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.
Martin Luther King
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Martin Luther King)
And there is nobody else to lead us on
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
Martin Luther King is dead and gone
(Martin Luther King)
Now who do we have to lead us on?
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
(Hallelujah)
And was assassinated one early April night
(Amen)
Well now that his precious blood was shed
Plenty go live and plenty go dead
It's going be a long hard summer
Discrimination has gone too far
Luther King is dead and now this we cannot avoid
Segregation must be destroyed
An apostle of peace was he
(Martin Luther King)
He gave his life for racial equality
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
During his struggles to try and equalise
(Martin Luther King)
He was awarded that coveted Nobel prize
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
Brutally beaten and jailed many many many times
(Hallelujah)
Peaceful demonstrations were his only crimes
(Amen)
Yet still he walked, I said he walked in the footsteps of Jesus
And just like Christ he died for us
It's going be a long hard summer
Discrimination has gone too far
Luther King is dead and now this we cannot avoid
Segregation must be destroyed
An honourable, peaceful and noble man
(Martin Luther King)
He was the greatest civil rights leader in the land
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
Assassinated at the age of thirty-nine
(Martin Luther King)
He was murdered while he was still in his prime
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
But he had a dream for America in his plan
(Hallelujah)
Where the blacks and the whites will walk together hand in hand
(Amen)
And live in unity as one
Though he is dead I say that dream lives on
It's going be a long hard summer
Discrimination has gone too far
Luther King is dead and now this we cannot avoid
Segregation must be destroyed
Now longer will we bow to any man
(Martin Luther King)
No longer will we live in subjection
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
Oh we have suffered too much, too much in the past
(Martin Luther King)
No more will we accept second class
(Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King)
Equality I know one day we got to get
(Hallelujah)
Oh yes it is as inevitable as death
(Amen)
So let us unite peacefully, we got to be strong
Leave all the violence to Stokely Carmichael or H. Rap Brown
It's going be a long hard summer
Discrimination has gone too far
Luther King is dead and now this we cannot avoid
Segregation must be destroyed
The Mighty Sparrow's "Martin Luther King" is a tribute to the late civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968. The song starts by lamenting King's death and the absence of another figure to lead the civil rights movement. It then goes on to highlight King's achievements as a champion for civil rights, racial equality, and his peaceful demonstrations, which saw him jailed and beaten many times. Sparrow goes further to describe King as an "apostle of peace" who gave his life fighting for civil rights in America.
The song expresses concern over the future of the civil rights movement and the potential for violence, with the lyrics "leave all the violence to Stokely Carmichael or H. Rap Brown." Sparrow ultimately concludes with a positive message of hope. He acknowledges that segregation has to be destroyed, but urges people to unite peacefully to achieve equality. Sparrow also notes that King's dream for America remains alive, even though he has passed away.
Line by Line Meaning
Our champion is dead and gone
Martin Luther King, who represented the champion of the civil rights movement, has passed away
And there is nobody else to lead us on
Without Martin Luther King, there is no one that can guide and inspire us to continue the fight for civil rights
Martin Luther King is dead and gone
The great Martin Luther King has died and left us to continue the fight on our own
Now who do we have to lead us on?
We are left searching for a new leader who can carry on the noble legacy left by Martin Luther King
As a civil rights leader he stood for his rights
Martin Luther King was a pioneering voice for civil rights, boldly leading protests and advocating for equality
And was assassinated one early April night
In a tragic turn of events, Martin Luther King was killed by an assassin's bullet on a fateful April night
Well now that his precious blood was shed
With the loss of Martin Luther King, his precious lifeblood was spilled in the fight for civil rights
Plenty go live and plenty go dead
In the unrelenting struggle for civil rights, many will live and fight another day, while others will lose their lives for the cause
It's going be a long hard summer
The road ahead will be difficult, with many challenges and obstacles to overcome in the fight for civil rights
Discrimination has gone too far
The pervasive discrimination faced by Black Americans has become intolerable and must be addressed
Luther King is dead and now this we cannot avoid
We must confront the reality of Martin Luther King's death, which forces us to redouble our efforts to achieve the goal of true equality
Segregation must be destroyed
Segregation is a fundamental obstacle to achieving true equality, and it must be eliminated
An apostle of peace was he
Martin Luther King was a powerful advocate for peace in the face of oppression and violence
He gave his life for racial equality
In his tireless advocacy for civil rights and racial equality, Martin Luther King made the ultimate sacrifice: his life
During his struggles to try and equalise
Throughout the many struggles of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King worked tirelessly to achieve equality and justice
He was awarded that coveted Nobel prize
For his extraordinary work in advancing civil rights, Martin Luther King was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize
Brutally beaten and jailed many many many times
In his quest for civil rights, Martin Luther King faced countless brutal beatings and imprisonments
Peaceful demonstrations were his only crimes
Despite his commitment to peaceful protest and nonviolence, Martin Luther King was often attacked and punished by authorities
Yet still he walked, I said he walked in the footsteps of Jesus
Despite the many obstacles he faced, Martin Luther King continued to lead with humility, compassion, and love
And just like Christ he died for us
Like Christ, who died for the sins of humanity, Martin Luther King gave his life for the noble cause of civil rights and racial equality
An honourable, peaceful and noble man
Martin Luther King was an inspiring figure, known for his integrity, peacefulness, and nobility of character
He was the greatest civil rights leader in the land
Martin Luther King was a titan of the civil rights movement, a leader whose contributions were unrivaled at the time
Assassinated at the age of thirty-nine
Tragically, Martin Luther King was taken from us far too soon, murdered at the age of 39
He was murdered while he was still in his prime
It is a bitter tragedy that Martin Luther King was killed before he could realize the full potential of his great leadership
But he had a dream for America in his plan
Martin Luther King's vision of a more equal, harmonious, and just America is one that he carried with him throughout his life
Where the blacks and the whites will walk together hand in hand
Martin Luther King's dream was of a society in which people of all races would be able to live, work, and thrive together in mutual respect and harmony
And live in unity as one
True equality can only be achieved when people of all races are united together as one
Though he is dead I say that dream lives on
Though Martin Luther King is no longer with us, his dream of a more just and equal America continues to inspire and motivate us
Now longer will we bow to any man
In the fight for civil rights, we will no longer be subjugated or dominated by anyone
No longer will we live in subjection
We will no longer accept a second-class status, forced to live in a world that does not recognize our full humanity
Oh we have suffered too much, too much in the past
Black Americans have suffered far too long under discrimination and oppression
No more will we accept second class
We will not tolerate the systemic racism and unequal treatment that has been imposed upon us for too long
Equality I know one day we got to get
We are committed to achieving true equality, which we know will come one day, through hard work and perseverance
Oh yes it is as inevitable as death
The pursuit of equality is an undeniable, unstoppable force, like death itself
So let us unite peacefully, we got to be strong
In our struggle for equal rights, we must remain united, steadfast, and peaceful, even in the face of great adversity
Leave all the violence to Stokely Carmichael or H. Rap Brown
We reject violence as a means of achieving our goals, and instead leave such extremist tactics to others who may not share our commitment to peaceful protest
It's going be a long hard summer
The fight for civil rights will be long, difficult, and fraught with challenges
Discrimination has gone too far
The systemic discrimination faced by Black Americans is intolerable and must be addressed through active measures to achieve equality
Luther King is dead and now this we cannot avoid
The tragic loss of Martin Luther King has left us without a strong leader capable of guiding and inspiring us in the fight for civil rights
Segregation must be destroyed
For true equality to be achieved, segregation and any other forms of racial division must be eliminated
Contributed by Jonathan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@roybrown7357
the mighty sparrow always sang songs about events and tradedies that happened in the world,no singer could do it better than him.
@andrewgoddard9146
One of the best
@mightysparrowaz
Thank you for taking so much care with your visual presentation. You`ve managed to perfectly match an important Sparrow audio track to your chosen illustrations.
@TheAnnaFisher
Apprecialove 🙏🏼❤💛🖤💚🎶🔥🌎
@JTC2227
I Have A Dream
@lynettefrancoisdyer926
how do you compare present no content Soca to these classics
@hindspeter3275
Glory to the Spiritual Baptists.Peter Carlos Hinds.
@hindspeter3275
All the best to the Baptist church.Peter Carlos Hinds.
@hindspeter3275
Baptism is not washing the feet.It is washing the whole body.Peter Carlos Hinds.
@hindspeter3275
I will rise on the third day.Peter Carlos Hinds.