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.
Parables
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And anything at all go wrong
I used to run to mih grandmother
For she to help me but oh, brother!
When she talk is only parable,
When she done, I in more trouble
I know is good advice she giving
But what the Devil she saying?
An ounce of prevention better than a whole pound of cure, doodoo
(Never trouble trouble until trouble trouble you)
You scratch my back before yours get scratch
(When you drinking gasoline, doh eat match)
What sweet in goat mouth go sour in he pants
(Egg have no right in rock stone dance)
Exchange no robbery, any port for a storm
(Can't clean ground for monkey run on)
I really thought she was madwoman
Because I really couldn't understand
All these parables she using,
To me it was too confusing
You young, you quick to fall in love
And always have problem to solve
I think I getting help from she
But she telling me Nancy story.
Lalin kouwi jou pawe
(One day, one day, congotay)
Who have coco in sun always looking for rain
(He who have cocobay doh 'fraid yaws again)
Wise man will never practice what you hear him preach
(So doh hang your hat where you hand can't reach)
Love soon get cold when it run hot like... caca
That's the one I like!
Boy, oh boy, she was a real good sport,
The real amusing sort
She could fix any problem, I'm sure,
She had a plaster for every sore
When you live in glass house don't pelt stone
The window you break might be your own
Who bring you news go carry back on you
Everything she tell me is true.
Show me a thief, I will show you a liar
(Birds of a feather flock together)
Knowledge is power, wisdom is force
(Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse)
Fool could make money but is wise man to spend it
(Nobody could teach an old dog new trick)
One hand can't clap, once bitten twice shy
(And you never miss the water 'til the well run dry)
Tell me granny!
Yeh dat sweet.
The song "Parables" by Mighty Sparrow talks about the wise advice and teachings of the singer's grandmother, who used to give parables when he was young. The singer used to go to his grandmother for help whenever he faced any problem, but he found it confusing when she gave him advice in the form of parables. Even though he knew that she was giving him good advice, he wasn't able to understand what she was saying. The wisdom passed down by his grandmother comprises proverbs that are still relevant today, and the song presents them in a humorous way.
Some of the proverbs which his grandmother recited include, "An ounce of prevention better than a whole pound of cure," which means that it is better to try to avoid a problem in the first place rather than fixing it later. Another one was, "When you live in a glass house, don't pelt stone, the window you break might be your own," which cautions that we shouldn't harm others as it might come back to harm us. The song is a tribute to the wisdom, humor, and teachings passed down from the singer's grandmother that have stayed with him throughout his life.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago, boy, when I was young
When Mighty Sparrow was young, his grandmother used to teach him wise words through parables.
And anything at all go wrong
Whenever he faced any problem, he would run to his grandmother for help.
I used to run to mih grandmother
Mighty Sparrow would always go to his grandmother for advice.
For she to help me but oh, brother!
He was confident that his grandmother could help him, but sometimes her parables confused him.
When she talk is only parable,
His grandmother used parables to teach him important lessons.
When she done, I in more trouble
Sometimes, her parables would leave him more confused and in more trouble.
I know is good advice she giving
Mighty Sparrow recognized that his grandmother was giving him good advice.
But what the Devil she saying?
However, sometimes he found it difficult to understand the meaning behind her parables.
An ounce of prevention better than a whole pound of cure, doodoo
It's better to prevent a problem from happening than to try and fix it once it has happened.
(Never trouble trouble until trouble trouble you)
Avoid getting into unnecessary trouble.
You scratch my back before yours get scratch
Help others and they are more likely to help you in return.
(When you drinking gasoline, doh eat match)
Don't do things that are likely to cause you harm.
What sweet in goat mouth go sour in he pants
Don't be too quick to trust the things that seem sweet or enjoyable.
(Egg have no right in rock stone dance)
Sometimes you can't force things to happen if they are not meant to be.
Exchange no robbery, any port for a storm
Sometimes you have to compromise in order to survive a difficult situation.
(Can't clean ground for monkey run on)
You can't prepare for every possibility or prevent every bad thing from happening.
I really thought she was madwoman
Mighty Sparrow sometimes thought his grandmother was crazy for using parables to teach him.
Because I really couldn't understand
He sometimes found it difficult to understand the meaning behind the parables.
All these parables she using,
His grandmother used many parables to teach him important lessons.
To me it was too confusing
He found the parables confusing and difficult to understand.
You young, you quick to fall in love
His grandmother recognized that Mighty Sparrow was young and inexperienced with love.
And always have problem to solve
He often faced problems and needed his grandmother's help to solve them.
I think I getting help from she
He believed that his grandmother was helping him by using parables to teach him.
But she telling me Nancy story.
However, sometimes he felt that she was telling him stories that were not relevant to his situation.
Lalin kouwi jou pawe
A Haitian phrase that means 'one day, one day, something will happen.'
(One day, one day, congotay)
This line is a variation of the Haitian saying above.
Who have coco in sun always looking for rain
Those who have everything are always looking for more.
(He who have cocobay doh 'fraid yaws again)
This line is a variation of the line above.
Wise man will never practice what you hear him preach
Some people give good advice, but don't always follow it themselves.
(So doh hang your hat where you hand can't reach)
Don't expect too much or reach too far beyond your capabilities.
Love soon get cold when it run hot like... caca
Sometimes love can fade away quickly, even if it started off strong.
(Married man he wait for her to sting obeah)
Sometimes people do bad things out of fear or jealousy.
That's the one I like!
Mighty Sparrow found this parable to be humorous and enjoyable.
Boy, oh boy, she was a real good sport,
His grandmother was always patient and willing to help him.
The real amusing sort
She could make him laugh with her witty parables.
She could fix any problem, I'm sure,
He trusted that his grandmother could solve any problem he faced.
She had a plaster for every sore
She always had a solution to any problem he faced, no matter how big or small.
When you live in glass house don't pelt stone
Don't criticize others if you are not perfect yourself.
The window you break might be your own
Be careful with your actions, as they may have unintended consequences.
Who bring you news go carry back on you
Be careful who you talk to, as they may share your secrets or gossip about you.
Everything she tell me is true.
Mighty Sparrow trusted that his grandmother was always telling him the truth through her parables.
Show me a thief, I will show you a liar
People who lie are often hiding something or doing something wrong.
(Birds of a feather flock together)
People with similar personalities or interests often hang out together.
Knowledge is power, wisdom is force
Having knowledge and wisdom can be more powerful than physical strength.
(Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse)
Having too much enthusiasm without proper knowledge or guidance can be dangerous.
Fool could make money but is wise man to spend it
Making money might be easy, but knowing how to spend it wisely is more important.
(Nobody could teach an old dog new trick)
Older people are often resistant to change or learning new things.
One hand can't clap, once bitten twice shy
Sometimes you need cooperation from others to be successful, and past negative experiences can make you more cautious in the future.
(And you never miss the water 'til the well run dry)
You often don't appreciate something until it's gone.
Tell me granny!
Mighty Sparrow was eager to learn from his wise grandmother's parables.
Yeh dat sweet.
He enjoyed his grandmother's parables, even though they were sometimes confusing.
Contributed by Gabriel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mileswalcott7241
I remember this song as a child but I now understand the wisdom
@sylviaemmons9576
This is new,excellent lyrics
@cheryldellareece3357
Sparrow IS THE GREATEST CALYPSONIAN of all time!
@cube4547
Small bits of this feels like a nice, fun arrangement of "what a wonderful world"
@chrismyers3675
Classic sparrow
@mileswalcott7241
I had a great aunt who all these sayings
@carolcyrus7111
mighty sparrow I listen to your claypso every day all the claypso sound so good it's the best long time amen
@darwincharles383
When judgeing claypso u get points 4 rendition, performance vocal quality and others this is where Sparrow Excelled. The best renderer of Calypso in my book
@darwincharles2787
Facts
@kusmin69
Children of today should listen to this - always heed the advice of the elders.