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.
Phillip My Dear
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where did you go? Working for good old England,
Missing out all the action. My dear, do you know
There was a man in my bedroom wearing your shoe,
Trying on the royal costume, dipping in the royal perfume
I telling you true.
There was a man in my bedroom
Anxious for a rendezvous and I thought it was you.
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He laylay like you but badder
A man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou, and I took him for you.
The palace guards were playing hopscotch in the yard
Abandon the throne. Being with this perfect stranger
The jewel was in danger for I was alone
With a man in my bedroom loaded with brew
Yes, this malodorous urchin on top of my bed was perching like a cockatoo
A man in my bedroom
Sorry, dear, I misconstrued when I took him for you.
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He laylay like you but badder
A man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou, and I took him for you.
In Buckingham, no one respond to the alarm
So this plunderer displayed inside my boudoir
A tool made for agriculture. I stood there in awe
He told me, "Come hither and foil." and all my good linen he soil
He was so obscene!
There was a man in my bedroom, so nasty and mean,
Singing to me, "God go save the queen!"
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He laylay like you but badder
A man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou, and I took him for you.
Evidently I've suffered great indignity from this commoner
Instead of being free in London
He should be put in a dungeon under the Tower
There was a man in my bedroom enjoying the view
This vicious, immoral scoundrel,
Son of a common mongrel, scared me through and through
There was a man in my bedroom
Your input was overdue and I thought it was you.
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He laylay like you but badder
There was a man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou, and I took him for you.
The song "Phillip My Dear" by Mighty Sparrow is a story about a woman who mistook a stranger for her partner, Phillip. The playful tune disguises the scandalous and sexual nature of the situation that the woman finds herself in. She talks about how the man who entered her bedroom looked like Phillip, but younger, thicker, harder, and badder. She ends up sleeping with the stranger, mistaking him for her partner, and suffers "great indignity." She feels betrayed and angry, wanting the stranger to be punished for his reckless actions.
The song is a commentary on the power dynamics in relationships and the dangers of sex with strangers. The woman narrating the story feels powerless and violated by the stranger, who takes advantage of her to fulfill his desires. The song also touches on themes of betrayal, infidelity, and trust issues in a relationship. It tells a cautionary tale of the consequences of not being honest and faithful to one's partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Phillip, my dear, last night I thought was you in here
Referring to a mistaken identity where the singer believed her partner was with her last night but found someone else instead.
Where did you go? Working for good old England,
The singer questions where her partner is and jokingly suggests that they may be away on official business for the country.
Missing out all the action. My dear, do you know
The singer is disappointed that her partner is not around to enjoy the excitement and adventure of what she has experienced.
There was a man in my bedroom wearing your shoe,
The singer shockingly reveals that a man was in her bedroom and was wearing footwear belonging to her partner.
Trying on the royal costume, dipping in the royal perfume
The man, who entered the singer's bedroom, was not only wearing her partner's shoes but also trying on royal clothing and using royal perfume, leading to the singer's confusion.
I telling you true. There was a man in my bedroom
The singer assures her partner that she is not making up a story; there was indeed a man in her bedroom.
Anxious for a rendezvous and I thought it was you.
The man in the singer's bedroom seemed to be waiting for someone, leading her to assume it was her partner.
He big just like you but younger
The man in the bedroom was physically similar to the singer's partner, but younger, leading to her initial confusion.
He thick just like you but stronger
The man in the bedroom was well-built like the singer's partner but appeared to be stronger, again leading to the singer's confusion.
He lingay like you but harder
The singer notices similarities between the man in her bedroom and her partner's lingay (a Trinidadian word meaning walk or gait), but he had a more aggressive and intense demeanor.
He laylay like you but badder
The man even had a similar way of speech to the singer's partner, but with a rougher, more menacing tone.
The palace guards were playing hopscotch in the yard
The singer is highlighting the apparent lack of security and urgency from the palace guards despite a possible intruder on the loose.
Abandon the throne. Being with this perfect stranger
The term 'abandon the throne' implies that she would rather give up her royal status than be with someone besides her partner, whom she considers her perfect match.
The jewel was in danger for I was alone
The 'jewel' refers to her own life or her own self, which was in danger due to her being alone with the man in her bedroom.
With a man in my bedroom loaded with brew
The man in her bedroom was under the influence of alcohol, making the situation more dangerous and concerning.
Yes, this malodorous urchin on top of my bed was perching like a cockatoo
The man in her bedroom was not only drunk but also smelly and unhygienic and sitting on her bed, resembling a bird sitting on a branch.
Sorry, dear, I misconstrued when I took him for you.
The singer apologizes to her partner for the confusion and incorrectly identifying the man in her bedroom as him.
Evidently I've suffered great indignity from this commoner
The singer feels disrespected and offended by the man in her room, whom she considers beneath her social status and reflects her disdain for the man's actions.
Instead of being free in London
The singer muses that maybe the man would be better off living a life of freedom in London rather than sneaking into her bedroom.
He should be put in a dungeon under the Tower
The singer suggests that such behavior deserves a severe punishment, such as imprisonment in the Tower of London.
This vicious, immoral scoundrel, Son of a common mongrel, scared me through and through
The singer expresses her disgust and fear towards the man in her bedroom, whom she describes as a vicious, immoral man of low social status and with animal-like traits.
Your input was overdue and I thought it was you.
The singer is disappointed that her partner was not around and wishes that he had been with her when a stranger entered her bedroom.
Contributed by Gabriella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dkrahim
Lyrics
[Verse1)]
Phillip, my dear
Last night I thought was you in here
Where did you go?
Working for good old England
Missing out all the action
My dear, do you know?
[Chorus1)]
There was a man in my bedroom
Wearing your shoe
Trying on royal costume
Dipping in royal perfume
I telling you true
There was a man in my bedroom
Anxious for a rendezvous
And I thought it was you
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He lay, lay like you but badder
A man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou
And I took him for you
[Verse 2)]
The palacΠ΅ guards
Were playing hopscotch in the yard
Abandon thΠ΅ throne
Being with this perfect stranger
The jewel was in danger, for I was alone
[Chorus 2)]
With a man in my bedroom
Loaded with brew
Yes, this malodorous urchin
On top of my bed was perching
Like a cockatoo
A man in my bedroom
Sorry, dear, I misconstrued
When I took him for you
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He lay, lay like you but badder
A man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou
And I took him for you
[Verse 3)]
In Buckingham
No one respond to the alarm
So this plunderer
Displayed inside my boudoir
A tool made for agriculture
I stood there in awe
[Chorus 3)]
With a man in my bedroom
Seven feet or more
He told me, "Come hither and foil in all my good linen" he soil
He was so obscene!
There was a man in my bedroom
So nasty and mean
Singing to me, "God, go save the queen!"
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He lay, lay like you but badder
A man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou
And I took him for you
[Verse 4)]
Evidently, I've suffered great indignity
From this commoner
Instead of being free in London
He should be put in a dungeon
Under the tower
[Chorus 4)]
There was a man in my bedroom
Enjoying the view
This vicious, immoral scoundrel
Son of a common mongrel
Scared me through and through
There was a man in my bedroom
Your input was overdue
And I thought it was you
He big just like you but younger
He thick just like you but stronger
He lingay like you but harder
He lay, lay like you but badder
There was a man in my bedroom
He came on the bed, doudou
And I took him for you
@RanjitSingh-lp8zc
A true masterpiece from Sparrow. This is real calypso
@dorethaweatherhead2324
Love it heard king Charles once said he loves this song
@leacock24lenard75
one of the sound that never die keep them coming long live the king
@shellyplunkett-forbes9126
The genius of Sparrow, Social commentary and playing on words at its best
@davidhinkson8856
I first heard this song when I was 13 years old and I still find myself singing it all the time. Very clever use of words as well.
@froglord451
This is actually one of the Queen's favourite songs from Sparrow.
@iayyam
πππ
@mizzyroro
Not only was he a malodorous urchin, but he was also a viscious immoral scoundrel, son of a common mongrel. Now that's lyrics.
@mikelykan.9416
Oh man I havenβt heard this for years. Trini music.πΉπΉπ¬π§
@makedaalexander6276
Looking at the Crown on NETFLIX now..this song finally makes sense. Lol!!