Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, affectionately dubbe… Read Full Bio ↴Slinger Francisco, better known as The Mighty Sparrow, affectionately dubbed, The Birdie is the unrivaled Calypso King of the World, with a career that spans over 40 years and counting. This artist par excellence has earned his rightful place as "King of the Calypso World" by defeating every other competitor/pretender to his throne. He has entertained audiences across the globe, including, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, to name but a few.

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.

Leggo Meh Stick
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

J′ouvert morning I was beating pan
When I bounced up a chick that I knew before
Why, meh pan sound so sweet, she want to learn to beat
So she scrambled meh stick with a
Flick she so quick and bold, oh gorm!

Rosita, leggo meh stick
Girl ah have to beat pan, leggo quick

On Carnival Day dis is not de way
If you really want to play come Ash Wednesday!

Listen Rosie, girl in any case
This is not de right time or de proper place
So go an' jump up, and please don′t interrupt
Everybody looking it is embarrassing, leggo, oh gosh

Rosita, leggo meh stick
J'y en a hard to beat pan, leggo quick
On Carnival Day dis is not de way
If you really want to play come Ash Wednesday!

Now de steelband goin' be moving soon
Going down Charlotte Street with a lovely tune
But ah just cyah function with meh two stick in your hand
At de end of de day you will get it when I done play, oh gosh

Rosita, leggo meh stick
Girl ah have to beat pan, leggo quick
On Carnival Day dis is not de way
If you really want to play come Ash Wednesday!

Look meh trouble on this J′ouvert morn′
Though I beg and beseech, she still holding on
Squeezing tighter, like of long time pan beater

Though she did make no row she insist she must get it now, somehow

Rosita, leggo meh stick
Girl ah have to beat pan, leggo quick
On Carnival Day dis is not de way
If you really want to play come Ash Wednesday!

Overall Meaning

The song "Leggo Meh Stick" by Mighty Sparrow chronicles an encounter with a woman named Rosita on J'ouvert morning, a pre-dawn celebration that marks the start of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. While playing his steel drum, Sparrow runs into Rosita, an old acquaintance who expresses her interest in learning to beat the instrument. Sparrow rebuffs her advances, telling her that Carnival Day is not the right time or place for her to learn. He pleads with her to let go of his stick so he can play, warning her that everyone is watching and it's becoming embarrassing. However, Rosita persists, squeezing the stick tightly and insisting that she must learn now.

The lyrics of the song are a playful commentary on the social dynamics of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, where music and dance are central to the festivities. The song highlights the tension between tradition and innovation, as well as gender roles in a male-dominated musical tradition. Sparrow is protective of his instrument and skeptical of Rosita's ability to play, but also recognizes her enthusiasm and potential for growth. Meanwhile, Rosita represents the desire of women to participate more fully in Carnival culture and the struggle for recognition and respect in a male-dominated space.

Line by Line Meaning

J′ouvert morning I was beating pan
On the morning of Jouvert, I was playing the steelpan drums

When I bounced up a chick that I knew before
I ran into a girl that I already knew

Why, meh pan sound so sweet, she want to learn to beat
She was interested in learning to play steelpan because she liked the sound of my drum

So she scrambled meh stick with a flick she so quick and bold, oh gorm!
She quickly attempted to play my drumsticks and was bold about it

Rosita, leggo meh stick
Rosita, let go of my drumstick

Girl ah have to beat pan, leggo quick
I need to play the steelpan drum, so let go quickly

On Carnival Day dis is not de way
This is not how things should be done on Carnival Day

If you really want to play come Ash Wednesday!
If you really want to play, come on Ash Wednesday instead

Listen Rosie, girl in any case
Listen Rosita, in any case

This is not de right time or de proper place
This is not the right time or place

So go an' jump up, and please don′t interrupt
So go and dance, and please don't interrupt

Everybody looking it is embarrassing, leggo, oh gosh
Everyone is looking and it's embarrassing, let go of my drumstick, oh my goodness

Now de steelband goin' be moving soon
Now the steelband will be moving soon

Going down Charlotte Street with a lovely tune
They will be going down Charlotte Street playing a beautiful tune

But ah just cyah function with meh two stick in your hand
But I can't play correctly while you're holding onto one of my drumsticks

At de end of de day you will get it when I done play, oh gosh
You can have it back at the end of the day when I'm finished playing, oh my goodness

Look meh trouble on this J′ouvert morn′
Look at the trouble I'm having on this Jouvert morning

Though I beg and beseech, she still holding on
Even though I'm asking her to let go, she's still holding onto my drumstick

Squeezing tighter, like of long time pan beater
She's squeezing it tightly like she's been playing for a long time

Though she did make no row she insist she must get it now, somehow
Even though she didn't make a fuss, she still insists on having my drumstick now, somehow

Writer(s): Slinger Francisco

Contributed by Eli V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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