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.
Papa Jack
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Papa Jack, you ain't hear she grumbling?
Me ain't know what you didn't do
But the women is annoyed with you
Since ah know she, I never see she so blue
She say you're a sleepy-head
You're only working but you're really dead
Ah shame to tell you how much gossip the women spread
She say you're getting old and you're getting cold and boring
Any time she call on you you're snoring
Time to shake a leg meh lad and do your duty even though it hard
It is man like you does make good women turn bad
Aye Jack, way you wake up this jezebel?
Papa Jack, she ponging you like hell
Meh ain't tell you to knock she down
But your name dragging on the ground
Every minute of the day she wagging she tongue
Telling people how you're underfed
And how your pencil ain't got no lead
And when she married to you she was out she head
She say you're getting old and you're getting cold and boring
Any time she call on you you're snoring
Time to shake a leg meh lad, do your duty even though it hard
It is man like you does make good women turn bad
Aye Jack, you got to find a solution
Papa Jack, your name in too much confusion
Cut out all your rum-drinking
Keep your body back in trim
I think phosphorine will be just the thing
Be a man and not a mouse
Put some pepper in she souse
You want to show this louse who's boss in the house
And how the hell she mean:
You're getting old and you're getting cold and boring
Any time she call on you you're snoring
Time to shake a leg meh lad, do your duty even though it hard
It is man like you does make good women turn bad
Look Papa Jack, the gossip gone too far
Aye Papa Jack, she want to spoil your character
Every morning she in floods of tears
Telling the neighbours 'bout your home affairs
Well how the Devil you could stand that for so much years?
If was me and she keep carrying on this way
Making meh romance look like child play
Ah tell you Jack, ah see she bedroom 'fore she birthday
Let she say:
You're getting old and you're getting cold and boring
Any time she call on you you're snoring
Time to shake a leg meh lad, do your duty even though it hard
It is man like you does make good women turn bad
The song "Papa Jack" is a calypso song by Mighty Sparrow that tells the story of a woman who is dissatisfied with her husband, Papa Jack, and is spreading rumors about him. The woman complains that Papa Jack is lazy and doesn't listen to her or satisfy her needs. She suggests that he is getting old, cold, and boring, and that he needs to put more effort into their relationship. The song urges Papa Jack to take action and be a better husband before he loses his wife to another man.
The lyrics of the song emphasize the gender roles and expectations of a traditional Caribbean household. The woman is supposed to be submissive and obedient to her husband, while the man is expected to work hard and provide for his family. However, the song challenges these traditional gender roles by suggesting that women are not content with being subordinate and that men need to step up and be more attentive to their wives' needs.
The song "Papa Jack" is one of Mighty Sparrow's most popular songs and has been covered by many other artists. It is a classic example of the calypso genre, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago and is known for its social commentary and critique of authority. The song's catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite of Caribbean audiences for generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Aye Jack, the women quarreling
Hey Jack, the women are arguing
Papa Jack, you ain't hear she grumbling?
Papa Jack, have you not heard her complaining?
Me ain't know what you didn't do
I don't know what you did wrong
But the women is annoyed with you
But the women are upset with you
Since ah know she, I never see she so blue
Since I've known her, I've never seen her so unhappy
She say you're a sleepy-head
She says you are lazy
You're only working but you're really dead
You are just going through the motions without any real effort
Ah shame to tell you how much gossip the women spread
I am embarrassed to tell you how much the women gossip about you
She say you're getting old and you're getting cold and boring
She says you are becoming old, uninterested, and dull
Any time she call on you you're snoring
Whenever she tries to engage you, you are sleeping
Time to shake a leg meh lad and do your duty even though it hard
It's time for you to step up and fulfill your responsibilities, even if it's difficult
It is man like you does make good women turn bad
Men like you are the reason good women turn bad
Aye Jack, way you wake up this jezebel?
Hey Jack, why did you awaken this promiscuous woman?
Papa Jack, she ponging you like hell
Papa Jack, she is heavily criticizing you
Meh ain't tell you to knock she down
I didn't tell you to physically harm her
But your name dragging on the ground
But your name is being tarnished
Every minute of the day she wagging she tongue
She is talking about you all the time
Telling people how you're underfed
Telling people that you are not well-fed
And how your pencil ain't got no lead
And how your virility is lacking
And when she married to you she was out she head
And that she was not thinking clearly when she married you
Aye Jack, you got to find a solution
Hey Jack, you need to find a solution
Papa Jack, your name in too much confusion
Papa Jack, your reputation is too tarnished
Cut out all your rum-drinking
Stop drinking so much rum
Keep your body back in trim
Get back in shape
I think phosphorine will be just the thing
I think phosphorine will be helpful
Be a man and not a mouse
Be strong and assertive
Put some pepper in she souse
Be assertive with her
You want to show this louse who's boss in the house
You want to show her who is in charge in the relationship
Look Papa Jack, the gossip gone too far
Look Papa Jack, the gossip has gone too far
Aye Papa Jack, she want to spoil your character
Hey Papa Jack, she wants to ruin your reputation
Every morning she in floods of tears
She cries every morning
Telling the neighbours 'bout your home affairs
Telling the neighbors about your personal life
Well how the Devil you could stand that for so much years?
How have you been able to tolerate this for so many years?
If was me and she keep carrying on this way
If it were me and she kept behaving like this
Making meh romance look like child play
Making my relationship look like a joke
Ah tell you Jack, ah see she bedroom 'fore she birthday
I'm telling you Jack, I know what she's up to before her birthday
Contributed by Josiah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jennifer Ming
I love this song but I do enjoy more of Sparrow's songs. Am playing them 'cos tomorrow would have been my Dad's birthday and he just loved Sparrow's tunes. This song is from one of the same albums that my Dad had. Wish you were still here, Dad.
Jennita Oscar
True words .
deanna peterson
My favourite one:)P
mightysparrowaz
Jerri southern
NORMAN OSBORNE
HEY JACK THE WOMAN QUARELLING....PAPA JACK YOU AIN'T SHE GRUMBLING (DIG DOWN SO DEEP FOR DIS YA ONE*****PAPA JACK) CARVE OUT OUT THEM LYRICS>>>>KING SPARROW.