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.
Fowl Thief Melo
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The biggest fowl thief in this country
Lord Melody
The biggest fowl thief in this country
What is wrong with this Boo Boo man
He can't control he mouth and he hand
Every day he eating chicken
And everybody chicken missing
Cokie-oh-ko
Cokie-oh-ko
Lord Melody
A chicken go crow down in you belly
From Gasparee
San Fernando to Siparee
Anybody
Could tell you 'bout Lord Melody
When it come to turkey and duck
Ordinary fowl or game cock
I don't think Melo have he match
He does thief them before they hatch
Cokie-oh-ko
Cokie-oh-ko
(Lord Melody)
(A chicken go crow down in you belly)
The poultry farm
Set up two extra burglar alarm
Watchman on guard
Silent as a grave yard
The watch man fall asleep about dawn
When he wake up two thousand chicken gone
Melo buy a brand new station wagon
Way you talking!
Cokie-oh-ko
Cokie-oh-ko
(Lord Melody)
(A chicken go crow down in you belly)
Me neighbour Lyn
Had to move from Diego Martin
Melo move down
She and she family move to town
She went to see Inspector Burroughs
To send a detective to watch Melo
He always hanging round she fowl roost
Man he like more chicken than a mongoose
Cokie-oh-ko
Cokie-oh-ko
(Lord Melody)
(A chicken go crow down in you belly)
In Mighty Sparrow's song "Fowl Thief Melo," the singer accuses a man named Lord Melody of being the biggest fowl thief in the country who cannot resist the temptation of stealing chickens. It is said that he eats chicken every day and makes sure that everybody's chicken goes missing. The song sheds light on Melo's stealing habits from Gasparee, San Fernando, to Siparee. The chorus "Cokie-oh-ko, A chicken go crow down in you belly" can be interpreted as a curse on Lord Melody, implying that he will eventually get caught and suffer the consequences of his actions.
The lyrics also mention that Melody's stealing habits are not limited to ordinary fowl; he also steals turkeys, ducks, and even gamecocks. The situation escalates to the extent that a poultry farm sets up two extra burglar alarms and watchmen on guard, but Melody still manages to steal 2000 chickens. He is so efficient at stealing that he even manages to steal birds before they hatch.
One neighbor of Melody's had to move to another town because of his obsession with stealing chickens. She went as far as contacting Inspector Burroughs to send detectives to watch Melody stealing from her fowl roost. The song highlights the danger Melody poses to his community, portraying him as a habitual thief who will stop at nothing to get his hands on a chicken.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord Melody
The person being referred to in this song is named Lord Melody
The biggest fowl thief in this country
Lord Melody is notorious for stealing fowl, to the extent that he is considered the biggest fowl thief in the entire country
What is wrong with this Boo Boo man
The singer is questioning what is wrong with Lord Melody, who is also known as Boo Boo man
He can't control he mouth and he hand
Lord Melody has a habit of stealing fowl and can't seem to stop himself
Every day he eating chicken
Lord Melody eats chicken on a daily basis
And everybody chicken missing
Other people in the community notice that their fowl goes missing whenever Lord Melody is around
A chicken go crow down in you belly
This is a warning to Lord Melody that his penchant for stealing fowl will eventually catch up with him and he will face consequences
From Gasparee
Lord Melody's fowl thievery is known throughout the island, even on Gasparee
San Fernando to Siparee
Lord Melody's reputation as a fowl thief extends from San Fernando to Siparee
Anybody
Anyone who lives in the region knows about Lord Melody's reputation as a fowl thief
Could tell you 'bout Lord Melody
People in the area have plenty of stories to tell about Lord Melody and his fowl thievery
When it come to turkey and duck
Not only does Lord Melody steal ordinary fowl, he goes after more valuable types such as turkey and duck
Ordinary fowl or game cock
Lord Melody will steal any type of fowl, whether it's a common type or a specially bred one
I don't think Melo have he match
No one can compete with Lord Melody when it comes to stealing fowl
He does thief them before they hatch
Lord Melody will even steal eggs and fowl before they've had a chance to hatch
The poultry farm
Even large-scale poultry farms are not immune from Lord Melody's fowl thievery
Set up two extra burglar alarm
A poultry farm has to go to extreme lengths to protect their fowl against Lord Melody's thievery, even resorting to setting up extra burglar alarms
Watchman on guard
Even with a watchman guarding the farm, Lord Melody is still able to steal fowl
Silent as a grave yard
Lord Melody is incredibly skilled at stealing, to the point that he can do it without making a sound
The watch man fall asleep about dawn
The watchman guarding a poultry farm becomes tired and falls asleep in the early hours of the morning
When he wake up two thousand chicken gone
Lord Melody is able to sneak in and steal a huge number of fowl while the watchman is asleep
Two days after that hear the big alarm
Shortly after the fowl are stolen, the farm realizes what has happened and sets off a big alarm to alert the community
Melo buy a brand new station wagon
Lord Melody uses the proceeds from his stolen fowl to purchase a new station wagon
Me neighbour Lyn
The singer's neighbor, named Lyn, experienced fowl theft at the hands of Lord Melody
Had to move from Diego Martin
Lyn was forced to move from Diego Martin due to the prevalence of fowl theft
Melo move down
Lord Melody moved to the same area as Lyn and her family
She went to see Inspector Burroughs
Lyn went to seek help from Inspector Burroughs in order to catch Lord Melody in the act of stealing fowl
To send a detective to watch Melo
Lyn wanted Inspector Burroughs to send a detective to secretly observe Lord Melody's fowl thievery
He always hanging round she fowl roost
Lord Melody is always lurking around Lyn's fowl roost in order to steal fowl
Man he like more chicken than a mongoose
Lord Melody has an insatiable appetite for fowl and will go to great lengths to obtain it
Contributed by Allison M. 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.