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.
Harry in The Piggery
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say he like plenty pork
Since Harry come from New York
They say he like plenty pork
At night when you sleeping
Harry gone out creeping
Forsaking his wife and childrenAnd he sleeping in the pig pen
So,
Neighbour! Neighbour! Come! Come and see
(Harry in the piggery!)
Oh, oh, oh, you really surprise me
(Harry in the piggery!)
Harry you going crazy
(Harry in the piggery!)
Call he wife, call he wife
Ah longing to show she
(Harry in the piggery!)
When Harry wife got the news
I know she was so confused
But she had to keep steady
What she go do, we done catch him already
She was inside stranded
He was caught red handed
The ungrateful dog leave he wife
And gone to sleep by a hog
Neighbour! Neighbour! Come quick and see
(Harry in the piggery!)
Looky there! Looky there, that is Harry
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
Come quick! Look Harry
(Harry in the piggery!)
So they send for a police
To see what happen to the beast
The police bring a doctor
Doctor say that the pig was in order
Then you should hear Harry
"This is a free country!
Tell prosecutor Mike
Ah man have a right to sleep where he like!"
Yeah,
Neighbour! Neighbour! Come quick and see
(Harry in the piggery!)
Oh, Harry, you really surprise me
(Harry in the piggery!)
Mm, you must be going crazy
(Harry in the piggery!)
Call he wife, call he wife
Look at Harry
(Harry in the piggery!)
Shame on you!
Shame on you Harry!
Monday morning ah hurry
Down to the courthouse to hear about Harry
This time if you see the feller
Three times uglier than Dracula
Without any question
The prosecutor mention
"Throw him in the brig,
A monkey have no right to sleep by a pig!"
So,
Neighbour! Neighbour! Come quick and see
(Harry in the piggery!)
People! People! Come quick and see
(Harry in the piggery!)
Oh, oh, you really surprise me
(Harry in the piggery!)
Mm, Harry you be going crazy
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
Play something! Play that piece, man!
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
No man, Harry, no man!
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
Shame on you Harry!
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
(Harry in the piggery!)
The Mighty Sparrow's “Harry in The Piggery” tells the story of a man named Harry who comes from New York and has an unusual liking for pork. The song describes how Harry sneaks out at night, abandoning his wife and children to go sleep in the pig pen. The chorus repeats the phrase “Harry in The Piggery,” in a call and response manner, inviting the whole neighborhood to come and see the shameful act.
The second verse describes how Harry’s wife reacts when she hears the news. Her confusion on what to do is evident, but she keeps steady and calls someone to catch him. The final verse explains how Harry ends up in court, and the prosecutor labels him a monkey who doesn't have the right to sleep by a pig. The ending of the song is a chant of “Shame on you, Harry,” while the band plays on.
The song is a commentary on the taboo of bestiality but is done in a humorous way, using satire to bring the topic up for discussion. It is also a critical commentary on infidelity and the impact it has on the affected parties, focusing on the vulnerable position women are left in by their husbands' actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Since Harry come from New York
They say that since Harry came from New York, he enjoys eating a lot of pork.
At night when you sleeping
During the night while others are sleeping,
Harry gone out creeping
Harry goes out secretly, as if trying not to be noticed by anyone else.
Forsaking his wife and children
He completely abandons his wife and children.
And he sleeping in the pig pen
He goes to sleep in the pig pen with the pigs.
They say he like plenty pork
People say Harry likes to eat a lot of pork.
Neighbour! Neighbour! Come! Come and see
People call out to others to come and see what has happened.
(Harry in the piggery!)
Oh, oh, oh, you really surprise me
People express their shock at Harry's behavior.
Harry you going crazy
People think that Harry must be losing his mind.
Call he wife, call he wife
They tell someone to call Harry's wife.
Ah longing to show she
They are eager to show Harry's wife what he has done.
When Harry wife got the news
When Harry's wife hears about what he has done,
I know she was so confused
She becomes bewildered and unsure of what to do.
But she had to keep steady
Nevertheless, she remains calm and composed.
What she go do, we done catch him already
She wonders what she should do, but they have already caught him.
She was inside stranded
She is stuck inside and doesn't know what to do.
He was caught red handed
They caught Harry in the act of sleeping in the pig pen.
The ungrateful dog leave he wife
Harry left his wife, even though she had been good to him.
And gone to sleep by a hog
He went to sleep next to a pig in the pig pen.
Looky there! Looky there, that is Harry
People point out that the man in the pig pen is Harry.
Come quick! Look Harry
They tell others to come quickly to see Harry in the pig pen.
So they send for a police
They send for the police to come and deal with Harry's behavior.
To see what happen to the beast
The police come to see what has happened to the pig.
The police bring a doctor
The police bring a doctor to examine the pig.
Doctor say that the pig was in order
The doctor says that the pig is fine and healthy.
Then you should hear Harry
Then Harry speaks.
"This is a free country!
Harry argues that he has the right to do what he wants in a free country.
Tell prosecutor Mike
He tells them to let Prosecutor Mike know what he has said.
Ah man have a right to sleep where he like!"
He argues that he has a right to sleep where he pleases.
Monday morning ah hurry
On Monday morning, he hurries to the courthouse.
Down to the courthouse to hear about Harry
He goes to the courthouse to hear what will happen to him.
This time if you see the feller
This time, he looks even worse than before.
Three times uglier than Dracula
He looks three times as ugly as the fictional character, Dracula.
Without any question
There is no doubt that he is guilty.
The prosecutor mention
The prosecutor says something about Harry.
"Throw him in the brig,
The prosecutor calls for Harry to be imprisoned.
A monkey have no right to sleep by a pig!"
He makes a comparison between Harry and a monkey and argues that he has no right to sleep with a pig.
People! People! Come quick and see
People call out to others to come and see what has happened to Harry.
Mm, you must be going crazy
They think that Harry must be losing his mind.
(Harry in the piggery!)
Shame on you Harry!
People express their disapproval of Harry's behavior.
Play something! Play that piece, man!
They ask someone to play music.
No man, Harry, no man!
They express their disapproval again, addressing Harry directly.
Contributed by Christian T. 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.