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.
I Owe No Apology
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Liberator of my people in South Africa.
Then so be it Mr Koppel, I owe no apology!
Interviewing Nelson Mandela on a TV show
Ted Koppel was the interviewer, I want you to know
He wanted Mandela to condemn Muammar Qaddafi,
Fidel Castro, Yasir Arafat right there on TV
Mandela say these people help me when apartheid was on the rise
I turned to them out of necessity so I do not apologise, you hear
Though it grieves me to see the people suffering but...
Chains of bondage have been placed on my head
To impede my progress
Thorns and thistles have been laid on my bed
To curtail my rest
I've been tortured and suffered immensely
They isolate me, incarcerate me
Still in spite of their barbarous cruelty
I will never apologise for my identity
No apology for my color, it is part of me
I'm wearing it bravely with honour, pride and dignity
How can I say sorry for a birthright made proud by my forefathers?
A skin that blends with the darkness of
Night yet distinguishes me from others?
There were times I know because of
It tears of sorry had filled my eyes
But the Lord made me free in spirit and I do not apologise, you hear
He scratch he head and continue complaining that...
Chains of bondage have been placed on my head
To impede my progress
And then he said, thorns and thistles have been laid on my bed
To curtail my rest
They subject me to gross inhumanity
Brutality, hostility
But no matter how rough their tactics be
I will never apologise for my identity.
I owe no apology. Personally, I have done no wrong
And what I have endured physically have made me more strong
How could I be ashamed of a mind that refuses to be twisted?
A heart as warm as the morning sunshine, a character so gifted?
With these trials and tribulations, I am fulfilling destiny
In my quest for emancipation, I owe no apology, you hear
Sit down there, feel is joke I making...
Chains of bondage have been placed on my head
To impede my progress
And then he said, thorns and thistles have been laid on my bed
To curtail my rest
I've had my share of pain and misery
It was ghastly, downright nasty
They try hard but they fail miserably
'Cause I'll never apologise for my identity
No apology for my culture, for it suits me fine
The folklore of all my ancestors makes me feel sublime
I am not repentant of a music that expresses how I feel
These sweet melodies come from deep
In my soul, enriching all my ideals
He say, the rhythm does give me
Courage and the lyrics does make me wise
So in spite of all the advantage, I do not apologise, you hear
Though it grieves me to see the people suffering but...
Chains of bondage have been placed on my head
To impede my progress
And then he said, thorns and thistles have been laid on my bed
To curtail my rest
Their exercises were in futility
That's when they gave me psychotherapy
But they surrendered while I'm shouting, "Victory!"
'Cause I'll never apologise for my identity
And that's the way it is.
Have I paralysed you, Mister Koppel?
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha!
The lyrics of Mighty Sparrow's song I Owe No Apology relay a message of self-acceptance and perseverance in the face of adversity. The song explains how Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa and an anti-apartheid activist, was interviewed by Ted Koppel on a TV show. Koppel asked Mandela to condemn the leaders of some countries that were seen as unfavorable by the international community. However, Mandela refused to do so, citing how these leaders had supported him during apartheid. Mandela refused to apologize for his identity, culture, or color, which he saw as an inherent part of himself.
Line by Line Meaning
I am Nelson Mandela, freedom fighter,
Mandela introduces himself as a fighter who helped liberate South Africa
Liberator of my people in South Africa.
Mandela claims to have liberated the people of South Africa from apartheid
Then so be it Mr Koppel, I owe no apology!
Mandela does not owe an apology to Ted Koppel for not condemning certain people on TV
Interviewing Nelson Mandela on a TV show
Koppel interviewed Mandela on his TV show
Ted Koppel was the interviewer, I want you to know
Mighty Sparrow specifies that Koppel is the interviewer in question
He wanted Mandela to condemn Muammar Qaddafi,
Koppel's request of Mandela was to condemn Muammar Qaddafi
Fidel Castro, Yasir Arafat right there on TV
Koppel also wanted Mandela to condemn Fidel Castro and Yasir Arafat on live television
Mandela say these people help me when apartheid was on the rise
Mandela defended his relationship with these leaders by stating how they had helped him during apartheid.
I turned to them out of necessity so I do not apologise, you hear
Mandela insists he has done nothing wrong by working with these leaders and does not owe anyone an apology.
Chains of bondage have been placed on my head
Mandela uses a metaphor to discuss how he was held captive and oppressed
To impede my progress
He suggests that the oppression was to prevent him from succeeding or making progress
Thorns and thistles have been laid on my bed
Mandela again uses a metaphor to describe the discomfort and pain he experienced during his captivity
To curtail my rest
Mandela suggests that one of the goals of the oppression was to prevent him from resting or sleeping properly
I've been tortured and suffered immensely
Mandela states that he was tortured and endured a great deal of suffering
They isolate me, incarcerate me
Mandela was isolated and imprisoned, likely by the apartheid government
Still in spite of their barbarous cruelty
Despite the brutal treatment he suffered, Mandela refuses to back down
I will never apologise for my identity
Mandela stands firm in his identity and refuses to apologize for who he is
No apology for my color, it is part of me
Mandela refuses to apologize for his skin color and considers it an inherent part of his being
I'm wearing it bravely with honour, pride and dignity
Mandela embraces his identity and wears it proudly, regardless of the difficulties he has faced
How can I say sorry for a birthright made proud by my forefathers?
Mandela considers his identity a birthright and refuses to apologize for it, as it was passed down from generations before him.
A skin that blends with the darkness of
Mandela again discusses his skin color
Night yet distinguishes me from others?
He explains how his skin color sets him apart from others, yet helps him fit in with other dark-skinned people
There were times I know because of
Mandela acknowledges that there were times when he's had to overcome adversity because of his skin color
It tears of sorry had filled my eyes
He admits that he's shed tears because of how people have treated him because of his color
But the Lord made me free in spirit and I do not apologise, you hear
Despite the hardships he's faced, Mandela is grateful to be free in spirit and stand strong in his identity
Chains of bondage have been placed on my head
Mandela repeats this line again to emphasize the metaphor of being held captive
Their exercises were in futility
Mandela suggests that the oppressive efforts of others were useless
That's when they gave me psychotherapy
He may be referring to efforts by the government to make him question his behaviors or beliefs
But they surrendered while I'm shouting, "Victory!"
Despite efforts to break him, Mandela prevailed
'Cause I'll never apologise for my identity
Mandela emphasizes, again, his staunch refusal to apologize for his identity, no matter how hard he's been pushed
No apology for my culture, for it suits me fine
To emphasize how deeply he feels it, Mandela states that he will not apologize for his culture and that it serves him well
The folklore of all my ancestors makes me feel sublime
Mandela celebrates his ancestry and all the culture that comes with it
I am not repentant of a music that expresses how I feel
He feels no regret about music that represents his feelings and experiences
These sweet melodies come from deep
Mandela emphasizes how genuine and heartfelt his music is
In my soul, enriching all my ideals
The melodies enrich his sense of self and ideals
He say, the rhythm does give me
Mandela appears to be quoting someone else who has spoken to him about music
Courage and the lyrics does make me wise
The music is what helps Mandela remain strong and keeps him wise
So in spite of all the advantage, I do not apologise, you hear
Again, Mandela is insistent that no matter what people say or do, he won't apologize for who he is
I owe no apology. Personally, I have done no wrong
Mandela reiterates that he has done nothing wrong and will not apologize for what he believes in
And what I have endured physically have made me more strong
Mandela suggests that the pressures he's endured have only strengthened him
With these trials and tribulations, I am fulfilling destiny
For Mandela, the difficulties he's faced are all part of his destiny and purpose
In my quest for emancipation, I owe no apology, you hear
Mandela claims that working towards emancipation is something that doesn't require an apology
Sit down there, feel is joke I making...
Mandela makes a lighthearted comment to Koppel, suggesting that he has lightened the mood
Ha ha, ha ha, ha ha!
Here, the meaning is quite literal - Mighty Sparrow is laughing out loud!
Contributed by Ethan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@e.leohassanmodeste756
The king of Calypso yes!!! God bless you Sparrow and the great Nelson Mandela. 🇿🇦🇹🇹
@marledebakkerunicorn
The most beautiful song sang by The Mighty Sparrow. Good response by Nelson Mandela.
@anthonytenia3232
What a SUPER CALYPSO !! Fantastic LYRICS, DICTION and MUSIC !! Leston Paul at his best along with SPARROW !!!! Those were the days.......WOW !!!!!!
@Savvynlady
One thing about Sparrow, he tackle political issues as well as other stuff. much respect.
@ExodusPessoa
R.I.P to the best thing this planet has ever produced his name is MADIBA.
@SuperSnk1
Another Gem from the King. Tell dem Doc. Tell dem.
@MrCalypsoman3
the late theadore guerra is who inspired me to write this song for sparrow the lyrics came from an american poem winsford devine
@SuperSnk1
I support your post 100% .
@michaelpassee350
Well done my fellow Grenadian.
@nicholasmoolchan6077
RIP MADIBA