
But if they know they didn't want Federation (Federation)
If Jamaica already knew that they did not want the Federation,
And they know they don't want to unite as one
and they know that they do not want to unite as one entity,
Independence was at the door, why didn't they speak before?
with Independence being imminent, why did Jamaica not voice their disagreements earlier?
This is no time to say you eh federating no more
now is not the appropriate moment to decline the Federation
When they didn't get the capital site, that nearly cause big fight
Tensions arose when Jamaica did not receive the desired capital location
When Sir Grantley Adams took up his post, that even made things worse
Sir Grantley Adams' appointment worsened the situation
They bawling, "We ent want no Bajan premier
Jamaica expressed their dissatisfaction saying, "We do not want a Premier from Barbados
Trinidad can't be capital for here!"
They opposed Trinidad being the capital
So the grumbling went on and on to a big referendum
The dissatisfaction continued, leading to a significant referendum
I say to tell the Doctor you not in favour, don't behave like a blasted traitor
I urge you to inform the Doctor that you do not support the Federation, but do not act like a betrayer
Sorry, but no Federation again, I think it's a big shame
I believe it is regrettable that there will be no Federation once again
After so much efforts and energy-Goodbye everybody
Despite significant efforts and energy expended, the Federation failed, and it is time to bid farewell
Right now it's only a memory, we fail miserably
Currently, the Federation exists only as a memory of a miserable failure
Some may say we shouldn't help part it, but is Jamaica wey start it
There are those who might argue against Jamaica withdrawing from the Federation, but Jamaica was the one who initiated the separation
Federation boil down to simply this-is dog eat dog and survival of the fittest
Ultimately, the Federation was about competition and the survival of the strongest
Everybody fighting for Independence singularly, Trinidad for instance, We going get it too, so don't bother
Each country was fighting for independence on its own, with Trinidad being an example, and Jamaica will do the same, so there is no point in bothering
but I find we should we all be together, Not separated as we are because of Jamaica
However, I believe that we should all be united rather than separated because of Jamaica
Tell the Doctor you not in favour, don't behave like a blasted traitor
Inform the Doctor that you do not support the Federation, but do not act like a betrayer
This is no time to say you eh federating no more?... Outside, man
Now is not the right time to decline the opportunity for Federation. Take it outside, man.
Contributed by Caden W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shennicecato2271
Federation
Song by Mighty Sparrow
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Lyrics
People want to know why Jamaica run
From the Federation
Well they want to know why Jamaica run away
From the Federation
Jamaica have a right to speak she mind
That is my opinion
And if you believe in democracy
You'll agree with me
But if they know they didn't want federation
And they know they don't want to unite as one
Independence was at the door
Why didn't they speak before
This is no time to say you ain't federating no more!
When they didn't get the capital site
That nearly cause big fight
When Sir Grandley Adams took up his post
That even made things worse
They bawling "we ain't want no Bajan premier
Trinidad can't be capital for here!"
So the grumbling went on and on
To a big referendum
But if they know they didn't want federation
And they know they don't want to unite as one and only one
I say to tell the Doctor you're not in favour
Don't behave like a blasted traitor
How the devil you mean you ain't federating no more!
@roshekadaley3631
Social studies brought me here lol
@cordellbutcher3390
Ha me too
@officialname9817
Lol same
@kaykaysaint4697
Bruh same lol
@arielgoddard6234
Me too
@selenabascillo576
Sameππ
@Kay-jk4lj
Morning of CSEC Caribbean history multiple choice 2019 , listening to this as a review for those federation questions lol . Thanks mr. Sparrow!
@renartamurray4762
Studying this piece for West Indian History...
@ArtseyHayton06
And guyana as well
@kusmin69
There will never be another King of Calypso like The Mighty Sparrow. He is undeniably the best - TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER. May you live long and prosper. We are a richer world for your royal Birth. THANK YOU SIR.