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.
Lying Excuses
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get so mad, please let me explain
Dodo darling, sugar dumpling, doh
Get so mad, please let me explain
If yuh see me with some woman, ah
Doh want yuh misunderstand, whatever
Do might see me do,
Know my love is true I'm not being
Unfaithful tuh you
De woman yuh catch me with in de bed
Really didn't have no place tuh rest
She head
Business close down, she loss she work
Disappointed suffering from shock
So ah take she home jus to relax and
Cheer she up.
And is softly she said to me, boy ah
So tired and so sleepy
Casually she sat on de bed, and ask
Me tuh massage she leg
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Troublemakers, wind spread rumours
Fuh confusion, ohh- noo, doh take dem on
Just be trusted and doh do nuttin, try
And understand, I'll never do you no wrong
Darling you I've never decieved
There is no need to disbelieve, Give yuh
Trust and yuh faith in me and ah promise
You there'll be no infidelity
De lady yuh saw me with de other night
She and she husband just had ah fight
Ah find it was really looking so bad, how
The hell she closing
She sit down deh and start tuh cry like she
Going mad.
De 2000 ah gih tuh she, was to buy ah
Sandwich and ah coffee
Not another ting ain't happy, me and de
Gyal deh ain't nuttin
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Let nobody, cause you tuh be, jealous and
Confuse, doh mind dem and deh newss
Oh-oh-oh- ohhh lawwd!
Deh want we to mash up, so deh could come
And shack up,
We'll be like, two fools singing the blues
Doh know when these women will stop, others
Trying to me set up
Trying to give you de impression, something's
When my darling nuttin ain't going on
De gyal ah was with behind de lampost
Doh vex because ah was holding she clothes
She's ah oldie from in East, is her body ah
Wring she teeth
Ah was only trying tuh hol she fuh de police.
De reason meh hand was in she bosom
Ah was feeling to see if she had ah gun!
She didn't ha no gun by she chest, that is why
Ah was searchin under she dress
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Jus because I am such ah nice guy, some way,
Some how, always with me it wrong
Ohh lawd! Helpin people, seem to be my trouble
Gyal ah seeing it now, no more will it be
Ohh lawd! From now on deh go help deh self
Take deh problems to someone else, too much
Cacah and confusion and ah know to meh self
I am ah innocent man
Ah know deh go tell you me and Miss Leach
Was seen making love on Maracas beach
Well the fact is she had on ah bikini and was
Attack by African bees and very bravely I
Cover she with meh whole body.
Well she love meh neck and she grab meh hand
Admit that she pull me down in de sand
Ah feel skimy on meh behind
Ah couldn't help it ah had tuh fight
That's all, that is all, that is all.
The song "Lying Excuses" by Mighty Sparrow is a humorous take on a man trying to explain his actions and reassure his partner that he is faithful. He addresses her as "Maggie darling" and "sugar dumpling" and repeatedly asks her not to get mad and to let him explain himself. He claims that if she sees him with other women, she should not misunderstand as he is not being unfaithful to her. He explains that the woman she caught him with in bed was suffering after the closure of her business and had nowhere to go. He took her home to cheer her up and it was just a massage that she requested. He reassures his partner that he has never deceived her and asks her to have faith in him.
The song is a lighthearted take on a common theme in many love songs - infidelity. Mighty Sparrow uses humor and wit to make light of a serious issue and tries to reassure his partner that his intentions were pure. It's interesting to note that the woman in the song who he takes home to cheer up is never named or given a voice. She is merely a pawn in his story to excuse his actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Maggie darling, sugar dumpling, doh
Addressing the listener with pet names, requesting their attention
Get so mad, please let me explain
Asking for forgiveness and a chance to clarify
Dodo darling, sugar dumpling, doh
Repeating the request for attention with more pet names
Get so mad, please let me explain
Repeating the request for forgiveness and clarification
If yuh see me with some woman, ah
Addressing the possibility of being seen with another woman
Doh want yuh misunderstand, whatever
Assurance that it was not an act of unfaithfulness
Do might see me do,
Emphasizing the innocence of the situation
Know my love is true I'm not being
Reiterating the sincerity of the relationship
Unfaithful tuh you
Assurance of fidelity
De woman yuh catch me with in de bed
Addressing being caught with another woman
Really didn't have no place tuh rest
Explaining why the woman was in bed
She head
Implying that she had been through a lot
Business close down, she loss she work
Explaining the woman's hardships
Disappointed suffering from shock
Further explaining the woman's situation
So ah take she home jus to relax and
Explaining the singer's intentions
Cheer she up.
More explanation of the artist's intentions
And is softly she said to me, boy ah
Recounting a conversation with the woman
So tired and so sleepy
Describing the woman's condition
Casually she sat on de bed, and ask
Continuing to recount the conversation
Me tuh massage she leg
Explaining the woman's request
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Emphasizing the innocence of the situation
Troublemakers, wind spread rumours
Addressing gossip and rumors
Fuh confusion, ohh- noo, doh take dem on
Advising not to engage with gossip
Just be trusted and doh do nuttin, try
Encouraging trust and faith in the relationship
And understand, I'll never do you no wrong
Assurance of loyalty
Darling you I've never deceived
Reiterating the truthfulness of the relationship
There is no need to disbelieve, Give yuh
Encouraging trust in the relationship
Trust and yuh faith in me and ah promise
Offering reassurance
You there'll be no infidelity
Reiterating the promise of fidelity
De lady yuh saw me with de other night
Addressing being seen with another woman again
She and she husband just had ah fight
Explaining the woman's situation
Ah find it was really looking so bad, how
Further explanation of the situation
The hell she closing
Implying the woman was in a difficult situation
She sit down deh and start tuh cry like she
Describing the woman's reaction
Going mad.
Further describing the woman's reaction
De 2000 ah gih tuh she, was to buy ah
Explaining giving the woman money
Sandwich and ah coffee
Further explanation of the gift
Not another ting ain't happy, me and de
Emphasizing the innocence of the situation
Gyal deh ain't nuttin
Reiterating the singer's innocence
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Emphasizing the innocence of the situation
Let nobody, cause you tuh be, jealous and
Advising not to be swayed by others
Confuse, doh mind dem and deh newss
Encouraging disregard for gossip and rumors
Oh-oh-oh- ohhh lawwd!
Expression of exasperation
Deh want we to mash up, so deh could come
Implied negative intentions of gossipers
And shack up,
Further implication of negative intentions
We'll be like, two fools singing the blues
Describing the consequences of giving in to gossip
Doh know when these women will stop, others
Implying persistence of infidelity rumors
Trying to me set up
Accusing others of trying to set the artist up
Trying to give you de impression, something's
Describing the intentions of gossipers
When my darling nuttin ain't going on
Reiterating the singer's innocence
De gyal ah was with behind de lampost
Addressing being seen with another woman
Doh vex because ah was holding she clothes
Explaining the situation with the woman
She's ah oldie from in East, is her body ah
Describing the woman
Wring she teeth
Indicating the woman's dissatisfaction
Ah was only trying tuh hol she fuh de police.
Explaining the singer's actions
De reason meh hand was in she bosom
Explaining why the artist's hand was in the woman's bosom
Ah was feeling to see if she had ah gun!
Explaining the artist's intentions
She didn't ha no gun by she chest, that is why
Explaining why the search was unnecessary
Ah was searchin under she dress
Further explanation of the search
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Emphasizing the innocence of the situation
Jus because I am such ah nice guy, some way,
Humorous self-deprecation
Some how, always with me it wrong
Further self-deprecation
Ohh lawd! Helpin people, seem to be my trouble
Humorous explanation of the singer's troubles
Gyal ah seeing it now, no more will it be
Describing a decision made by the artist's partner
Ohh lawd! From now on deh go help deh self
Further explanation of the decision
Take deh problems to someone else, too much
Encouraging others to seek help elsewhere
Cacah and confusion and ah know to meh self
Addressing the frustration caused by gossip and rumors
I am ah innocent man
Reiterating the artist's innocence
Ah know deh go tell you me and Miss Leach
Anticipating more rumors
Was seen making love on Maracas beach
Addressing a specific rumor
Well the fact is she had on ah bikini and was
Explaining the actual situation
Attack by African bees and very bravely I
Further explanation of the situation
Cover she with meh whole body.
Further explanation of the situation
Well she love meh neck and she grab meh hand
Describing the woman's reaction
Admit that she pull me down in de sand
Further describing the situation
Ah feel skimy on meh behind
Describing the experience
Ah couldn't help it ah had tuh fight
Ending the story on a humorous note
That's all, that is all, that is all.
Emphasizing the innocence of the situation
Writer(s): francisco, slinger
Contributed by Abigail Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@djsnow7676
2000$ for a sandwich and a coffee hahahaha I wonder how much is that now in 2023!!! Old time classics!!!
@therisataylor7149
Young me singing this 😂 now I know $2000 wasn't for no coffee and a sandwich.
@kesterrichards438
I've been a fan of The Mighty Sparrow since I was 4 years old, and to this day, I'm 21 now, and I still love this song like its the first time I ever heard it. He's truly the King Of Calypso may his music live on forever🙏🏿
@marleneramnarine5807
I am a senior citizen love these oldies nothing cannot beat d birdie
@maishaisha
Anyone listening in 2020? Much love to the one and only Mighty Sparrow from Uganda 🇺🇬, Kenya 🇰🇪, and Tanzania 🇹🇿! We’ve loved your music for decades!
@orihellcon
4/21/2021
@Savvynlady
6/16/2021 in the heart of Dixie, Alabama
@beverlybeepath2807
My dad used to play these when we were very young and he would always be laughing .... Took me 40 years to realize what he was laughing at ... RIP Dad You sneaky bastard .... #love the classics
@allfruitsripecanada4369
Who’s listening in 2020? The entire planet is on lockdown from covid19 and I’m at home with my family, going down memory lane. I hope that we all make it through this terrible time. In the meantime I’ll enjoy some great music from a West Indian legend. Thank you Slinger Francisco. All the best folks. One love.
@Suteruni
One love <3