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.
Present Government
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Poor Dr. William
Come on, I said what′s wrong with this island
Poor Dr. William
Everybody doing what they like
Striking when they want to strike
It appears that nobody cares
About the island economy
I tell you:
No gas today, no phone tomorrow
What next I don't know
No drain digging, no rubbish cleaning
Only corbeaux working
The island as you see suffering politically
Because the present Government have some stupid opponent
Oh Lord man they ignorant
Because the present Government have some stupid opponent
Not one is intelligent
Some of them, them opposing bandit
So much crime they commit
Some again have no education
Is them does make the confusion
Anything at all the Premier say
They always standing in the way
And like they suffering from a mental block
Talking one set of sewerage talk
I tell you:
No gas today, no phone tomorrow
What next I don′t know
No drain digging, no rubbish cleaning
Only corbeaux working
The island as you see suffering politically
And then the present Government have some stupid opponent
Oh Lord man they ignorant
I said the present Government have some stupid opponent
Causing they own self embarrassment
Sometimes you hear over the radio
Big trouble in the Leg. Co.
The Premier cannot make a suggestion
Without a big objection
And some of them way want to object
Really should have a rope 'round they neck
That is why the Venezuelan
Nearly kill one with a right hand
I tell you:
No gas today, no phone tomorrow
What they doing I don't know
No drain digging, no rubbish cleaning
Only corbeaux working
The island as you see suffering politically
And then the present Government have some stupid opponent
Oh Lord man they ignorant
I said the present Government have some stupid opponent
Not one is intelligent
The song "Present Government" by Mighty Sparrow is a political commentary on the state of affairs on the island, with a focus on the failures of the current government. The lyrics express frustration and disappointment with the ineffective leadership of the island, with a recurrent pessimistic depictions of the state of the island.
The song begins with a repeated questioning of the state of the island’s economy and a reference to Dr. William, conveying a sense of dejection at the pitiful state of affairs. The lyrics draw attention to the lack of efficiency and drive for progress, with the island suffering politically due to the incompetence of the present government and the unintelligent behaviour of their opponents. The chorus highlights the problem of corrupted governmental practices resulting in essential services being inadequate and public officials misusing the funds allocated for development.
The song also mentions some incidents where the Premier of the island faced objections or protests from his own team members during policy-making, indicating a lack of cooperation from the government, which leads to the confusion and suffering of the people. The song ultimately suggests that the present administration is unable to lead the island and it's not competent enough to produce a much-needed change, which is reinforced by the harsh critique of the competing politicians who are ultimately no better than the present government.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on, what is wrong with this island
Mighty Sparrow questions the state of the island and the issues it is facing
Poor Dr. William
Mighty Sparrow empathizes with a person named Dr. William who is likely adversely affected by the island's problems
Everybody doing what they like
People are acting independently without regard for the greater situation
Striking when they want to strike
People are protesting and striking on their own terms
It appears that nobody cares
Mighty Sparrow observes that there is a general apathy towards the island's welfare
About the island economy
Mighty Sparrow highlights the fact that the island's financial situation is being overlooked
No gas today, no phone tomorrow
Mighty Sparrow describes the absence of basic amenities
What next I don't know
Mighty Sparrow is uncertain of what other issues or complications may arise
No drain digging, no rubbish cleaning
Mighty Sparrow notes the lack of essential services
Only corbeaux working
Mighty Sparrow points out that only scavenging birds are being productive
The island as you see suffering politically
Mighty Sparrow calls attention to how the island is suffering politically
Because the present Government have some stupid opponent
Mighty Sparrow blames the current government's opponents for being unwise
Oh Lord man they ignorant
Mighty Sparrow emphasizes the stupidity of the current government's opponents
Not one is intelligent
Mighty Sparrow states that every single opposing individual lacks intelligence
Some of them, them opposing bandit
Mighty Sparrow accuses the opposition of criminal activities
So much crime they commit
Mighty Sparrow emphasizes the level of criminal activity being tolerated in the opposition
Some again have no education
Mighty Sparrow notes the lack of education in some opposition members
Is them does make the confusion
Mighty Sparrow blames the opposition members who lack education for making the situation worse
Anything at all the Premier say
Mighty Sparrow notes how any government suggestion is being met with opposition
They always standing in the way
The opposition is always blocking government proposals
And like they suffering from a mental block
Mighty Sparrow implies that the opposition has some kind of mental impasse causing them to behave unproductively
Talking one set of sewerage talk
Mighty Sparrow mocks the opposition's meaningless speech
And then the present Government have some stupid opponent
Mighty Sparrow repeats that the government's opponents are foolish and unwise
Causing they own self embarrassment
The opposition is causing themselves to look bad
Sometimes you hear over the radio
Mighty Sparrow notes that radio stations are also talking about the situation
Big trouble in the Leg. Co.
Mighty Sparrow highlights the large amount of trouble and conflict in the Legislative Council
The Premier cannot make a suggestion
Mighty Sparrow implies that the Premier's suggestions are always being opposed
Without a big objection
Every suggestion is met with a large amount of opposition
And some of them way want to object
Some government officials always want to object no matter what is being suggested
Really should have a rope 'round they neck
Mighty Sparrow mocks certain opposition members by suggesting hanging as a punishment
That is why the Venezuelan
Mighty Sparrow is referring to a person from Venezuela
Nearly kill one with a right hand
Mighty Sparrow suggests that the Venezuelan had violent intentions towards a government official
What they doing I don't know
Mighty Sparrow is unsure of what the government is doing to fix the situation
And like they suffering from a mental block
Mighty Sparrow reiterates that the government appears to have a cognitive obstacle preventing it from making progress
Talking one set of sewerage talk
Mighty Sparrow once again mocks the government's meaningless speech
Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joy A.
on Capitalism gone Mad
I hope there's a 2020 appearance in NYC!
I will definitely get tickets!
Amina Phillip
on Education Is Essential
I love your video and it is a good calypso that Ican makeone about education to
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Bokaille Bodlo
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.
Bokaille Bodlo
on Witch Doctor
Who could send me The lyrics of WITCH DOCTOR from Mighty Sparrow.
Thank you.