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.
Grampa's Advice
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One of them got to be my wife
Two women in my life
One of them got to be my wife
Betty love me but I love Myra
Gone to explain to grandpapa
"What should I do, who should I wed?"
Grampa watched me and then he said:
"The one who you love
Never marry to she
Is the one who love you
She go make you happy
Keep the one that you love
On the side all the while
But the one who love you
Take her straight down the aisle"
"Grandpapa, you making fun
That is easier said than done
How I go leave my sweetheart on top the shelf
Up and marry somebody else?"
"All you young boys ain't got no sense
I telling you from experience
A woman must love you more than you love she
Before you jump in matrimony"
"The one who you love
Never marry to she
Is the one who love you
She go make you happy
Keep the one that you love
On the side all the while
But the one who love you
Take her straight down the aisle"
"She pretty and nice and fat
But you can't marry she just for that
Nine times out of ten is true
The one you love not in love with you
So when you have a sure thing
That is where you must put your ring
If you go get married you got to be smart
Boy use your head and not your heart"
"The one who you love
Never marry to she
Is the one who love you
She go make you happy
Keep the one that you love
On the side all the while
And the one who love you
Take her straight down the aisle"
I didn't listen what mrh grampa say
That is why I suffering so today
Myra cheat me until I blind
Seven children and none ain't mine
Every time I open me mouth
She and she mumma put me out
Now I believe what meh grandpapa said
I can't forget it until I dead
"The one who you love
Never marry to she
Is the one who love you
She go make you happy
Keep the one that you love
On the shelf all the while
But the one who love you
Take her straight down the aisle"
The lyrics to Mighty Sparrow's song "Grampa's Advice" narrate the dilemma of the singer who has to choose between two women to marry - Betty, whom he loves, and Myra, who loves him. He decides to seek his grandfather's counsel, and the old man's advice is to marry the woman who loves him more rather than the one he loves, as he believes the latter will go on to make him happy, while he can keep the former by his side for the time being. The grandfather advises him to be smart rather than letting his heart take the lead. The singer, on the other hand, doesn't take the advice seriously and marries Myra only to find out later that she cheats him and bears children with other men.
The song highlights the importance of experience and wisdom while making life decisions, particularly when it comes to relationships. The grandfather's advice is rooted in practicality and understanding of human nature, while the singer's decision is based more on emotions and infatuation. The song also exposes the consequences of ignoring good advice and going against the wisdom of the elders.
Line by Line Meaning
Two women in my life
Sparrow has two women in his life, but he needs to decide which one he should marry.
One of them got to be my wife
He can only marry one of the women, and he needs to make a choice.
Betty love me but I love Myra
Sparrow loves Myra, but Betty loves him.
Gone to explain to grandpapa
Sparrow seeks advice from his grandfather.
"What should I do, who should I wed?"
Sparrow is unsure which woman to marry and seeks his grandfather's guidance.
"The one who you love
Never marry to she
Is the one who love you
She go make you happy
Keep the one that you love
On the side all the while
But the one who love you
Take her straight down the aisle"
Sparrow's grandfather advises him to marry the woman who loves him, as she will make him happy. He should keep the woman he loves on the side and not marry her.
"Grandpapa, you making fun"
Sparrow thinks his grandfather is joking around.
"That is easier said than done
How I go leave my sweetheart on top the shelf
Up and marry somebody else?"
Sparrow finds it difficult to leave the woman he loves and marry someone else.
"All you young boys ain't got no sense
I telling you from experience
A woman must love you more than you love she
Before you jump in matrimony"
Sparrow's grandfather advises him that a woman must love him more than he loves her before they get married.
"She pretty and nice and fat
But you can't marry she just for that
Nine times out of ten is true
The one you love not in love with you
So when you have a sure thing
That is where you must put your ring
If you go get married you got to be smart
Boy use your head and not your heart"
Sparrow's grandfather tells him not to marry someone just because she is pretty, and most likely the woman he loves doesn't love him back. He should choose the woman who loves him and use his head, not his heart when getting married.
I didn't listen what mrh grampa say
That is why I suffering so today
Myra cheat me until I blind
Seven children and none ain't mine
Every time I open me mouth
She and she mumma put me out
Now I believe what meh grandpapa said
I can't forget it until I dead
Sparrow regrets not listening to his grandfather's advice, as he is unhappy now. His wife, Myra, cheated on him and had seven children, none of which are his. Every time he tries to speak up, she and her mother throw him out. Sparrow realizes his grandfather's words were wise, and he can't forget them as long as he lives.
"Keep the one that you love
On the shelf all the while"
Sparrow's grandfather advises him to keep the woman he loves nearby but not marry her.
Contributed by Ethan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@laurieondris754
Sister had Mighty Sparrow reggae songs played at her reception! I live in the US, am Caucasian & never had a better time, as well as other reggae songs. Planning a trip to Jamaica when I can swing it, been sick & my aide is from there! :) God Bless us all.
@mrsullivan
Laurie Ondris not reggae darling. Calypso!
@SocaPoliceForce
Who listening to this in 2019? this song will always be timely even for today, "The one that you love never marry to she but the one who love you going to make you happy, use your head not your heart" β€οΈππΏππΏπ
@chriswobil3161
All men and women should take the message seriously
@peggystoutemorin4529
I was a little girl listening to Sparrow on the radio in the 60s. He's still going strong. An absolute legend.
@davidpiggott624
a legend. the greatest. he gave us so much hits and songs to treasure in our memories. Respect due to Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow....I"m saying this now you are still alive.
@abomu5353
...and you can say that again.
@gerardvanelk23
I was a Dutch navy boy in de sixtees. Stationd in the Caraibic. Then I heard Sparrow and nver forgot his special sound and words. Graaaate!!!!!!!
@horacesubayar794
My dad is long dead now but I remember him and I listening to all the great calypsonians on records. Thanks for the memories.
@cordon172
Sparrow ... U are a lyrical genius... Panama loves yah