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.
Pay As You Earn
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But we have we self to blame
It's a shame, it's a shame
We have we self to blame
We ask for new Government
Now they taking every cent
Cost of living is the same
It is really a burning shame
The Doctor say to pay as you earn
But Sparrow say you paying to learn
But me father say he sharpening the axe
For when the collector come to cheat off the income tax
Plenty people is in misery
But this tax ain't bothering me
For I am not working anywhere
So I have no income to share
But Mr. This and Mr. That
Who accustom with they pay roll fat
Is to see them shedding tears
Men like De Freitas and Fernandez
The Doctor say to pay as you earn
But Sparrow say you paying to learn
But me father say he sharpening the axe
For when the collector come to cheat off the income tax
Plenty people want to cry
They miss the water, the well run dry
But they can't do a thing about it
The money ain't going in the Doctor pocket
First of all we want better schools
So your children won't grow up as fools
Then work for you and me
That is what plenty ah them can't see
The Doctor say to pay as you earn
And Sparrow say you paying to learn
And here me father say he sharpening the axe
For when the collector pass to cheat off the income tax
When the Doctor went up to England
They bluntly refuse to support his plan
So there is nothing more he could do
Than to get it from me and you
That's the law now in Trinidad
If you don't like it, that's too bad
Take your things and clear out today
Because all who working must pay, yes
The Doctor say to pay as you earn
And Sparrow say you paying to learn
Even me father say he selling the axe
For when the collector come to pay off the income tax
The Mighty Sparrow's Pay As You Earn is a political calypso song that criticizes Trinidad and Tobago's tax system, which was introduced in the 1960s. In the chorus, the phrase "it's a shame" is repeated, conveying a sense of disappointment that the people have to suffer under an unjust system. The song primarily targets the new government of Trinidad and Tobago, which had just been elected and was seen as taking every cent from the people's pockets. The song raises the issue of the high cost of living, which made it difficult for people to make ends meet.
In the verses, Sparrow gives his own interpretation of the 'Pay As You Earn' levy, stating that he is paying to learn, which insinuates that he is not reaping any benefit. He mentions his father's axe, which he is sharpening for when the tax collector comes, implying that people are angry and may resort to violent behavior. The song also suggests that some individuals may be cheating on their income taxes. Sparrow talks about men who are accustomed to their fat payroll, shedding tears rather than feeling a sense of responsibility towards their fellow citizens. The song ends with Sparrow suggesting that the people who do not wish to pay taxes can leave the country, as the law had been implemented, and everyone working had to pay.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a shame, it's a shame
The situation is deeply regrettable
But we have we self to blame
We are responsible for what has happened
We ask for new Government
We demanded a new leadership
Now they taking every cent
The new government is taking all our money
Cost of living is the same
The cost of basic necessities remain the same despite changes in government
It is really a burning shame
It's a deeply distressing situation
The Doctor say to pay as you earn
The government advises to pay taxes regularly
But Sparrow say you paying to learn
The singer believes that paying taxes is simply an expensive lesson
But me father say he sharpening the axe
The father is preparing to evade taxes
For when the collector come to cheat off the income tax
In anticipation of the government's move to avoid paying taxes
Plenty people is in misery
Many people are suffering
But this tax ain't bothering me
The singer is unaffected by the tax
For I am not working anywhere
The singer is currently unemployed
So I have no income to share
The singer has no income to give
But Mr. This and Mr. That
The people with high paying jobs
Who accustom with they pay roll fat
Those who are accustomed to receiving a high paycheque
Is to see them shedding tears
It's ironic to see them struggling with the tax deduction
Men like De Freitas and Fernandez
Here are examples of people who are struggling with taxes
Plenty people want to cry
Many people are upset about the situation
They miss the water, the well run dry
They have no respite from the burden of taxes
But they can't do a thing about it
They feel helpless
The money ain't going in the Doctor pocket
The taxes are not benefiting the common people
First of all we want better schools
The people demand better educational institutions
So your children won't grow up as fools
For the sake of the children's education
Then work for you and me
The government should work for the people's benefit
That is what plenty ah them can't see
The government officials are blind to the needs of the people
When the Doctor went up to England
When the government reached out to the United Kingdom for help
They bluntly refuse to support his plan
The UK refused to help
So there is nothing more he could do
The government officials are helpless
Than to get it from me and you
They resorted to collecting taxes from the population
That's the law now in Trinidad
Taxation is now a legal requirement
If you don't like it, that's too bad
Disliking the situation will not change the law
Take your things and clear out today
The population is threatened with leaving Trinidad if they refuse to pay taxes
Because all who working must pay, yes
All working citizens must pay taxes
Contributed by Mason N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jocelyn hierso
Ce sont des vieux que j'aime. Que la Paix emporte.
SKYPAT99
This one is for the ages - All Trini's
jocelyn hierso
Des vieux Calypso