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.
Solomon
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am living in true democracy
If I had any doubts, now they gone completely
Our nation stands for true democracy
I am referring to that most regrettable disaster
Through a corporal, we lost our acting Prime Minister
He complained to the Commission
And make them kick out poor Solomon
Where in the world you could find democracy so?
Except in Trinidad and Tobago
If was in America, is the corporal that had to go
In the first place a man like he
Couldn′t see the Commission of Inquiry
Don't care how he try, they would charge him as a spy
And tell the public he lie
Oh well the good things you do, you never get credit
But make one mistake, nobody forget it
I agree he was wrong without any doubt
Canceling the charge, letting the boy out
But the way how some of these people criticizing
You will think Solomon shouldn′t have human feelings
Just because he in politics he must live he stepson
Like old nobody in a cell to get caned with licks
Some people saying he too old face and outta place
Some of them vex because they hear he slap the Doctor in he face
But I say Pat Solomon is still a damn good politician
He only made a slip, they throw him out with a kick
This place too damn democratic
Plenty people used to criticize the PNM
But the way things turned out is a shock to them
They used to say that the Doctor is a dictator
Some went as far as to call him a traitor
But now they can't be seen even by a blind man
What side of the fence the PNM stand
I'm sure now they all agree:
PNM stands for true democracy
In America a shoe shine boy could be president
Or a millionaire tomorrow and today he ain′t got a black cent
For opportunity, America ain′t bad
For democracy I like Trinidad
Because the police force get snob
A corporal push a knob
And the minister lost a good job
In most other places it ain't so at all
They′ll promote Solomon and kick the corporal
Although democracy is what they go out and teach
You'll never see them practice what you′ll hear them preach
But the first thing we gave Solomon was a headline
Opposition, commission and the corporal in he tail, he bound to resign
I really sympathize with he
But I still say he wrong for setting the boy free
Don't mind you:
It is true our nation needs strong men like Solomon
Yeah, but no-one is allowed to take the law in their hand
OK, drop the charge if you see it fit
But it ain′t what you do, it's how you do it
Solomon acted like a Lord, trying to spare the rod
And now he die by the sword
The song Solomon by Mighty Sparrow is a commentary on the political situation in Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on the idea of true democracy. The chorus emphasizes the notion that the country is a true democracy, unlike America where the corporal would have faced consequences for his actions. The song details an incident in which the acting Prime Minister was removed from office due to complaints made to the Commission by a corporal. Solomon, referred to in the title of the song, was the acting Prime Minister who lost his job.
The lyrics delve into the criticisms and opinions of the general public towards the incident. Mighty Sparrow explains that Solomon's actions were wrong and he deserved to have been removed from the position, even though he had human feelings. The song also discusses the idea of democracy in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that even a high-ranking official like Solomon is not above the law. The song concludes by stating that the manner in which Solomon acted was inappropriate, and he was punished for it.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had any doubts, now they gone completely
Any doubts I had are now gone
I am living in true democracy
Our nation is a true democracy
If I am referring to that most regrettable disaster
I am referring to the disaster that caused the loss of our acting Prime Minister
Through a corporal, we lost our acting Prime Minister
Our acting Prime Minister was lost due to the actions of a corporal
He complained to the Commission
He made a complaint to the Commission
And make them kick out poor Solomon
As a result, they kicked out Solomon
Where in the world you could find democracy so?
Where else in the world could you find such a democracy?
Except in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is the exception
If was in America, is the corporal that had to go
If it was in America, the corporal would have been removed
In the first place a man like he
A man like him
Couldn′t see the Commission of Inquiry
Would not have been given access to the Commission of Inquiry
Don't care how he try, they would charge him as a spy
Even if he tried, he would be charged as a spy
And tell the public he lie
And the public would be told he lied
Oh well the good things you do, you never get credit
The good things you do often go unnoticed
But make one mistake, nobody forget it
But if you make one mistake, it will not be forgotten
I agree he was wrong without any doubt
I agree that he was in the wrong, without a doubt
Canceling the charge, letting the boy out
The charge was canceled, and the boy was let out
But the way how some of these people criticizing
The way some people are criticizing
You will think Solomon shouldn′t have human feelings
You would think Solomon shouldn't have any human feelings
Just because he in politics he must live he stepson
Just because he is in politics, he must live like a prisoner
Like old nobody in a cell to get caned with licks
Like an old man, locked up in a cell, getting beaten
Some people saying he too old face and outta place
Some people are suggesting that he is too old and out of place
Some of them vex because they hear he slap the Doctor in he face
Some of them are angry because they heard he slapped the Doctor in the face
But I say Pat Solomon is still a damn good politician
I say Pat Solomon is still a good politician
He only made a slip, they throw him out with a kick
He made a mistake and they kicked him out
This place too damn democratic
This place is too darned democratic
Plenty people used to criticize the PNM
Many people used to criticize the PNM
But the way things turned out is a shock to them
But the way things turned out has shocked them
They used to say that the Doctor is a dictator
They used to say the Doctor is a dictator
Some went as far as to call him a traitor
Some went so far as to call him a traitor
But now they can't be seen even by a blind man
But now they can't even be seen by a blind man
What side of the fence the PNM stand
Which side of the fence does the PNM stand on?
I'm sure now they all agree:
I'm sure they all agree now
PNM stands for true democracy
PNM stands for true democracy
In America a shoe shine boy could be president
In America, anyone could be president
Or a millionaire tomorrow and today he ain′t got a black cent
Or, someone could be penniless today, and a millionaire tomorrow
For opportunity, America ain′t bad
In terms of opportunity, America is not bad
For democracy I like Trinidad
Trinidad is the place I prefer for democracy
Because the police force get snob
Because the police force are snobbish
A corporal push a knob
A corporal pushed a knob
And the minister lost a good job
And as a result, the minister lost a good job
In most other places, it ain't so at all
In most other places, it is not so at all
They'll promote Solomon and kick the corporal
In most other places, they would promote Solomon and kick the corporal
Although democracy is what they go out and teach
Although democracy is what they teach
You'll never see them practice what you'll hear them preach
You will never see them practice what they preach
But the first thing we gave Solomon was a headline
But the first thing we did to Solomon was give him a headline
Opposition, commission and the corporal in he tail, he bound to resign
With opposition, the commission, and the corporal on his tail, he was bound to resign
I really sympathize with he
I really sympathize with him
But I still say he wrong for setting the boy free
However, I still believe he was wrong for setting the boy free
It is true our nation needs strong men like Solomon
It is true that our nation needs men like Solomon
Yeah, but no-one is allowed to take the law in their hand
However, no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands
OK, drop the charge if you see it fit
Okay, drop the charges if you think it's justified
But it ain't what you do, it's how you do it
But it's not what you do, it's how you do it
Solomon acted like a Lord, trying to spare the rod
Solomon acted like a lord, trying to spare the rod
And now he die by the sword
And as a result, he came to a violent end
Writer(s): Slinger Francisco
Contributed by Muhammad V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Everton Robinson
sparrow is one of the best I have ever heard I enjoy his music may God continue to bless him and his family
Orbus Records
las letras serian muy buenas si pudiese adquirirlas
Henk Tuinfort
SPARROW THE KING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NORMAN OSBORNE
LIKE HOW THE GUNSLINGER HANDLE HIS LYRICS ON ""SOLOMON"" IT DIDN'T TAKE TOO MUCH EFFORT FOR HIM PROVING HE'S STILL CALYPSO KING OF THE WORLD......HIS NAME SHOULD BE THERE WITH SOME OF THE OTHER FAMOUS BLACK HEROES. BIG TIME.
Franki Francis
this is a classic calypso;construction juxtaposition of contrary feelings/ideas/ comparison of material America and (tongue in cheek) this place too damn democratic T&T, 3 line rhymes all master class.
Riyadh Rafique
If I had to guess The Mighty Sparrow (Birdie) singing about Sir Solomon Hochoy?? I could be wrong....
Clyde Curtis Byer
No Patrick Solomon,a sterling example of obstructing justice,another Big Boy Pmn....
mark blair
The greatest
Lance Jones
+