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.
Jack Palance
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A big disgrace and a burning shame but I don't know who to blame
These amount of old women in the night club hustling for bob
Stand in the way of a younger girl but its time they retire, they too old
Believe me, Caroline and Josephine making more than fifty
And I'm sure, without any doubt, they could be my Granny
Still they walking 'bout at night with dey face like Jack Palance
I looking for youth not experience!
I can remember last year Carnival in front the cathedral
Tanty Mildred stand up cool as ever, I thought she was a beggar
So I give a shilling to Mildred saying, "Mama buy some bread"
She turn round and put she hand on she waist
And she cuss me upsided down in the place
I tell you...
But if you see the woman, brother, she more than sixty
And I'm sure, without any doubt, she could be my Granny
Still she walking 'bout at night, she old face like Jack Palance
Go to France! Move! Step aside and give young people a chance
I looking for youth not experience!
Drinking in the nightclub with my bosom friend
Who come down to spend the weekend
But when I look back, who you think I see? - One of my family
"Good heavens!" I shout out, "Mama Jacob!"
What the heck you doing in the nightclub?"
Same time the rock and roll start to play
So she hook on to a Yankee and break away
I tell you...
But if you see the woman, brother, she more than seventy
And I'm sure, without any doubt, she could be my Granny
Still she walking 'bout at night, she prune face like Jack Palance
Go to France! Move girl! Step aside and give the Sparrow a chance
Oh yes, I looking for youth not experience!
This is what I notice the other day, it's a funny thing to say
The government really should pass a law against women sixty and more
Brother, you better take it from me, if they do that the nightclubs would be empty
So leave them alone and don't get in a rage
When a Yankee drunk he don't study age
I tell you...
Whether you are twenty-four, twenty-five or eighty
I am sure it will not interest a drunken Yankee
For when you drink your scotch and soda it doesn't matter how old she is
As long as the Yankee get what is his
The Mighty Sparrow's "Jack Palance" is a song that highlights the issue of older women hustling for men in nightclubs, hindering younger girls from finding potential partners. Sparrow is frustrated with the situation and believes that these older women should step aside and let younger girls have a chance. He sees this as a disgrace and burning shame but admits that he does not know who to blame. The song's chorus emphasizes this sentiment as Sparrow repeats, "These amount of old women in the night club hustling for bob (money)/ Stand in the way of a younger girl, but it's time they retire, they too old."
Sparrow cites examples of Caroline, Josephine, and Tanty Mildred, all over 60, who he believes should not be in nightclubs looking for younger men. Sparrow claims that Tanty Mildred, who appears to be homeless, is one of his family members, and he is ashamed to see her out in the club. However, when he tries to help her by giving her some money, she cusses him out. Sparrow emphasizes that age is just a number to drunk Yankees when they are out partying, and he acknowledges that regardless of their age, as long as the drunk Yankee gets what they want, it does not matter to them.
The song's theme of ageism and the objectification of women is a common thread throughout Sparrow's work. Sparrow's critique of the situation is evident, and his use of humor to highlight this issue is classic Sparrow. He uses Jack Palance, a Hollywood actor known for his rugged looks and intensity, as a comparison for the old women's faces, emphasizing the point that they are too old to be in the nightclub scene. The song remains relevant today, and Sparrow's message is still poignant, especially in a culture where women are often pressured to look younger than they are.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a disgrace and a burning shame but I don't know who to blame
It's shameful to see so many elderly women hustling in the nightclub, but I can't point fingers at anyone for causing this situation.
These amount of old women in the night club hustling for bob
There are so many old women in the nightclub trying to earn money by offering themselves.
Stand in the way of a younger girl but its time they retire, they too old
Older women are blocking the chances of younger girls to succeed in this industry and it's high time for them to retire since they are too old for the job.
Believe me, Caroline and Josephine making more than fifty
Caroline and Josephine are making more than $50 by offering their services in the nightclub.
And I'm sure, without any doubt, they could be my Granny
I am very certain that Caroline and Josephine are older than me even though I don't know their exact ages.
Still they walking 'bout at night with dey face like Jack Palance
Despite their old age and tired appearance, Caroline and Josephine are still working in the nightclub.
Go to France! Move! Step aside and give your daughters a chance
Caroline and Josephine should leave this industry and let their daughters have a chance to pursue success in life.
I looking for youth not experience!
I am searching for young women to spend my time with, not experienced older women.
Tanty Mildred stand up cool as ever, I thought she was a beggar
At last year's Carnival, I saw Aunt Mildred standing there coolly and assumed that she was begging for money.
So I give a shilling to Mildred saying, "Mama buy some bread"
I gave Aunt Mildred a coin and asked her to buy some bread.
She turn round and put she hand on she waist And she cuss me upsided down in the place
Aunt Mildred got angry and scolded me loudly for giving her a small amount of money as if she wasn't poor.
But if you see the woman, brother, she more than sixty
Aunt Mildred was older than sixty, but her youthful appearance deceived me.
I'm sure, without any doubt, she could be my Granny
Aunt Mildred was so old that she could easily be my grandmother.
Still she walking 'bout at night, she old face like Jack Palance
Despite her old age, Aunt Mildred is still roaming around like she's young, but her face is aged like Jack Palance's.
Go to France! Move! Step aside and give young people a chance
Older people, like Aunt Mildred, should leave the nightclub industry, so younger people can have a chance to pursue success.
Oh yes, I looking for youth not experience!
I didn't want to see Aunt Mildred working in the nightclub either. I prefer young and vibrant women, not elderly women with experience.
Whether you are twenty-four, twenty-five or eighty
A Yankee drinking scotch and soda in the nightclub will not care about a woman's age, whether she is young or very old.
I am sure it will not interest a drunken Yankee
Age is not a consideration for a drunk Yankee in a nightclub.
For when you drink your scotch and soda it doesn't matter how old she is
When you drink alcohol, you don't care about the age of the woman you are with.
As long as the Yankee get what is his
All the Yankee wants is to get what he came for, regardless of the age or experience of the woman.
This is what I notice the other day, it's a funny thing to say
Something caught my attention the other day and it's humorous to mention it.
The government really should pass a law against women sixty and more
I believe the government should pass a law prohibiting women who are sixty years old or older from working in nightclubs.
Brother, you better take it from me, if they do that the nightclubs would be empty
However, implementing such a law will lead to the nightclubs being empty, and it wouldn't be a profitable business anymore.
So leave them alone and don't get in a rage
As it's not possible to implement such a law, we should just let the older women be and not get angry with them.
When a Yankee drunk he don't study age
When a Yankee is drunk, he doesn't care about the age of the woman he's with.
Contributed by Sarah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@scariella6957
Van Dyke Parks included a section of this song on his calypso-inspired album, Discover America.
@CHEEPHARDWARE
it's not the same version, but very close
@cinematiccrisis
@@CHEEPHARDWARE I never found the VDP-Version, do you know where to find it?
@martingrunewald8667
@@cinematiccrisis I am asking myself this for a while now! There was a long thread in the Steve Hoffman forum about this - but it seems as no one ever heard it. My theory now is, that it was in fact new recording, with added record artifacts. The voice sounds too clear to my ears for a crackling record. And the arrangement with the strings doesn't sound very typical for early Calypso to my ears. But I might be wrong.
@red-hat-mike
sweet sweet Calypso ... memories ..thanks
@TerryMarineBMF
bam bam