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.
Obeah wedding
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You making yourself a bloody clown
Up and down the country looking for Obeah
And you perspiration smell so strong
Girl you only wasting time
Obeah wedding bells don't chime
And you can't trap me
With necromancy
Carrying me name to Obeah man
All you do can't get through
I still ain't goin' marry to you
The amount of incense that you burn at night
Lard and garlic stinking up me place
So much different color candles that you light
Rubbing red lavender in you face
Nastiness go cause your death
Girl no man can stand your breath
You too damn nasty get away from me
If you really want a wedding ring Melda
There are many other ways and means
Like scrubbing your teeth and bathing regular
Soap and water keeps you fresh and clean
Dress up in the latest style
Always wear a charming smile
Some koo-noo-mooloo bound to say I do
Look how many nights we hug up tight, tight, tight
All we ever know was love and peace
Now every minute is only fight, fight, fight
Till you using Obeah man for priest
You don't seem to understand
Obeah can't upset my plan
For Papa Niser
Is me Grandfather
In Mighty Sparrow's song Obeah Wedding, the singer is addressing a woman named Melda who he believes is trying to use Obeah, a type of sorcery commonly practiced in the Caribbean, to manipulate him into marrying her. The singer accuses Melda of making a fool of herself by using Obeah to the point where she has become a "bloody clown." He goes on to say that the use of Obeah will not result in him marrying her and only makes her appear desperate. Additionally, the singer accuses Melda of being unclean and using a lot of incense and other items associated with Obeah which makes him uncomfortable. In the end, the singer advises Melda to clean up her act and be herself if she wants to find love.
The lyrics of Obeah Wedding tell a story that highlights the cultural practice of Obeah in the Caribbean. The song speaks to the fear of Obeah and its potency and warns against its use in manipulating others. It also addresses the importance of cleanliness, respectability, and being oneself in finding love. Throughout the song, Mighty Sparrow's use of satire and humor captures the attention of the listener and makes a social commentary on relationships and societal standards.
Line by Line Meaning
You making yourself a pappy show Melda
Melda, you are making a fool of yourself
You making yourself a bloody clown
You are acting like a ridiculous clown
Up and down the country looking for Obeah
You are searching across the country for black magic
And you perspiration smell so strong
You are sweating profusely and the odor is overpowering
Girl you only wasting time
You are wasting your time
Obeah wedding bells don't chime
Wedding bells that are the result of black magic won't ring
And you can't trap me
You cannot capture me
With necromancy
By using black magic
Melda oh, you making wedding plans
You, Melda, are planning a wedding
Carrying me name to Obeah man
You are mentioning my name to a black magic priest
All you do can't get through
All your efforts are in vain
I still ain't goin' marry to you
I will not marry you
The amount of incense that you burn at night
You are burning a large quantity of incense at night
Lard and garlic stinking up me place
Your use of lard and garlic is causing a foul odor in my home
So much different color candles that you light
You are lighting candles of various colors
Rubbing red lavender in you face
You are using red lavender on your face
Nastiness go cause your death
Your gross behavior may lead to your demise
Girl no man can stand your breath
No man can tolerate your breath
You too damn nasty get away from me
You are too repulsive, please leave me alone
If you really want a wedding ring Melda
If you truly wish to be married
There are many other ways and means
There are other ways to achieve this goal
Like scrubbing your teeth and bathing regular
For instance, maintaining good hygiene
Soap and water keeps you fresh and clean
Washing regularly will keep you clean
Dress up in the latest style
Wear fashionable clothes
Always wear a charming smile
Wear a pleasant smile
Some koo-noo-mooloo bound to say I do
Some man will be happy to marry you
Look how many nights we hug up tight, tight, tight
We used to hug tightly for many nights
All we ever know was love and peace
Our relationship was based on love and peace
Now every minute is only fight, fight, fight
Now we argue frequently
Till you using Obeah man for priest
To the extent that you have resorted to black magic to get married
You don't seem to understand
You don't comprehend
Obeah can't upset my plan
Black magic cannot disrupt my plans
For Papa Niser
Because my grandfather, Papa Niser
Is me Grandfather
Is my grandfather
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SLINGER FRANCISCO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@datguyaneselady9127
2023 and this still hits 🎶🎶🎶
@josweetlove1537
My late father was a calypso fan. I grew up hearing mostly Sparrow & Kitchener as a child in the UK. My parents were Trinis to de bone !
@cube4547
Hey! Do you know of any songs that are melodically similar to this one?
Thank you!
@andrewhovell7412
YES CONGO MAN.RIBBET. WRIGHT
SELAH.
@evrodphillips8919
Sparrow, what a genius.
@christopherbird1481
my favorite song on the Juke box in GUYANA 1966.
@suchpawsmuchclaws5681
Heard this song on the apple original series called changling had to come searching for the full song
@grangeblood07
The Changeling brought me here.❤
@faulypi
This was just on the Apple TV show The Changeling. I am not too sure about the quality of the show but this music is great. The Mighty Sparrow is a musical genius.
@ShervonFedee
Yep your right