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.
Simpson
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dey tend to say I ain't have a sense of humour
But I don't like de latest rumour
Of course I have a sense of humour
But I don't like de latest rumour
People all about, are happy to say how Sparrow kick-out
He was in some kinda collision, poor soul
An' he dead, dead and gone
AMEN!
Well every half an hour, somebody ringing up
Until they get the news, they don' know when to stop
Guess who?
Yes I knew Sparrow, a very nice fellow
Whenever we met we always said hello
Guess who?
It was Simpson, de Funeral Agency Man
Wid he coffin in he han'
Simpson, de Funeral Agency Man
Oh yes he working in de Junction
Simpson!
Is now to hear how much money I owing
So much false receipt dey showing
People start to say how dey sorry
I dead and gone they ain't get chance to sue me
Dis time, my family
Clean out a spot in de cemetery
They en worry because they hear Sparrow get kill
They wanna know which one ah dem I have in meh will
AMEN!
Somebody ring the newspaper, dey ring the radio
They just gotta find out if it's really so
Guess who?
Yes I love his records and I got every one
And now I feel so sorry to know that he is gone
Guess who?
You mean to say you don't know
Simpson the Funeral Agency Man
Wid he coffin in he han'
Simpson, oh yes de Funeral Agency Man
You know he working in de Junction
Simpson!
Mmm, ah fella tell me something, he may be lying
But he say plenty women was crying
Women who never talk to me yet
But dey crying, all their dress wet
Boo hoo, boo hoo, Sparrow dead now whe' we go do
Gimme de dagger from off the shelf
I might as well kill mehself
AMEN!
Yes they say they see a man by Piccadilly Street
With a candle in he han' and two slippers on his feet
Guess who?
Yes they say they really thought the man was out he head
He say he waiting for me, although he hear I dead
Guess who?
Everybody know
Simpson, de Funeral Agency Man
Wid he coffin in he hand
Simpson, oh yes, de Funeral Agency Man
Lord, he working in de Junction
Simpson!
I hear they did ah make ah big preparation
To head my funeral wid All-Stars steel band
Yes Sir'ee, decision was real quick
They asked the steel band men to play Sputnik
For the funeral, they hire All Stars
But for the wake was dat scamp Cyril Diaz
Biscuit and coffee set, dey ready to fete
The only disappointment is I ain't dead yet
AMEN!
I know you really, really thought the news is on the level
But the man who start this rumour is as wicked as de Devil
Guess who?
Yes it's all a joke to him, he laugh and he ain't care
Wid he nose like a funnel an he mout' touchin' he ears
Guess who?
It was Melody, de ugliest Calypsonian
With he face like a saucepan
Melody, de ugliest Calypsonian
So ugly and 'mauvais lang'!
The song "Simpson" by Mighty Sparrow is a satirical take on the sensationalist tabloid culture and what would happen if rumours about someone's death and funeral circulated before the person actually died. The song starts with Sparrow expressing his dismay at the latest rumour floating around, which says he was involved in a collision and had died. He then hilariously describes the events that follow, including people calling constantly and speculating about his finances and will. The Funeral Agency Man named Simpson, who is mistakenly believed to be responsible for the funeral arrangements, becomes a central figure of the rumours, and everyone seems to know him. Sparrow then reveals that the entire incident was a joke, started by the ugly and 'mauvais lang' Calypsonian named Melody.
The song is a commentary on how people's sense of humour can sometimes cross the line and cause unnecessary anxiety and pain. Sparrow takes a lighthearted approach to the matter and uses the power of irony to expose the absurdity surrounding it. The song is also an entertaining showcase of Sparrow's wit, wordplay and vocal ability.
Line by Line Meaning
Dey tend to say I ain't have a sense of humour
People have been saying that I don't have a sense of humor
But I don't like de latest rumour
However, I don't like the latest rumor
Of course I have a sense of humour
I do have a sense of humor
But I don't like de latest rumour
But I don't like the latest rumor
People all about, are happy to say how Sparrow kick-out
People are happy to spread the rumor that Sparrow is dead
He was in some kinda collision, poor soul
The rumor is that Sparrow was in a collision and died
An' he dead, dead and gone
And they say he is dead and gone
Well every half an hour, somebody ringing up
Every half an hour, someone calls
Until they get the news, they don' know when to stop
They don't know when to stop calling until they get the news
Yes I knew Sparrow, a very nice fellow
I knew Sparrow, he was a very nice person
Whenever we met we always said hello
We would always greet each other whenever we met
It was Simpson, de Funeral Agency Man
The person calling is Simpson, the Funeral Agency Man
Wid he coffin in he han'
He has a coffin in his hand
Guess who?
Can you guess who it is?
Simpson, de Funeral Agency Man
It's Simpson, the Funeral Agency Man
Oh yes he working in de Junction
He's working in the Junction
Is now to hear how much money I owing
Now they're talking about how much money I owe
So much false receipt dey showing
They're showing so many fake receipts
People start to say how dey sorry
People start saying how sorry they are
I dead and gone they ain't get chance to sue me
Now that I'm dead, they won't get the chance to sue me
Dis time, my family
This time, my family
Clean out a spot in de cemetery
Cleared out a spot in the cemetery
They en worry because they hear Sparrow get kill
They're not worried because they heard Sparrow is dead
They wanna know which one ah dem I have in meh will
They want to know which of them is in my will
Somebody ring the newspaper, dey ring the radio
Someone calls the newspaper and radio station
They just gotta find out if it's really so
They want to confirm if it's true
Yes I love his records and I got every one
I love Sparrow's records and I have every one
And now I feel so sorry to know that he is gone
Now I feel sorry to know that he is gone
You mean to say you don't know
Don't tell me you don't know
Lord, he working in de Junction
He's working in the Junction
Mmm, ah fella tell me something, he may be lying
A guy told me something, he might be lying
But he say plenty women was crying
But he said that many women were crying
Women who never talk to me yet
Women I have never talked to
But dey crying, all their dress wet
But they're crying and their dresses are wet
Gimme de dagger from off the shelf
Give me the dagger from the shelf
I might as well kill mehself
I might as well kill myself
Yes they say they see a man by Piccadilly Street
They say they saw a man on Piccadilly Street
With a candle in he han' and two slippers on his feet
He had a candle in his hand and was wearing two slippers
They say they really thought the man was out he head
They say they thought the man was crazy
He say he waiting for me, although he hear I dead
He said he was waiting for me, even though he heard I was dead
Everybody know
Everyone knows
Lord, he working in de Junction
He's working in the Junction
I hear they did ah make ah big preparation
I heard they made big preparations
To head my funeral wid All-Stars steel band
They planned to have my funeral with the All-Stars steel band
Yes Sir'ee, decision was real quick
The decision was made very quickly
They asked the steel band men to play Sputnik
They asked the steel band to play Sputnik
For the funeral, they hire All Stars
They hired the All Stars for the funeral
But for the wake was dat scamp Cyril Diaz
But for the wake, they got that scamp Cyril Diaz
Biscuit and coffee set, dey ready to fete
The biscuits and coffee are ready for the party
The only disappointment is I ain't dead yet
The only disappointment is that I'm not dead yet
I know you really, really thought the news is on the level
I know you really thought the news was true
But the man who start this rumour is as wicked as de Devil
But the man who started the rumor is as wicked as the Devil
Yes it's all a joke to him, he laugh and he ain't care
It's all a joke to him, he laughs and he doesn't care
Wid he nose like a funnel an he mout' touchin' he ears
With his nose like a funnel and his mouth touching his ears
It was Melody, de ugliest Calypsonian
It was Melody, the ugliest Calypsonian
With he face like a saucepan
With a face like a saucepan
Melody, de ugliest Calypsonian
Melody, the ugliest Calypsonian
So ugly and 'mauvais lang'!
So ugly and with bad language!
Contributed by Brooklyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mistou68
It's remember me King Selewa in his Calypso's time :-) Thanxs, Neil !
@pici5533
if you ever need to get away to the islands without the flight
@benjamincharlesspencer7964
Cheers buddy . Made me smile