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.
Monica Dou Dou
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No woman in the world sweeter than you
Monica dou dou
No woman in the world sweeter than you
You sweeter than Gwendoline
You sweeter than Madeline
Girl you sweet like a honey comb
I don't see why your husband doesn't stay home
"Me ain't know me dear," she said
"Like the man ain't care
This mister does leave me here alone
For weeks he don't come home
I have to depend on me seaman friend
When the seaman friend bring a friend
Is then I have cash to spend"
"Darling that's a shame
Your husband is the only one to blame
He shouldn't get on so
A women like you he shouldn't let go
You may not have quality
But you got personality
Your husband stupid like hell
If was me I ain't letting a next man smell"
"Me ain't know me dear 'bout that
Like the man ain't care
This mister does leave me here alone
For weeks he don't come home
I have to depend on me seaman friend
And if the seaman friend bring a friend
Is then I have cash to spend"
Then she said to me:
"Sparrow, I think I making a baby
But I don't know who
Is the father or who to give it to"
She want me to help she out
But I planning to back out
So I turn around and ask she flat
What she think she husband go say 'bout that
So she tell me:
"Me ain't know me dear, the man he ain't care
This mister does leave me here alone
For weeks he don't come home
I have to depend on me seaman friend
When me seaman friend bring a friend
Is then I have cash to spend"
One day she come by me
Quite way, I living down Petit Valley
So we drink and thing
Then all suddenly she started questioning:
"How much children you have? How much women you have?"
"No children, I expecting one"
She jump and then ask where the mother gone
So I tell she:
"Me ain't know me dear, like the girl ain't care
This women does leave me here alone
For days she don't come home
I have to depend on meh next girl friend
When me next girl friend work on she boy friend
Then I get cash to spend"
Oh yeah!
The song "Monica Dou Dou" by Mighty Sparrow is a humorous calypso about a woman named Monica, whom Sparrow describes as the sweetest woman in the world. The song also reveals the unfaithfulness and casual attitudes towards relationships in Trinidad and Tobago at the time it was released. Sparrow tells Monica that she deserves better than the neglectful husband she has and that he would not let another man have her if she were his wife. However, Monica reveals that she has been unfaithful to her husband with her seaman friend, and possibly others, to make ends meet, leaving Sparrow perplexed about his own impending fatherhood.
The lyrics are a commentary on the social norms and expectations of relationships in Trinidad and Tobago, including the double standards for men and women when it comes to sexual fidelity, financial dependence and gender roles. The song shows a time when infidelity was commonplace, and men often had extramarital affairs while their wives were left to fend for themselves. Sparrow, representing the 'average man,' expresses his surprise at Monica's attitude towards her unfaithfulness and her cavalier attitude towards possible paternity; still, he ultimately does not judge her.
Line by Line Meaning
Monica dou dou
The singer is addressing the woman Monica and emphasizing her sweet nature
No woman in the world sweeter than you
The singer believes that Monica is the sweetest woman in the world
You sweeter than Gwendoline
Monica is sweeter than a woman named Gwendoline
You sweeter than Madeline
Monica is sweeter than a woman named Madeline
Girl you sweet like a honey comb
Monica's sweetness is compared to that of a honeycomb
I don't see why your husband doesn't stay home
The singer thinks that Monica's husband should stay home with her because of her sweet nature
"Me ain't know me dear," she said
Monica speaks with a Trinidadian Creole accent and says that she doesn't know
"Like the man ain't care
Monica says that her husband doesn't care for her
This mister does leave me here alone
Monica's husband leaves her alone for long periods of time
For weeks he don't come home
Monica's husband doesn't come home for weeks at a time
I have to depend on me seaman friend
Monica relies on her seaman friend for help
When the seaman friend bring a friend
Monica gets money from her seaman friend when he brings a friend
Is then I have cash to spend"
Monica has money to spend when her seaman friend brings a friend
"Darling that's a shame
The singer thinks it's a shame that Monica's husband doesn't appreciate her
Your husband is the only one to blame
The singer believes that Monica's husband is responsible for their problems
A women like you he shouldn't let go
The singer thinks that Monica's husband shouldn't let her go
You may not have quality
The singer acknowledges that Monica may not have high social status
But you got personality
The singer thinks that Monica has a great personality
Your husband stupid like hell
The singer thinks that Monica's husband is very stupid
If was me I ain't letting a next man smell"
The singer wouldn't let another man come near his woman if he were in Monica's husband's situation
"Then she said to me:
Monica speaks to the singer
"Sparrow, I think I making a baby
Monica tells the singer that she thinks she's pregnant
But I don't know who
Monica doesn't know who the father is
Is the father or who to give it to"
Monica is unsure who the father is and who to give the baby to
She want me to help she out
Monica wants the singer to help her
But I planning to back out
The singer is planning to back out of helping Monica
So I turn around and ask she flat
The singer asks Monica straightforwardly
What she think she husband go say 'bout that
The singer asks Monica what her husband will say about the baby
"So she tell me:
Monica responds to the singer
"Me ain't know me dear, the man he ain't care
Monica says that her husband doesn't care for her
When me seaman friend work on she boy friend
Monica implies that she cheats on her husband with her seaman friend's boyfriend
Then I get cash to spend"
Monica gets money to spend when her friend's boyfriend works on her
One day she come by me
One day, Monica visits the singer
Quite way, I living down Petit Valley
The singer lives in Petit Valley
So we drink and thing
The singer and Monica drink and engage in conversation
Then all suddenly she started questioning:
Monica begins asking the singer questions
"How much children you have? How much women you have?"
Monica asks the singer how many children and women he has
"No children, I expecting one"
The singer tells Monica that he doesn't have any children but is expecting one
She jump and then ask where the mother gone
Monica is surprised and asks where the mother went
"This women does leave me here alone
The singer says that the mother of his child has left him alone
For days she don't come home
The mother of the singer's child doesn't come home for days at a time
I have to depend on meh next girl friend
The singer depends on his other girlfriend for help
When me next girl friend work on she boy friend
The singer implies that his other girlfriend is cheating on her boyfriend with him
Then I get cash to spend"
The singer gets money to spend when his girlfriend cheats on her boyfriend with him
Oh yeah!
An exclamation expressing satisfaction or excitement
Writer(s): Francisco Slinger
Contributed by Carson F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joy A.
on Capitalism gone Mad
I hope there's a 2020 appearance in NYC!
I will definitely get tickets!
Amina Phillip
on Education Is Essential
I love your video and it is a good calypso that Ican makeone about education to
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Bokaille Bodlo
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.