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.
Meh No. Is 69
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say it out loud!
I met a lovely lady, one night in a dance
She wanted to entertain me, so I took the chance
Ah give she twenty dollars entertainment fee
When ah tell she "go ahead", hear what the girl said to me:
"The customer′s always right and to please you is my delight
I am here to entertain, I ain't want your money in vain
But if you really want good performance
And you really want to enjoy this romance
You got to make up your mind," she said, "meh number is 69"
Ring me!
Solo for so
She had a lovely figure and pretty for so
Boy she had meh gazing at her from she head to toe
Though I never reach that number ah willing to try
But I ain′t know how to answer, ah bashful and shy
She say, come on!
"The customer's always right and to please you is my delight
I am here to entertain, I ain't want your money in vain
But if you really want good performance
I ain′t believe in a one-sided romance
You got to make up your mind, meh number is 69"
Ring me anytime!
Ah change the conversation, ah say well she mad
Let we talk ′bout something else, gal you could play card
Come let me show you black jack she say "Sparrow take your time
Black jack too hard, I ain't like it, talk about 69"
Way you talking!
"The customer′s always right and to please you is my delight
I am here to entertain, I ain't want your money in vain
But if you really want good performance
And you really want to enjoy this romance
You got to make up your mind, meh number is 69"
Ring me!
Well I was so embarrassed later when ah find
I was judging this woman by meh dirty mind
I was so wrong about her and I′m so sorry
I was thinking she was thinking I had habits like Melody
When she tell me:
"The customer's always right and to please you is my delight
I am here to entertain, I ain′t want your money in vain
But if you really want good performance
And you really want to enjoy this romance
Twenty bucks is all meh lime, the lagniappe is 69"
Way you talking!
Stupid!
The lyrics of the Mighty Sparrow's song "Meh No. Is 69" narrate a story about a man who meets a woman at a dance and pays her $20 for her entertainment fee. The woman tells the man that she is there to entertain him and that she wants to please him. However, she also tells him that if he wants to enjoy the romance, he needs to make up his mind and call her at 69, implying a sexual innuendo. The man is hesitant, but the woman persists, and he ultimately realizes that he was wrong to judge her based on his dirty mind.
The song portrays a relationship between the male and the female characters while playing with the double meaning of the number 69. The woman seems confident and in control, whereas the man is shy and hesitant, highlighting the power dynamics between the sexes. The song also highlights the importance of communication in relationships, as the man misunderstands the woman's intentions, initially judging her based on his assumptions.
Line by Line Meaning
One more time!
Repeat what I said
Say it out loud!
Speak up
I met a lovely lady, one night in a dance
I encountered a beautiful woman at a dance event one night
She wanted to entertain me, so I took the chance
She desired to amuse me and I decided to allow her
Ah give she twenty dollars entertainment fee
I gave her $20 as payment for entertaining me
When ah tell she "go ahead", hear what the girl said to me:
When I told her to continue, she replied with
"The customer′s always right and to please you is my delight
"You are always right and my pleasure lies in pleasing you
I am here to entertain, I ain't want your money in vain
I am here to amuse you and not take your money without providing good service
But if you really want good performance
However, if you expect excellent service
And you really want to enjoy this romance
And if you desire to enjoy our encounter
You got to make up your mind," she said, "meh number is 69"
You need to make a decision; my phone number for a satisfactory service is 69
Ring me!
Call me
Solo for so
On my own from then on
She had a lovely figure and pretty for so
She had a stunning appearance
Boy she had meh gazing at her from she head to toe
I could not take my eyes off her from head to toe
Though I never reach that number ah willing to try
Although I do not reach that number, I am willing to try
But I ain′t know how to answer, ah bashful and shy
But I did not know how to respond; I was shy and embarrassed
She say, come on!
She urged me on
I ain′t believe in a one-sided romance
I do not believe in a one-way relationship
Well believe me
Trust me
Ah change the conversation, ah say well she mad
I changed the topic of discussion by saying she was insane
Let we talk ′bout something else, gal you could play card
Let's not discuss this anymore; you could play a card game instead
Come let me show you black jack she say "Sparrow take your time
I suggested playing black jack, but she refused and said to take my time
Black jack too hard, I ain't like it, talk about 69"
Black jack is too difficult, I did not enjoy it; let us talk about 69 instead
Well I was so embarrassed later when ah find
I felt humiliated when I later discovered
I was judging this woman by meh dirty mind
I was assuming this woman was like me and had inappropriate thoughts
I was so wrong about her and I′m so sorry
I was incorrect about her, and I apologize
I was thinking she was thinking I had habits like Melody
I assumed she thought I had questionable habits like Melody
"Twenty bucks is all meh lime, the lagniappe is 69"
"All I require is $20 for my time, and the added bonus is 69"
Way you talking!
What are you saying? I cannot believe it
Stupid!
Insane or ridiculous
Contributed by Audrey E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@calypsomusicgeorgerampersad
Not de two chord rubbish soca dat we gettin deeze days. Rell kaiso!
@anthonytenia3232
Those were the days when Calypso had REAL MUSIC...Just listen to the Orchestration in this Calypso and judge for yourself. Personally I know every word in this Calypso !!!! Kaiso kaiso !!!!!! This whole album was super..........
@SuperSnk1
This maths formula 69 has been controversial ever since.For some it's easily solvable whilst for others it's a problem to comprehend. The Doc encountered a situation where the Damsel found his Black Jack was too hard to play and he being a Doctor of Letters found the Maths difficult . The secret to Maths is practice and Trinis learn very fast, so I am sure that the Doc was able to understand it quickly. His classic" 60 million french men could not be wrong" is testimony to that. Thanks.
@elizabethmartin7452
Beautiful music
@RaymondDasilva-ec4qu
The Kng Of Calypso Great Lyricks
@normanosborne7367
69 IS REALLY A UNIQUE NUMBER FOR TRUE. YOU GOT TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND SHE SAY HER NUMBER IS 69. SUPER LYRICS
@marnanel
What's "habits like Melody"?
@BukNebuchadnezzar
pitch bend has been controversial ever since.
@Shanathepretty101
MY NUMBER IS 696969696969696969696
@travoraleone8521
Wendy Alleyne