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.
Gemma On The Ferris Wheel
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who tell cyar' Gemma
Coney Island in Arima
Who tell cyar' Gemma
We had a lot of fun up there
Until she went on the ferris wheel chair
From the time the ferris wheel go up so
She wet up
Never me again Gemma
You could tek me any place
Your behavior in Arima was shocking disgrace
I mean to say... You spoil de people fete
Rain ain't falling – everybody soaking wet
You know how shame I feel
Tell me why you went on the ferris wheel
Everybody start balling:
"Wha kind a strange rain is this wha fallin?"
Stars come out and the moon high, shining bright... No cloud in the sky
A fella say once he get wet so: Four-day mornin' under bubaloops window
(Not sure of this line)
An old woman start to complain - first time she see yellow rain
Never me again Gemma
You could tek me any place
Your behavior in Arima was shocking disgrace
I mean to say... You spoil de people fete
Rain ain't falling – everybody soaking wet
You know how shame I feel
Tell me why you went on the ferris wheel
People scrambling for shelter, some with rain cloak, some with umbrella
But those who far from the ferris wheel laughin
Because they know dam well rain ain't falling
The rain fall on a Bajan big dress
From she chest and the whole dress in a mess
"Wha kind a ting is this?" she start to complain
"I never know rain water could stain"
Never me again Gemma
You could tek me any place
Your behavior in Arima was shocking disgrace
I mean to say... You spoil de people fete
Rain ain't falling – everybody soaking wet
You know how shame I feel
Tell me why you went on the ferris wheel
They had to stop this merry go round
Rain stop! Gemma come back down
She white, white, white like piece a chalk
She so frighten the girl can't talk
People surround to hear she explain:
What the whole gang was mistaking for rain
I nearly faint when I hear she say that:
The orange juice she had throw away
Never me again Gemma
You could tek me any place
Your behavior in Arima was shocking disgrace
I mean to say... You spoil de people fete
Rain ain't falling – everybody soaking wet
You know how shame I feel
Tell me why you went on the Ferris wheel
The lyrics to Mighty Sparrow's "Gemma on the Ferris Wheel" tell the story of a woman named Gemma who causes a disturbance at a fete in Arima. Gemma and the singer went to Coney Island in Arima where they had fun until Gemma went on the Ferris wheel. When the Ferris wheel reached the top, she became frightened and wet herself, causing everyone nearby to become soaked. This resulted in people scrambling for shelter, and some even complained about the rain staining their clothes. Eventually, Gemma came back down, and she explained that it wasn't rain, but the orange juice she threw away that caused the commotion.
The lyrics of the song highlight the reaction of the people at the fete, which was one of shock and surprise. The singer expresses shame for Gemma's behavior and how it impacted the people's experience at the fete. The song also shows how quickly misunderstandings can occur, and how people can often jump to conclusions without proper information.
Line by Line Meaning
Coney Island in Arima
The setting of the story is at Coney Island in Arima.
Who tell cyar' Gemma
An expression of surprise or disbelief that Gemma could do what she did.
We had a lot of fun up there
The singer and Gemma were enjoying themselves at Coney Island.
Until she went on the ferris wheel chair
The artist's fun with Gemma ended when she went on the ferris wheel.
From the time the ferris wheel go up so
As soon as the ferris wheel began to move upwards,
She wet up
Gemma became wet (although it was not actually raining).
Never me again Gemma
The singer will never go to an event with Gemma again.
You could tek me any place
The artist is indicating that Gemma has lost his trust and will no longer be invited to events.
Your behavior in Arima was shocking disgrace
Gemma's behavior at Coney Island was inappropriate.
I mean to say... You spoil de people fete
Gemma ruined the festivities for everyone.
Rain ain't falling – everybody soaking wet
Although it wasn't actually raining, everyone got wet due to Gemma's actions.
You know how shame I feel
The artist is embarrassed by Gemma's behavior.
Tell me why you went on the ferris wheel
The singer wants Gemma to explain why she went on the ferris wheel (which caused everyone to get wet).
Everybody start balling:
Everyone began to complain.
"Wha kind a strange rain is this wha fallin?"
People were confused by the rain (which wasn't actually rain).
Stars come out and the moon high, shining bright... No cloud in the sky
The weather was clear and there was no rain.
A fella say once he get wet so: Four-day mornin' under bubaloops window
Not clear.
An old woman start to complain - first time she see yellow rain
An old woman was complaining about the rain (which wasn't actually rain) because it was yellow.
People scrambling for shelter, some with rain cloak, some with umbrella
People were trying to find shelter from the rain (which wasn't actually rain).
But those who far from the ferris wheel laughin
People who were not near the ferris wheel found the situation amusing.
Because they know dam well rain ain't falling
These people knew that it wasn't actually raining.
The rain fall on a Bajan big dress
The rain (which wasn't actually rain) fell on a woman's dress.
From she chest and the whole dress in a mess
The woman's dress was soaked from the chest down.
"Wha kind a ting is this?" she start to complain
The woman began to complain about the rain (which wasn't actually rain) and how it stained her dress.
"I never know rain water could stain"
The woman was surprised that the rain (which wasn't actually rain) stained her dress.
They had to stop this merry go round
The ferris wheel had to be stopped.
Rain stop! Gemma come back down
When the ferris wheel was stopped, Gemma got off and the "rain" stopped.
She white, white, white like piece a chalk
Gemma was very pale and frightened.
She so frighten the girl can't talk
Gemma was so frightened that she couldn't speak.
People surround to hear she explain:
People were curious to hear Gemma's explanation.
What the whole gang was mistaking for rain
Everyone thought it was raining, but it wasn't actually raining.
I nearly faint when I hear she say that:
The artist was shocked when Gemma explained what had happened.
The orange juice she had throw away
Gemma had thrown away orange juice, which had landed on people like rain and caused the confusion.
Contributed by Jonathan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.