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.
Smart Bajan
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got to know that Trinidadians were superstitious
This Bajan smart man by the name of Cephas
Got to know that Trinidadians were superstitious
So he buy a piece a land up Hololo Mountain
Put concrete 'round a spring and open a fountain
Well in less than no time, if you hear the shout
Stupid people coming from all about
Throwing coins in the fountain
Each one seeking happiness
Thrown by hopeful lovers
Tell me, which one will the fountain bless?
And by the time they pull out, the Bajan dive in
Taking all the money from the fountain
And hear him singing:
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
I am sure that you would be surprised to know
How much big shots does go to Mount Hololo
All kind of people believe in this thing
If you see so many old maids in search of a ring
Throwin' coins in the fountain like they feeding fish
Kneeling down on their knees making a wish
Thousands of people were going up there daily
Trinidad was coming just like Italy
So many coins in the fountain
Each one longing for a home
There they lie in the fountain
Just like in the heart of Rome
And is to see the Barbadian with he swimming trunk on
Waiting patiently 'til all the fools gone
To sing:
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
Four o'clock one morning meh girlfriend waking me
Telling me come go up to the fountain with she
Ah say "Well me ain't walking twelve miles up no mountain!"
She say "Well if it's twelve thousand we still going"
"Darlin'", she say, "we living too long in sin
We have a right to go and fix it by the fountain"
Ah had some money in meh house to pay meh rent
In the fountain the girl throw every cent
And hear she singing:
Which one will the fountain bless?
Which one will the fountain bless?
But all the time the stupid woman making she wish
Is the smart Barbadian that is getting rich
The vagabond singing:
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
Ah don't know how the news reach the F.B.I.
But the police decide to arrest the guy
An inspector by the name of Duntin
Disguise himself, so he went up to the fountain
Take out three gold coins and throw it inside
Pretend he's making a wish, but he went and hide
When the Barbadian see the gold like if he went crazy
So in the fountain he jumping immediately
And hear him singing:
Three coins in the fountain
Through the ripples how they shine
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
But as the vagabond come out from the fountain
The Inspector arrest him and start to sing:
"Not this time, not this time, not this time!"
The lyrics to Mighty Sparrow's "Smart Bajan" describe the story of a Barbadian engineer named Cephas who realized that Trinidadians were superstitious and decided to take advantage of this by purchasing a piece of land up Hololo Mountain. He put concrete around a spring and opened a fountain, which attracted a lot of people seeking happiness and making wishes by throwing coins in the fountain. Cephas would dive in and take all the money from the fountain before anyone else could, singing "All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!" However, his scheme eventually catches up to him when an inspector from the police force decides to arrest him for stealing money from the fountain, when Cephas had thought he was making another fortune by jumping in the fountain for three gold coins that the inspector had thrown in.
The song is a humorous and satirical commentary on superstitious beliefs and the lengths people will go to in order to seek happiness, often at their own expense. It also highlights the resourcefulness and opportunistic nature of the Barbadian people, who are portrayed as being smarter than their Trinidadian counterparts. The clever wordplay, use of local dialect and the catchy refrain make this song a classic in Caribbean music.
Line by Line Meaning
A Barbadian engineer by the name of Cephas
There was a clever engineer from Barbados named Cephas
Got to know that Trinidadians were superstitious
He discovered that Trinidadians believed in superstitions
This Bajan smart man by the name of Cephas
This intelligent man from Barbados called Cephas
Got to know that Trinidadians were superstitious
Discovered that Trinidadians believe in superstitions
So he buy a piece a land up Hololo Mountain
He purchased land on Hololo Mountain
Put concrete 'round a spring and open a fountain
He built a fountain around a spring with concrete
Well in less than no time, if you hear the shout
Soon, if you listen closely, you'll hear people shouting
Stupid people coming from all about
Stupid people are coming from all over the place
Throwing coins in the fountain
Throwing coins into the fountain
Each one seeking happiness
Each person hoping to find happiness
Thrown by hopeful lovers
Thrown by those hoping to find love
Tell me, which one will the fountain bless?
Which person will the fountain bless?
And by the time they pull out, the Bajan dive in
When they pull out, the clever Barbadian dives in
Taking all the money from the fountain
Taking all the money from the fountain
And hear him singing:
And this is what he sings:
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
"It's all mine, it's all mine, it's all mine!"
I am sure that you would be surprised to know
You'll surely be surprised to learn
How much big shots does go to Mount Hololo
That many important people visit Mount Hololo
All kind of people believe in this thing
All sorts of people believe in this (fountain)
If you see so many old maids in search of a ring
If you see so many unmarried women trying to find a ring
Throwin' coins in the fountain like they feeding fish
Throwing coins into the fountain like they're feeding fish
Kneeling down on their knees making a wish
Kneeling down and making a wish
Thousands of people were going up there daily
Thousands of people were going up there every day
Trinidad was coming just like Italy
People from Trinidad were coming just like people from Italy
So many coins in the fountain
So many coins in the fountain
Each one longing for a home
Each one longing for a home
There they lie in the fountain
Lying there in the fountain
Just like in the heart of Rome
Just like in the heart of Rome
And is to see the Barbadian with he swimming trunk on
It's funny to see the Barbadian with his swimming trunks on
Waiting patiently 'til all the fools gone
Waiting patiently until all the fools are gone
To sing:
And he sings:
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
"It's all mine, it's all mine, it's all mine!"
Four o'clock one morning meh girlfriend waking me
One morning at four o'clock, my girlfriend woke me up
Telling me come go up to the fountain with she
She asked me to go with her to the fountain
Ah say "Well me ain't walking twelve miles up no mountain!"
I said, "I'm not walking twelve miles up a mountain!"
She say "Well if it's twelve thousand we still going"
She said, "If it's even twelve thousand, we're still going"
"Darlin'", she say, "we living too long in sin
"My dear," she said, "we've been living in sin for too long
We have a right to go and fix it by the fountain"
We have the right to go and fix it at the fountain"
Ah had some money in meh house to pay meh rent
I had some money in my house to pay my rent
In the fountain the girl throw every cent
The girl threw all the money into the fountain
And hear she singing:
And she sings:
"Which one will the fountain bless?
"Who will the fountain bless?
Which one will the fountain bless?"
Who will the fountain bless?"
But all the time the stupid woman making she wish
But the whole time, the stupid woman was making her wish
Is the smart Barbadian that is getting rich
It's the clever Barbadian who's getting rich
The vagabond singing:
And the vagabond sings:
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
"It's all mine, it's all mine, it's all mine!"
Ah don't know how the news reach the F.B.I.
I don't know how the news reached the FBI
But the police decide to arrest the guy
But the police decided to arrest him
An inspector by the name of Duntin
An inspector named Duntin
Disguise himself, so he went up to the fountain
Disguised himself and went up to the fountain
Take out three gold coins and throw it inside
Took out three gold coins and threw them in
Pretend he's making a wish, but he went and hide
Pretended to make a wish, but he went and hid
When the Barbadian see the gold like if he went crazy
When the Barbadian saw the gold, he acted as if he were crazy
So in the fountain he jumping immediately
So he immediately jumped into the fountain
And hear him singing:
And he sings:
"Three coins in the fountain
"Three coins in the fountain
Through the ripples how they shine
How they shimmer through the ripples"
"All is mine, all is mine, all is mine!"
"It's all mine, it's all mine, it's all mine!"
But as the vagabond come out from the fountain
But as the vagabond came out from the fountain
The Inspector arrest him and start to sing:
The Inspector arrested him and started to sing:
"Not this time, not this time, not this time!"
"Not this time, not this time, not this time!"
Contributed by Lily M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bondeebryan411
He is so far above the rest
The Birdie is up there where the air is rare all by himself.
Just the best.
Love you man.
@pizee
I was singing this song a few weeks ago and I am glad you put it up. Lawd...what a laugh!
@wendelcarrington2025
Co sex
@marshaallison70
Every time i tried to out my father, he sang this to me. When i agreed about not getting enough allowance my father would sing" all is mine". i tried singing to him once and sang"Not this time"
@ShakeshaWilliams
marsha allison 😂
@marjorieferguson2064
Those were the day myself friend we taught will never end
@heatherfulmore3412
Lol
@debcarey7900
The citizens of this Earth given a special gift when Mighty Sparrow born.
@SKYPAT99
Thanks for the Good memories!
@thebonzell
Tonight is oldies night. No better way to beat the COVID-19 lockdown.