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.
Raphaela
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there ah met with Raphaela, oh yeah
Down Venezuela
Is there ah met with Raphaela
Ah try ah old trick on she
But she was too smart for me
When ah finish ah didn't want to pay
So she scramble on to me before ah get away, bawling out:
No, no, no, don't go amigo, usted tengo mucho cabez
Dame dinero ahora, yo no habla Inglés
Mama mia tengo revolver, papa mia mad, oh
Dame dinero, Sparrow
Or you don't go back to Trinidad
Well I start to tremble
When the crowd start to assemble
So then ah jump through the window
Is there ah bounce up with Pedro
"Qué pasa señor, why you jump through the window for?"
Pull out a razor, so ah run back inside again
The sister start up the same refrain:
No, no, no, don't go amigo, usted tengo mucho cabez
Dame dinero ahora, yo no habla Inglés
Mama mia tengo revolver, papa mia mad, oh
Dame dinero, Sparrow
Or you don't go back to Trinidad
Negro!
Where have you been?
Hey negro!
You can imagine
But when ah watch at the crowd so
Ah say to me self no more Sparrow
But then I shouldn't comment
I was being treated like a President
They surround me with pliers, hammers and shears
And is just so they treat President Perez
No, no, no, no, amigo usted tengo mucho cabez
Dame dinero ahora, yo no habla Inglés
Mama mia tengo revolver, papa mia mad
Dame dinero, Sparrow
Or you don't go back to Trinidad, do you hear?
Hey negro!
No licks ain't pass yet
But ah swimming in cold sweat
Ah ain't know what to study
Ah say ah done dead already
At a certain time concentration stop
Ah think ah start to throw up
When ah wake up from the hospital it was no trick
Is a pelau meh girl cook that had me sick
But I still hear it:
No, no, no, no, amigo usted tengo mucho cabez
Dame dinero ahora, yo no habla Inglés
Mama mia tengo revolver, papa mia mad, oh
Dame dinero, Sparrow
Or you don't go back to Trinidad
Hey negro!
The Mighty Sparrow's song "Raphaela" tells the story of his encounter with a woman named Raphaela in Venezuela. Sparrow sets the scene in the first verse, describing his trip to Venezuela and the meeting with Raphaela. The second verse takes a darker turn as Sparrow tries to leave without paying and he is confronted by Raphaela and her sister, who demand money and threaten him with a gun. The tension builds in the third verse as Sparrow tries to escape but is surrounded by a crowd wielding weapons. The final verse reveals that Sparrow ended up in the hospital after eating Raphaela's pelau, and the chorus repeats the same demands for money and threat of violence.
At first listen, "Raphaela" may seem like a humorous tale of a hapless tourist getting into trouble, but there are deeper themes at play. Sparrow's lyrics touch on issues of power, corruption, and violence in a foreign land. Throughout the song, Sparrow is at the mercy of those in power - Raphaela, her sister, the crowd, and the hospital staff. He is forced to pay money he doesn't have and is threatened with violence if he doesn't comply. The chorus "Dame dinero, Sparrow" (Give me money, Sparrow) is a constant reminder of the imbalance of power that Sparrow faces as a foreigner in Venezuela.
The song's catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a favorite among calypso fans for decades. It has also been covered by other artists, including Lord Melody and Kitchener. In 1994, Sparrow won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album for his album "The Rough Guide to Calypso and Soca." "Raphaela" is one of his most popular and enduring songs, showcasing both his wit and his social commentary.
Line by Line Meaning
Down Venezuela
The singer is in Venezuela
Is there ah met with Raphaela, oh yeah
The singer meets Raphaela
Ah try ah old trick on she
The singer tries to deceive Raphaela
But she was too smart for me
Raphaela outsmarts the singer
When ah finish ah didn't want to pay
The singer refused to pay after his plan failed
So she scramble on to me before ah get away, bawling out:
Raphaela catches up to the singer and angrily demands payment
No, no, no, don't go amigo, usted tengo mucho cabez
Raphaela insists that the singer pay her, using Spanish to insult his intelligence
Dame dinero ahora, yo no habla Inglés
Raphaela demands money, claiming not to speak English
Mama mia tengo revolver, papa mia mad, oh
Raphaela threatens the singer with a gun and mentions her angry parents
Dame dinero, Sparrow
Raphaela demands money from 'Sparrow', likely the singer's nickname
Or you don't go back to Trinidad
Raphaela threatens to harm the singer or prevent his return to Trinidad
Well I start to tremble
The singer gets scared
When the crowd start to assemble
People begin gathering around the singer and Raphaela
So then ah jump through the window
The singer escapes by jumping through a window
Is there ah bounce up with Pedro
The singer meets someone named Pedro
"Qué pasa señor, why you jump through the window for?"
Pedro questions the singer's actions in Spanish
Pull out a razor, so ah run back inside again
The singer sees a razor and runs back inside to avoid a confrontation
The sister start up the same refrain:
Raphaela's sister repeats the same demand for money from the singer
Negro!
Someone calls the singer 'Negro'
Where have you been?
The person asks the singer where he has been
You can imagine
The singer is thinking about what happened next
Meh belly boiling like a engine
The singer is nervous and anxious
But when ah watch at the crowd so
The singer observed the crowd of people
Ah say to me self no more Sparrow
The singer decides to stop using his nickname 'Sparrow'
But then I shouldn't comment
The singer is unsure if he made the right decision
I was being treated like a President
The crowd is treating the singer like a President
They surround me with pliers, hammers and shears
The crowd threatens the singer with tools
And is just so they treat President Perez
The crowd treated President Perez the same way
No licks ain't pass yet
The singer hasn't been physically beaten yet
But ah swimming in cold sweat
The singer is sweating and nervous
Ah ain't know what to study
The singer doesn't know what to do
Ah say ah done dead already
The singer thinks he is going to die
At a certain time concentration stop
The singer loses focus and becomes disoriented
Ah think ah start to throw up
The singer feels sick and nauseous
When ah wake up from the hospital it was no trick
The singer wakes up in the hospital, realizing it wasn't a joke
Is a pelau meh girl cook that had me sick
The singer got sick from eating a dish cooked by his girlfriend
Hey negro!
Someone calls the singer 'Negro'
Contributed by Samuel H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Verne
on Both o'Dem
"in that" not enough
Verne
on Both o'Dem
"If i was a different chap" not different shot
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.