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.
Russian Satellite
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These people must have a care
Murder, murder, everywhere
I wish these people would have a care
This time it's really out of place
Over a thousand miles in space
They poison the food for the puppy
Oh Lord this is more than cruelty
Although they trying their best you know they're making a mess with the Russian satellite
They should be all sent to prison for the dog that they poison in the Russian satellite
Two Sputniks in the sky had everybody hypnotised
Now I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite
I agree they have speed and power
Eighteen thousand miles an hour
The invention is out of this world
The Russian have the secret under control
But they should have some sympathy
It's better they come to ask for me
If a sparrow's too small they shouldn't talk
Take a chicken hawk
Although they trying their best you know they're making a mess with the Russian satellite
They should be all sent to prison for the dog that they poison in the Russian satellite
Two Sputniks in the sky had everybody hypnotised
Now I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite
I am ready since this afternoon
I want to go with them to the moon
One reservation is bound to be mine
And I intend to stay in line
Thousands of people booked to go
They can't edge out the Sparrow
Put me inside of the engine
Throw out the dead dog and let me in
Although they trying their best you know they're making a mess with the Russian satellite
They should be all sent to prison for the dog that they poison in the Russian satellite
Two Sputniks in the sky had everybody hypnotised
Now I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite
So help me friends I don't know why
But everybody want to go to the sky
Columbus discovery came through
So they want to discover something too
Columbus was a man very hard and grim
He never sent a dog to look out for him
So if they really want to discover
Look for themself but don't send Rover
Although they trying their best you know they're making a mess with the Russian satellite
They should be all sent to prison for the dog that they poison in the Russian satellite
Two Sputniks in the sky had everybody hypnotised
Now I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite
The Mighty Sparrow's song "Russian Satellite" is a commentary on the Cold War space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, specifically focusing on the Soviet launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite in history, in 1957. The song speaks of the incredible feat of sending a satellite into space, but also highlights the careless and cruel actions of those involved in the mission. The lyrics address the poisoning of the food for a dog that was sent up in the satellite, prompting the Sparrow to call for those responsible to be sent to prison.
The song also touches on the fascination and eagerness of people to explore the unknown, with the Sparrow expressing his own desire to go to the moon. However, he emphasizes the need for those involved in such endeavors to have sympathy and care for the creatures they bring along.
Overall, "Russian Satellite" is a satirical take on the space race and the dangers of carelessness and cruelty in the pursuit of scientific advancement.
Line by Line Meaning
Murder, murder, everywhere
There is a lot of killing going on.
These people must have a care
These people should be more careful and stop the killing.
I wish these people would have a care
I hope that these people become more considerate and stop the bloodshed.
This time it's really out of place
This situation is completely inappropriate.
Over a thousand miles in space
This event is happening in outer space, far away from Earth.
They poison the food for the puppy
They are deliberately poisoning the food for a helpless puppy.
Oh Lord this is more than cruelty
This is an act that goes beyond simple cruelty and is truly terrible.
Although they trying their best you know they're making a mess with the Russian satellite
They are trying to do their best with the Russian satellite, but are ultimately making things worse.
They should be all sent to prison for the dog that they poison in the Russian satellite
Those responsible for poisoning the dog should be punished and put in jail.
Two Sputniks in the sky had everybody hypnotised
The sight of the two Sputniks in the sky has captivated everyone's attention and made them oblivious to what is going on around them.
Now I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite
I feel very bad for the innocent puppy that is being harmed in the Russian satellite.
I agree they have speed and power
I acknowledge that the Russian satellite has impressive speed and power.
Eighteen thousand miles an hour
The Russian satellite is moving at the incredible speed of 18,000 miles per hour.
The invention is out of this world
The technology used in the Russian satellite is truly remarkable and revolutionary.
The Russian have the secret under control
The Russians are in full control of the secret behind the satellite's technology.
But they should have some sympathy
The Russians should try to understand and have compassion for others.
It's better they come to ask for me
It would be more appropriate if they contacted me for help and advice.
If a sparrow's too small they shouldn't talk
If someone is too insignificant, they should not try to speak up or make demands.
Take a chicken hawk
Someone more powerful and influential should take charge instead.
I am ready since this afternoon
I have been ready to leave for the moon since this afternoon.
I want to go with them to the moon
I would like to join them and travel to the moon.
One reservation is bound to be mine
I definitely want to have a spot reserved for me.
And I intend to stay in line
I plan on waiting my turn and following the proper procedures.
Thousands of people booked to go
There are many people who have already reserved a spot to go to the moon.
They can't edge out the Sparrow
They cannot push me out or take my spot away.
Put me inside of the engine
I want to be placed inside the engine of the spacecraft.
Throw out the dead dog and let me in
They should remove the dead dog from the spacecraft and allow me to take its place.
So help me friends I don't know why
I am not sure why, but it seems like everyone wants to travel to space.
But everybody want to go to the sky
Everyone is interested in the idea of exploring space.
Columbus discovery came through
Christopher Columbus discovered new lands during his exploration.
So they want to discover something too
People are also eager to make new discoveries and explore uncharted territories.
Columbus was a man very hard and grim
Christopher Columbus was a tough and determined person.
He never sent a dog to look out for him
He did not rely on animals to help him during his voyages.
So if they really want to discover
If people are truly interested in exploration and discovery,
Look for themself but don't send Rover
They should venture out and explore on their own, without sending animals like Rover into space.
Now I am very sorry for the poor little puppy in the Russian satellite
The innocent puppy trapped in the Russian satellite deserves our sympathy and concern.
Contributed by Anthony B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Charles Barry
There is a bounce in these old calypsoes.This absent in most of the modern calypsoes. Wonderful orchestrations. I wonder if any of the musicians are still alive.
Pamela Corona
How nice to honor the poor little dog who had no say in the matter. What a handsome little guy. I hope that the Russian people were able to convince their government to make a life-like statue of him for all to see. 🐕 🚀 🌌 ❤️
Lorenzo Zitman
My 93 year old grandma's eye's light up when i put on this record. It reminds her of the time she spent with her husband and young family in Granada back in the 60s.
Paul Martin
"let's send a pack animal on a one way trip into the loneliest pace we know under terrifying conditions" You can't deny what they did was cruel and I'm pretty sure Little Curly wouldn't give a damn about a statue even if she were alive to see it. Statues and stamps just make humans feel better about the choices they've made, try and consider the animals perspective.
R Gemin
thank you soo much for posting this really i was in my home land in south america and i saw with my own eyes this sputnik thing passed high in the skiy i looked like an alummium small ball in the clear blue sky , it was arround 1954 and 1955 one more time THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING IT
narlycat
I just heard this song for the first time today on Bob Dylan's Satellite Radio show. Must have been one of those numbers Bob listened to on his AM radio as he was plotting how to get out of Minnesota.
R Gemin
He is the king of callypso no doubt
wong ton
What a nice message
コボアンドレス
This should've been in Fallout 4.
NimbusWarriorʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
Poor laika...