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.
Reply To Melody
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And his reply to me
What is wrong with Lord Melody
And his reply to me
It's just a reply he jump and relate
I think the fella testing me fate
Because I sang about dear Sparrow and the baby
He singing about dear Lord Melody
Anything I do you following me
Behave your ugly self Melody
Do what you want but don't get me sore
Provocation is against the law
Ah married, you went and you married too
But your wife ain't have eyes of blue
We have a little child, you have one too
Anything I do this monkey does do
You are a very good calypso singer
That we all know and will remember
But your face like a crocodile
And you looking so fierce and wild
I know you well and it ain't no lie
Your mouth always wide open catching fly
Try some deodorant it wouldn't hurt
Melody you smelling like a ramgoat
And anything I do you following me
Behave your ugly self Melody
Do what you want but don't get me sore
Provocation is against the law
Ah married, you went and you married too
But your wife ain't have eyes of blue
We have a next child, you have one too
You should really be in the circus
You ugly hippopotamus
Never yet in life have I seen
Such a hideous looking human being
Sometime your face like a gorilla
Sometime again it just like an alligator
If I should open a human zoo
The first man ah coming to hold is you
'Cause anything I do you following me
Behave your ugly self Melody
Do what you want, don't get Sparrow sore
Provocation is against the law
Ah married so you went and you married too
But your wife ain't have eyes of blue
We have a next child, you have one too
Anything I do this monkey does do
Another thing I notice 'bout you
You never never will wear socks with your shoe
In fact you don't wear no underclothes
You 'fraid that like poison everyone knows
You wouldn't try some tooth paste once in a while
To whiten your teeth and brighten your smile
So when you say you have nice girl that ain't true
Is only gateway Elaine and them for you
Anything I do you following me
Behave your ugly self Melody
Do what you want, don't get Sparrow sore
Provocation is against the law
Ah married, you went and you married too
But your wife ain't have eyes of blue
We buy a little car, you buy one too
Anything I do this monkey does do
In "Reply to Melody," the Mighty Sparrow takes issue with Lord Melody for following his lead and copying him. He starts off asking what's wrong with Lord Melody and his reply to him, questioning why Lord Melody is testing him by singing about himself in response to Sparrow singing about himself and a baby. Sparrow then accuses Lord Melody of following him and warns him to behave himself and not provoke him, as it's against the law. He also jabs at Lord Melody's appearance, insinuating that he looks like a crocodile, gorilla, or alligator, and suggests that he use deodorant to mask a distinctive scent that Sparrow compares to that of a ram goat. Sparrow further attacks Lord Melody by calling him an "ugly hippopotamus" and accusing him of only being able to attract "gateway Elaine and them." Sparrow concludes by repeating his warning that Lord Melody should not provoke him.
Through this song, the Mighty Sparrow was likely addressing an ongoing feud he had with Lord Melody. Both men were popular calypso singers from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1950s and 1960s and were known for their witty and biting lyrics. The song shows Sparrow's humor and quick wit as he responds to Lord Melody's apparent attempts to follow in his footsteps, taking the opportunity to attack him in a humorous way.
Line by Line Meaning
What is wrong with Lord Melody
Sparrow is questioning if there's a problem with Lord Melody.
And his reply to me
Sparrow is curious about Melody's response to his previous song.
It's just a reply he jump and relate
Melody is just responding to provoke Sparrow.
I think the fella testing me fate
Sparrow thinks that Melody is trying to have a showdown with him.
Because I sang about dear Sparrow and the baby
Sparrow wrote a song about himself and his wife having a baby.
He singing about dear Lord Melody
Melody wrote a song about himself.
Anything I do you following me
Melody is copying everything that Sparrow does.
Behave your ugly self Melody
Sparrow is telling Melody to stop acting ugly and childish.
Do what you want but don't get me sore
Sparrow is warning Melody not to provoke him.
Provocation is against the law
Sparrow is reminding Melody that it's illegal to provoke someone else.
Ah married, you went and you married too
Sparrow and Melody are both married.
But your wife ain't have eyes of blue
Sparrow is implying that Melody's wife is not as attractive as his own.
We have a little child, you have one too
Sparrow and Melody both have children.
You are a very good calypso singer
Sparrow acknowledges that Melody is a talented calypso singer.
That we all know and will remember
Sparrow thinks that Melody's talent will always be remembered.
But your face like a crocodile
Sparrow is insulting Melody's appearance.
And you looking so fierce and wild
Sparrow thinks that Melody looks menacing and dangerous.
I know you well and it ain't no lie
Sparrow is telling Melody that he knows him very well.
Your mouth always wide open catching fly
Sparrow is commenting on Melody's open mouth.
Try some deodorant it wouldn't hurt
Sparrow is suggesting that Melody needs to start wearing deodorant.
Melody you smelling like a ramgoat
Sparrow is telling Melody that he smells bad.
You should really be in the circus
Sparrow thinks that Melody should perform in the circus because of his looks.
You ugly hippopotamus
Sparrow is calling Melody an ugly hippopotamus.
Never yet in life have I seen
Sparrow has never seen someone with such a hideous appearance.
Such a hideous looking human being
Sparrow thinks that Melody is extremely unattractive.
Sometime your face like a gorilla
Sparrow compares Melody's face to that of a gorilla at times.
Sometime again it just like an alligator
Sparrow compares Melody's appearance to that of an alligator at other times.
If I should open a human zoo
Sparrow would include Melody in a human zoo due to his appearance.
The first man ah coming to hold is you
Sparrow would put Melody in the human zoo first.
Another thing I notice 'bout you
Sparrow has more criticism to offer about Melody.
You never never will wear socks with your shoe
Sparrow has never seen Melody wear socks with his shoes.
In fact you don't wear no underclothes
Sparrow thinks that Melody doesn't wear any underclothes.
You 'fraid that like poison everyone knows
Sparrow thinks that Melody is scared of being poisoned.
You wouldn't try some tooth paste once in a while
Sparrow thinks that Melody needs to use toothpaste to improve his oral hygiene.
To whiten your teeth and brighten your smile
Sparrow suggests that Melody needs to whiten his teeth to improve his smile.
So when you say you have nice girl that ain't true
Sparrow thinks that Melody is lying when he says he has a nice girlfriend.
Is only gateway Elaine and them for you
Sparrow thinks that Melody only has access to Elaine and other unattractive women.
We buy a little car, you buy one too
Sparrow and Melody have similar lifestyles, including owning a car.
Anything I do this monkey does do
Melody copies everything that Sparrow does like a monkey.
Contributed by Tyler E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kzorii
He didn't hold back at all, beautiful
@mickydub3
" LOVELY STUFF "
@josephsummer777
I miss the calypso battles in the VI. We buy a little car, you d9, too. So great.
@davidtsmith33
LOL. Sparrow not easy nah.
@normanosborne7367
SO ANY THING*****SPARROW SAY OR DO*****MELODY DO THE SAME THINGS TOO (DAT A WAH DOCTOR BIRDIE SAY) HUMOROUS CALYPSO.
@mscarmenjones
Ram goat!
@garykalicharan1119
5*.