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.
Robbery With V
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They would do anything
They want a new King
They will do anything
Well they don't like meh way
How ah sticking out for money
If ah don't get pay
I ain't singing for nobody
They decide to clip meh wings
And put ah obstacle there as King
A man with no originality
No stage personality
They trying to make me look small
All he have is a deep croon
But he won't change the tune at all
This song, that song, same melody
No variety
If you don't believe me
You could ask anybody
If it ain't robbery with V
Hiding the judges name
Ah fus they feeling shame
They feel they spiting me
But they too blind to see
I am the only man
Does fight for Calypsonians
Right here in this island
Getting no appreciation
Instead of helping me up
They fighting for progress to stop
They put up a man with no originality
No stage personality
They trying to make me look small
I know he have a deep croon
But when he go change that tune?
This song, that song, same melody
No variety
Well if you don't believe me
You could ask anybody
If it ain't robbery with V
Now try and remember
I have nothing against Dougla
We all went up to sing
And all of we hope was to win
It is the committee
That making it they duty
Forgetting ability
Extending sympathy
But is the one thing they learn
They give him the crown
But I had the throne
He ain't had no stage personality
No originality
They can't make me look small
All he have is a deep croon
But he won't change the tune at all
This song, that song, same melody
No variety
Well if you don't believe me
You could ask anybody
If it ain't robbery with V
They say I'm not a sport
Call me names of every sort
But I want them to know
My whole life is calypso
I take it seriously
I ain't care who say ah silly
It's a job to me
No one should disagree
All I am begging them to do
Is to give credit where credit is due
Don't put no man with no originality
No stage personality
Don't try to make me look small
Because all he have is a deep croon
Tell me when he go change the tune
This song, that song, same melody
No variety
Well if you don't believe me
You could ask anybody
If it ain't robbery with V
The Mighty Sparrow's "Robbery With V" is a political and social critique of the Calypso industry in Trinidad and Tobago. The lyrics are directed at the Calypso Monarch competition, and Sparrow's frustration with the judges' decisions and treatment of him. The song describes a situation in which the judges and organizers of the competition want a new monarch, and are willing to do anything to get one, even if it means overlooking talent and quality.
Sparrow is calling out the committee members for their biased behavior and lack of appreciation for the art form. He feels that they have put up a man with no originality and no stage personality, who continues to sing the same songs with the same melody, and yet he is given the crown. Sparrow feels disrespected and unseen for all his hard work and contribution to Calypso, and the judges' actions amount to robbery with violence (V).
The lyrics also point to Sparrow's determination to fight for the rights of Calypsonians and to be recognized for his artistry. He is serious about his craft, and he takes offense when people call him silly. Sparrow is laying claim to his throne as the rightful King, and he is asking for credit where credit is due.
Line by Line Meaning
They want a new King
Some people want a new Calypso King to reign.
They would do anything
These people are willing to do anything to get a new king.
They will do anything
They are determined to remove the current king, by any means possible.
Well they don't like meh way
The people trying to replace the current king don't like the way he operates.
How ah sticking out for money
The current king insists on getting paid for his performances.
If ah don't get pay
If he doesn't get paid, he won't perform.
I ain't singing for nobody
He refuses to perform if he's not getting paid.
They decide to clip meh wings
The people trying to replace him have decided to prevent him from performing.
And put ah obstacle there as King
They plan to install someone else as Calypso King.
A man with no originality
The person they want to make the new King has nothing original.
No stage personality
He lacks presence when he performs.
They trying to make me look small
They are actively trying to humiliate the current king.
All he have is a deep croon
The person they want to make the new king only has a deep voice.
But he won't change the tune at all
He will only sing the same type of songs.
This song, that song, same melody
All of his songs sound the same with no variety.
No variety
He lacks creativity.
If you don't believe me
If someone doesn't trust what the current king is saying.
You could ask anybody
They are encouraged to ask around about what's happening.
If it ain't robbery with V
The current king believes that there is foul play involved in the attempt to replace him.
Hiding the judges name
The people involved in trying to replace the king are keeping the judges' identities a secret.
Ah fus they feeling shame
They themselves are feeling ashamed of what they are doing.
They feel they spiting me
They think they are getting back at the current king by rigging the competition.
But they too blind to see
They don't realize that the current king has been the only one supporting other Calypso musicians.
I am the only man
The current king is the only one fighting for Calypso musicians.
Does fight for Calypsonians
He is fighting for the recognition of Calypso musicians.
Right here in this island
He's fighting for recognition within the Calypso music industry in Trinidad and Tobago.
Getting no appreciation
He's not receiving any credit for his actions.
Instead of helping me up
Instead of being helped and recognized, he's being brought down by some people who want a new Calypso king.
They fighting for progress to stop
They are actively blocking the progress of the current king.
Now try and remember
The current king wants people to take note of what's happening.
I have nothing against Dougla
The current king has nothing against the person they are trying to install as the new king.
We all went up to sing
They both competed in the Calypso competition.
And all of we hope was to win
Both wanted to be recognized as the best Calypso musician.
It is the committee
The committee is the one responsible for organizing the Calypso competition.
That making it they duty
The committee has a responsibility to ensure that the competition is fair.
Forgetting ability
The committee is forgetting the ability of the current king.
Extending sympathy
They are being sympathetic towards the person they want to make the new king, which is affecting the outcome of the competition.
But is the one thing they learn
It's a lesson they need to learn in fairness and honesty.
They give him the crown
The committee gives the crown to the person they want to make the new king.
But I had the throne
The current king is the one who deserves the throne.
He ain't had no stage personality
The person they want to make the new king lacks stage presence.
Don't put no man with no originality
The current king warns the committee against choosing someone lacking originality as the next Calypso king.
Because all he have is a deep croon
All the person they want to make the new king lacks is a deep voice.
Tell me when he go change the tune
He's asking when the person they want to make the new king will start singing different types of songs.
They say I'm not a sport
Some people say the current king is not playing fair.
Call me names of every sort
They are insulting the current king.
But I want them to know
The current king wants the people to recognize and respect his love for and dedication to the Calypso music industry.
My whole life is calypso
Calypso music is everything to the current king.
I take it seriously
He takes the Calypso music industry seriously.
I ain't care who say ah silly
The current king doesn't care who thinks he's foolish for dedicating his life to Calypso music.
It's a job to me
The Calypso music industry is like a job to the current king.
No one should disagree
No one should fault him for loving and dedicating his life to Calypso music.
All I am begging them to do
The current king is asking people to recognize and appreciate his contribution.
Is to give credit where credit is due
He wants to be recognized for his love and dedication to the Calypso music industry.
Writer(s): Francisco Slinger
Contributed by Isabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mandyharewood886
Said the man with the greatest stage personality, widest variety, all kind o' melody, most originality - every tune was different.
Can't make THE MIGHTY look small!
@normanosborne7367
THROWING SOME WORDS DIRECTLY AT MIGHTY DOUGLA ONE OF SPARROW'S BEST WORK LYRICALLY SOUND.
@charlesbarry971
Sparrow thought that he was invincible
@mandyharewood886
He was though.
@SuperSnk1
This competition in 1961 was very unique in that it was the first year that The Mighty Dougla sang and his Topics were also very interesting and imaginative. Lazy Man and Split me in two were classics and he had a lovely voice also. Before the competition every one was singing these tunes especially the kids. The Mighty Sparrow was powerful as ever with Royal Jail and I believe 'Rose" which many thought was a sentimental song and not a Calypso. It was very close and Dougla won. Great time.
@richardjohnson909
Sparrow is king undoubtedly. But the Mighty Dougla calypso Lazy Man was a classic and he deserved the win even if Sparrow was nipping at his heels for a close second.
@BrianSJoe21
Wow... Thanks, miss this old time Calypso... Tired of the "new" music... No lyrics nor melody and don't talk about originality...
@Quelvisv
@Pacafra ...Mighty Dougla transitionship began in May 1977.
@SuperSnk1
@marledebakkerunicorn . You are correct that lots of viewers are interested in the lyrics for it is the soul of calypso and that story is what holds your attention. Please upload if possible Sparrow's Bullpistle and Kerry Packer. Thanks.
@charlesbarry971
Sparrow could not believe that he was beaten by Dougla