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.
Mr. Robinson & Lock Joint
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well it′s now here clean
Port of Spain got sewerage scheme
Well it's now here clean
Lock Joint are picking up all the waste
From your place and that′s the case
I think it's a job of class,
The only dirty place now is the LabasseLet me tell you...
I believe in sanitation (it is a good thing)
But Mr Robinson and Lock Joint (pulling and tugging)
You see, you got to buy food, you got to eat good
Before Lock Joint get something
But the taxman so fierce, the food getting scarce
Them pipe go live on wind
The big, big pipes that does carry plenty load
Down Mucurapo road
Well, the only impression that I got
St. James people does eat a lot
Diego Martin ain't making fun
With some good size one, just like in town
But Belmont and Laventille
Have the smallest switch pipe I ever see
Whey you talking?
The people they got in Belmont (also Laventille)
Can′t supply Lock Joint with nothing (in a quantity)
You see, they got to buy food, they got to eat good
Before Lock Joint get something
But the taxman so fierce, the food getting scarce
Them pipe going to live on wind
All through the city is big hole
Motor car lost control
Man, you bumping up like your riding on a camel
Dust block up your nostril
In New York you know about instant coffee
Instant tea for when you′re in a hurry
But in town here the case is blood
Every instant you inhale it's instant mud
Have you ever seen a cowboy (lassoing cattle?)
Kerchief round he nose through the dust (that was strong people)
If you ain′t sneezing, it's then you stifling
You fighting to stay healthy
Lock Joint is good for us but please keep down the dust
Them pipes going to stay empty
Dungaree and khaki is the thing
That is all people wearing
Executives and men who out on strike
Toute moune dress alike
When the wind blow for miles around
All through town, every building brown
You working hard to get it complete
But to know if it working we got to eat
Whey you talking?
I believe in sanitation (it is a good thing)
Mr Robinson and Lock Joint (pulling and tugging)
You got to buy food, you got to eat good
Before Lock Joint get something
But the taxman so fierce, the food getting scarce
Them pipe going to live on wind
The song "Mr. Robinson & Lock Joint" by Mighty Sparrow is a commentary on the Port of Spain's newly implemented sewerage system. The song begins by celebrating the arrival of the sewerage scheme to clean up the city, with Lock Joint being praised for their job of picking up all the waste. The only "dirty place" now is Labasse, meaning that the city is now generally clean and sanitary. However, the song shifts to criticism of the system when Mighty Sparrow begins to talk about the struggles that Lock Joint and Mr. Robinson face with the taxation system and scarce food supplies. The pipes that were meant to be filled with waste are now empty, living on the wind because the food is scarce, and the taxman is fierce.
Mighty Sparrow then goes on to talk about the dust, which has made life difficult for the people of Port of Spain. The dust is everywhere, covering the streets and buildings with brown. The workers are working hard to complete the sewerage system, but the song concludes with the idea that to know if the system is definitely working, the people need to eat.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the challenges that come with modernizing a city's sanitation system. It illustrates the issues faced by the workers and the government's taxation system, as well as the impact on the daily lives of the people.
Line by Line Meaning
Port of Spain got sewerage scheme
The city now has a new infrastructure for waste management.
Well it's now here clean
The streets are now clean and waste is being managed well.
Lock Joint are picking up all the waste
Lock Joint is responsible for collecting waste in the area.
From your place and that's the case
Lock Joint collects waste from each and every house in the vicinity.
I think it's a job of class,
Lock Joint's work is commendable.
The only dirty place now is the Labasse
The only place with some waste left is the vicinity of the Labasse.
I believe in sanitation (it is a good thing)
I support the idea of good waste management practices.
But Mr Robinson and Lock Joint (pulling and tugging)
Lock Joint is struggling to collect waste due to tax issues and the shortage of food.
You see, you got to buy food, you got to eat good
People need to have enough food and resources to prioritize waste management.
Before Lock Joint get something
People need to make sure they have enough food before contributing waste for Lock Joint to collect.
But the taxman so fierce, the food getting scarce
The high taxes are making it difficult for people to afford food.
Them pipe go live on wind
Waste cannot be collected if people do not have enough food to produce it.
The big, big pipes that does carry plenty load
The pipes can handle lots of waste.
Down Mucurapo road
The pipes are installed along Mucurapo road.
Well, the only impression that I got
My observation of the area is that
St. James people does eat a lot
People in St. James consume a lot of food.
Diego Martin ain't making fun
The people in Diego Martin take waste management seriously.
With some good size one, just like in town
Diego Martin faces the same waste management challenges as the city.
But Belmont and Laventille
The people in Belmont and Laventille
Have the smallest switch pipe I ever see
Have very little waste to dispose of.
The people they got in Belmont (also Laventille)
The people in Belmont and Laventille
Can't supply Lock Joint with nothing (in a quantity)
Cannot contribute enough waste for Lock Joint to collect.
All through the city is big hole
There are many construction sites in the city.
Motor car lost control
The roads are chaotic and difficult to drive in due to construction work.
Man, you bumping up like your riding on a camel
Vehicles are facing bumpy rides due to uneven and unsurfaced roads.
Dust block up your nostril
The construction work is causing excessive dust in the area.
In New York you know about instant coffee
Instant beverages are popular in New York.
Instant tea for when you're in a hurry
Instant tea is a quick and popular beverage choice.
But in town here the case is blood
However, in this town, waste is a bigger problem than the need for instant beverages.
Every instant you inhale it's instant mud
The excessive dust in the area results in breathing in solid particles of dirt.
Have you ever seen a cowboy (lassoing cattle?)
Have you ever seen a cowboy catching cattle with a lasso?
Kerchief round he nose through the dust (that was strong people)
Cowboys wore handkerchiefs on their noses to protect themselves from the strong dust.
If you ain't sneezing, it's then you stifling
The dust is so strong that it can cause one to either sneeze or stifle.
You fighting to stay healthy
People are trying to stay healthy despite the unhygienic conditions.
Lock Joint is good for us but please keep down the dust
Lock Joint is good for the area, but there needs to be a solution to minimize dust during construction work.
Them pipes going to stay empty
Unless people produce enough waste, the pipes will have nothing to collect.
Dungaree and khaki is the thing
People are wearing mostly dungarees and khaki clothing.
That is all people wearing
The dress code is simple and limited to work clothing.
Executives and men who out on strike
Even executives and strikers follow the dress code.
Toute moune dress alike
Everyone dresses similarly.
When the wind blow for miles around
When the wind blows for a long distance
All through town, every building brown
All buildings in town are covered with brown dust.
You working hard to get it complete
Efforts are being made to complete the construction work.
But to know if it working we got to eat
The success of the waste management system can be determined by the cleanliness of the food we eat.
Writer(s): Slinger Francisco
Contributed by Allison A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@normanosborne7367
CALYPSO KING OF THE WORLD SINGING ABOUT THE SITUATION IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO. CRUCIAL LYRICS.