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.
Governor's Ball
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A mad woman jumped the wall and invade the fête
Prospect with the baton in hand, conducting the police band
He say "The woman shake she waist in the Governor's face"
Telling everybody inside the place
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
I couldn't believe the woman was so bold-face(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Shake it up again, shake it up again, mama yo
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Calypso, Calypso Maestro
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Mister Prospect stopped the band but that was a big mistake
Because now the mad woman wouldn't give him a break
She said "If you want to conduct this band it is your hard luck
Now fellows one, two, three - follow me!"
That is how I like to hear music played
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
I'm here to see how the mad woman break away
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Fa So La Ti Do, Do Re Me Fa So, La Ti Do
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Piano man let me hear you blow
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
The Governor tell the guard "Put this lunatic outside
The woman is really mad and she should be tied"
When the soldier make his move, she say "What you trying to prove?
I'm only having fun - attention!"
Now behave yourself and do as I say
About turn, you soldier, turn 'round and walk away
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Listen soldier boy, let me stay and enjoy the Governor's Ball
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Mister Prospect, don't stop at all
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
In spite of all the comments Prospect still ain't make no fuss
The woman was just a pest but not dangerous
She hug up the Governor tighter than a wrestler,
"Now your Excellency, dance with me!"
I was up in the mad house resting easy
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
The sweet music of the band had me bazodee
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
So let the music play, let the music play, let it play
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
Governor, let we break away
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
The song "Governor's Ball" by Mighty Sparrow tells a comical story of a mad woman who crashes a ball hosted by the governor. Despite attempts to remove her from the premises, she eventually becomes the life of the party, even dancing with the governor himself. The lyrics are full of playful wordplay and puns, such as the use of the phrase "shake your baton" as both a call to action and a reference to conducting a band. The song also highlights the power dynamics between different social classes and positions of authority.
Through the use of vivid language and a catchy melody, the song creates a picture of a chaotic but ultimately joyful event. Despite the governor's initial desire for order and decorum, it is the wild and unpredictable woman who brings life and excitement to the otherwise dull affair. The song can be seen as a celebration of the power of music and dance to break down barriers and unite people from different walks of life.
Line by Line Meaning
The governor had a ball, I'd never seen nothing so yet
The governor was hosting a grand event, and the singer was amazed at what he was seeing.
A mad woman jumped the wall and invade the fête
An insane woman sneaked into the event and interrupted the festivities.
Prospect with the baton in hand, conducting the police band
A man named Prospect was leading the police band with a baton.
He say 'The woman shake she waist in the Governor's face'
Prospect commented on the woman's bold behavior, dancing provocatively in front of the governor.
Telling everybody inside the place
The singer is urging everyone to join in and listen to what happened next.
(Shake your baton like Mister Prospect)
A repeated line, encouraging the band leader to keep conducting and making music.
I couldn't believe the woman was so bold-face
The singer was shocked by the woman's daring behavior.
Shake it up again, shake it up again, mama yo
A call to action for the woman and the band to keep playing and dancing.
Calypso, Calypso Maestro
A chant to honor the genre of music being played.
Mister Prospect stopped the band but that was a big mistake
Prospect attempted to stop the band from playing, but it was a mistake because the woman would not stop dancing.
Because now the mad woman wouldn't give him a break
The woman continued to dance, refusing to stop and give the band leader a break.
She said 'If you want to conduct this band it is your hard luck
The woman taunted the band leader, saying he was unlucky to have tried to stop her from dancing.
Now fellows one, two, three - follow me!'
The woman took charge, and instructed the band to follow her lead.
That is how I like to hear music played
The singer is enjoying the new and exciting way the woman is leading the band.
Fa So La Ti Do, Do Re Me Fa So, La Ti Do
A reference to the musical scale, encouraging the band to play in harmony.
Piano man let me hear you blow
The singer is encouraging the piano player in the band to really let loose and play their best.
The Governor tell the guard 'Put this lunatic outside
The governor orders the guard to remove the woman from the event, calling her a lunatic.
The woman is really mad and she should be tied'
The governor believes that the woman is genuinely mentally ill, and needs to be restrained.
When the soldier make his move, she say 'What you trying to prove?
When the guard tries to remove her, the woman questions his intentions and resists being taken away.
I'm only having fun - attention!'
The woman insists that she's just having fun and wants to be left alone.
Now behave yourself and do as I say
The woman takes control and asserts herself over the guard, telling him to behave and listen to her instead of the governor.
About turn, you soldier, turn 'round and walk away
The woman orders the guard to leave her alone and walk away.
Listen soldier boy, let me stay and enjoy the Governor's Ball
The woman requests to stay and enjoy the event despite the governor's orders.
Mister Prospect, don't stop at all
A final call to action for the band leader to keep playing and conducting.
In spite of all the comments Prospect still ain't make no fuss
Despite the comments and interruptions, Prospect remains calm and doesn't cause any trouble.
The woman was just a pest but not dangerous
The singer believes that the woman was more annoying than anything else, and not actually dangerous.
She hug up the Governor tighter than a wrestler
The woman gets even more bold, hugging the governor like a wrestler would.
'Now your Excellency, dance with me!'
The woman takes yet another bold move, inviting the governor to dance with her despite his previous orders to remove her.
I was up in the mad house resting easy
The singer reflects on the craziness of the event, saying that he feels like he's in a mad house but is still enjoying himself.
So let the music play, let the music play, let it play
A final call to action to keep the music going and enjoy the event without interruption.
Governor, let we break away
A request for the governor to join in and enjoy the event without worrying about the interruptions that occurred earlier.
Contributed by Evan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gastonfrancis8222
Sweet music back in the day
@mandyharewood886
Fifty years later and I still love it.
@domitilla10_-
Thank you. The good days of music took wings and flew by so fast.
@veronykacarson4912
Love this…reminds me of when I was a kid listening to this on the gram😀
@windsorguy5855
My dad spent time working in South America in the 60's. He also toured around the West Indies and the Caribbean. I grew up listening to the records he bought and I've been hooked on Island music my whole life. What a life. FA SO LA TI DO, DO RE MI FA SO LA TI DO, Calypso, Calypso maestro!!!!!!
@jamhombre
My father loved this song, miss you dad. RIP
@christopherreynos3469
Beautiful
@GovComp
As a youngster in the late 60's, these were my favorite records to play. Sparrow was the master and although the soca took over from calypso, tracks such as Madam Dracula, Royal Jail etc are still my favorites..... Long live 'calypso'.
@allisongaskin8144
He was one of the greatest and always will be .I love his music, I grew up in Guyana and our neighbor played music every weekend
@normanosborne7367
A TRUE GIANT OF THE KAISO / SOCA ART FORM.