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.
Rope
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They want to fight
Making excuse saying they tight
While everyone was jumping up
And having a good time
They were pelting and fighting
Trying to spoil a sound lime
Ah buy up all meh gear and well prepare
For carnival while jumping in the band
I′m going to have a parcel in meh hand
If they cherish the hope
That they go tackle and beat this dope
Ah want them know ah ain't making joke
This year ah walk with meh rope
They come to town
Feeling they strong
And only pushing people round
Boasting how they afraid no one
Not even the police
But this year is for love and peace
So this nonsense must cease
To be too hot to fight, you go get bite
′Cause all of we tight
For carnival while jumping in the band
I'm going to have a parcel in meh hand
If they cherish the hope
That they go tackle and beat this dope
Ah want them know ah ain't making joke
This year ah walk with meh rope
Idle all day
Doh work, no way
And have more cash than who get pay
Spend it all on Italian westerns
To learn more gun play
Bust it, touch it or practice it
But on carnival day
I warned all them Sancho and Jango
This year won′t be so
For carnival while jumping in the band
I′m going to have a parcel in meh hand
If they cherish the hope
That they go tackle and beat this dope
Ah want them know ah ain't making joke
This year ah walk with meh rope
This carnival
No bacchanal
We want a peaceful festival
No battle pelting or steelband clashing
Just mas and music
Regardless of where your band come from
Just behave in public
Well, all who playing mad and think they bad
Must be on they guard
For carnival while jumping in the band
I′m going to have a parcel in meh hand
If they cherish the hope
That they go tackle and beat this dope
Ah want them know ah ain't making joke
This year ah walk with meh rope
The song "Rope" by Mighty Sparrow is a call for unity and peace during the carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. The lyrics address the issue of violence and fighting that often occurs during carnival, and encourages people to put an end to it. The singer warns those who want to cause trouble that he is not afraid to defend himself and will be carrying a rope to protect himself. He also urges everyone to behave in a peaceful manner and enjoy the festivities without conflict.
The opening lines of the song set the tone and message of the song by stating that it is time for everyone to unite and stop the fighting. The singer then describes how some people make excuses for fighting and disrupting the carnival festivities. He talks about how he has prepared for carnival and warns those who want to start trouble to beware of his rope. He repeats the chorus throughout the song, emphasizing that he is serious about making sure everyone behaves peacefully during carnival.
The song is a reflection of the cultural importance of carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, and the need to preserve its spirit of fun and celebration. It reminds people of the importance of unity and respect for each other, and encourages everyone to come together and enjoy carnival without violence and conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
Time to unite
Let's come together
They want to fight
They are looking for trouble
Making excuse saying they tight
Coming up with excuses to explain their behavior
While everyone was jumping up
While everyone else was having a good time
And having a good time
Enjoying themselves
They were pelting and fighting
They were throwing things and starting fights
Trying to spoil a sound lime
Trying to ruin the good times
Ah buy up all meh gear and well prepare
I bought all my equipment and prepared myself
Oh, so tell them beware
Let them know to be careful
For carnival while jumping in the band
During carnival while participating in the parade
I′m going to have a parcel in meh hand
I will have a package in my hand
If they cherish the hope
If they think
That they go tackle and beat this dope
That they can attack and beat me
Ah want them know ah ain't making joke
I want them to know I'm not joking around
This year ah walk with meh rope
This year I will be carrying my rope
They come to town
They arrived in town
Feeling they strong
Thinking they are powerful
And only pushing people round
And only bullying people
Boasting how they afraid no one
Boasting about their fearlessness
Not even the police
Not even the law enforcement
But this year is for love and peace
This year is about love and peace
So this nonsense must cease
So this foolishness needs to stop
To be too hot to fight, you go get bite
If you are too hot-headed to fight, you will suffer the consequences
′Cause all of we tight
Because we are all united
Idle all day
Doing nothing all day
Doh work, no way
Not working at all
And have more cash than who get pay
Having more money than those who have a job
Spend it all on Italian westerns
Spending it all on western movies from Italy
To learn more gun play
To learn more about shooting guns
Bust it, touch it or practice it
Using the guns to practice
But on carnival day
But on the day of the carnival
I warned all them Sancho and Jango
I warned all those Sancho and Jango
This year won′t be so
This year won't be the same
This carnival
This year's carnival
No bacchanal
No chaos
We want a peaceful festival
We want a festival without violence
No battle pelting or steelband clashing
No throwing things or competing with steel drums
Just mas and music
Just the celebration and the music
Regardless of where your band come from
Regardless of where your band originated from
Just behave in public
Just behave well in public
Well, all who playing mad and think they bad
Well, those who are acting crazy and think they are tough
Must be on they guard
Must be careful and watch out for trouble
Writer(s): Winsford Devine
Contributed by Sadie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@riyadhrafique8377
Rope (1972)- Dr. Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow)
Time to unite, they want to fight, making excuses & say they tight
While everyone was jumping up & having a good time, they were pelting & fighting wanting to spoil a sun lime
Ah (I) buy up all my gear and well prepared so tell them beware
For Carnival while jumping in the band, I am going to have a parcel in my hand
If the cherish the hope they go tackle & beat this dope I want them know I ent (am not) making joke
This year, I walk with meh (my) Rope.
They come to town, feeling they (they are) strong & only pushing people round (around)
Boasting how they aint (are not) afraid no one not even the police
But this year is for love💟💟 & peace ☮☮ so this nonsense must cease
Don't be too hot to fight, you go get bite, 'cause (because) all ah we tight (high/drunk)
Repeat chorus
Idle all day, doh (don't) wuk (work) nowhere and have more cash 💰💵 than who get pay
Spend it all on Italian- Western to learn more gun play
To practice on Carnival Day
Ah warning all dem (them ) Sancho & Django, this year wont be so
Repeat chorus
This Carnival no bacchanal (drama/confusion), we want a peaceful festival
No bottle pelting, no steel band🥘 clashing, just Mas & music 🎼🎶🎙💿
Regardless of where your band come from, just behave in public
Well all who playing mad and think they (they are) bad, must be on their guard
For Carnival while jumping in the band I am going to have a parcel in meh (my) hand
If they cherish they hope that they go tackle and beat this dope I want them I aint making joke
This year I walk with meh (my) Rope 🪢🪢
@celestialnavigator3116
Fantastic. I was still in school when this came out.
@cosmopoliet
Gimme always Sparrow. The greatest
@jeffreybest2085
Sweet sweet kaiso, where de hell deeze sweet days gone??
@glennamory5421
The greatest ever
@riyadhrafique8377
Calypso Monarch song of 1972 along with Drunk & Disorderly
@Randy-Roberts
Riyadh Rafique,
“Drunk and Disorderly” also copped the Roadmarch title that year as well. Both songs were written by the master prolific songwriter, Dr Winsford “Joker” Devine who passed away recently on June 22, 2021 at the age of 77😢
@riyadhrafique8377
@@Randy-Roberts Look at Sparrow's Drunk & Disorderly (1972). I wrote about Joker's death after reading it via the Trinidad Guardian, Express and Newsday. Thanks buddy!!!!
@Randy-Roberts
@@riyadhrafique8377,
You’re welcome bro! Yes, I did see those comments but I just take the opportunity to mention it as often as I could, for those who might not see those other comments. I want as many people as I can, to know of his contribution to the artform and give the honor and the recognition and the respect due, at all times. Blessings!!!😊
@riyadhrafique8377
@@Randy-Roberts Reinforcements!!! I think we get enough of those on YouTube!!
@riyadhrafique8377
Rope (1972)- Dr. Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow)
Time to unite, they want to fight, making excuses & say they tight
While everyone was jumping up & having a good time, they were pelting & fighting wanting to spoil a sun lime
Ah (I) buy up all my gear and well prepared so tell them beware
For Carnival while jumping in the band, I am going to have a parcel in my hand
If the cherish the hope they go tackle & beat this dope I want them know I ent (am not) making joke
This year, I walk with meh (my) Rope.
They come to town, feeling they (they are) strong & only pushing people round (around)
Boasting how they aint (are not) afraid no one not even the police
But this year is for love💟💟 & peace ☮☮ so this nonsense must cease
Don't be too hot to fight, you go get bite, 'cause (because) all ah we tight (high/drunk)
Repeat chorus
Idle all day, doh (don't) wuk (work) nowhere and have more cash 💰💵 than who get pay
Spend it all on Italian- Western to learn more gun play
To practice on Carnival Day
Ah warning all dem (them ) Sancho & Django, this year wont be so
Repeat chorus
This Carnival no bacchanal (drama/confusion), we want a peaceful festival
No bottle pelting, no steel band🥘 clashing, just Mas & music 🎼🎶🎙💿
Regardless of where your band come from, just behave in public
Well all who playing mad and think they (they are) bad, must be on their guard
For Carnival while jumping in the band I am going to have a parcel in meh (my) hand
If they cherish they hope that they go tackle and beat this dope I want them I aint making joke
This year I walk with meh (my) Rope 🪢🪢