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.
Sparrow Dead
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"And a double dose of leukemia..."
Two gossip mongers gossipin'
I stand up in a corner listenin'
Before I could ask who dey talking 'bout,
A newspaper boy start to shout, hey!
Extra!
Read all about it!
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
("Sparrow dead!")
If you see dis woman
("Sparrow dead!")
Wid a flag in she hand
("Sparrow dead!")
She bang on she belly
("Sparrow dead!")
Tellin' everybody
("Sparrow dead!")
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
Well big mouth Lillian
Say the funeral was on television
She picky head cousin say
"Mmmhumm, de coffin cost twenty thousand
That is why he sell de company
To pay de doctor and de burial fee"
While she talking up come big Belly Angie
With a paper bawlin' "Girl, all you ain't see?"
Oh, you read it?
I'm gon' tell you:
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
("Sparrow dead!")
If you see de woman
("Sparrow dead!")
Wid a flag in she hand
("Sparrow dead!")
She bang she belly
("Sparrow dead!")
Tellin' everybody
("Sparrow dead!")
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
Well dat was excitement
Traffic jam, people block de pavement
Mama look at commerce
Everybody done ride de express
If people want to kill, choke or leggo
Sparrow just land in [?]
This time the evening news led de throng
That another had lain by Chester Marong, hey!
Read all about it!
Extra!
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
("Sparrow dead!")
If you see dis woman
("Sparrow dead!")
Wid that flag in she hand
("Sparrow dead!")
She bang she belly
("Sparrow dead!")
Tellin' everybody
("Sparrow dead!")
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
The song "Sparrow Dead" by Mighty Sparrow is a commentary on the spread of rumors and gossip in a community. The first verse describes the two gossip mongers talking about something going on with someone's bladder and leukemia, but the focus quickly shifts to a more sensational rumor: the death of Sparrow. The singer of the song listens in as the newspaper boy starts shouting about the news of Sparrow's death.
As the song progresses, more and more characters enter the scene and the gossip becomes more elaborate. Big mouth Lillian shares the details of the funeral and the cost of the coffin, while Belly Angie shows off the newspaper with the headline about Sparrow's death. The excitement in the community builds, with traffic jams and people blocking the pavement to get a glimpse of what's going on.
Despite all the gossip and rumors, the song ends with the refrain of "Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know." The point of the song seems to be that while gossip can be exciting and draw attention, it often lacks substance and can be incredibly damaging.
Line by Line Meaning
Something in he bladder...
Two gossipers spread rumors about someone's health.
And a double dose of leukemia...
The person they are gossiping about is seriously ill with cancer.
Two gossip mongers gossipin'...
The scene is set with two people spreading rumors.
I stand up in a corner listenin'...
The artist is present, listening and observing the gossip.
Before I could ask who dey talking 'bout...
The artist is too late to ask who the gossip is about.
A newspaper boy start to shout, hey! Extra! Read all about it!...
A newspaper boy interrupts the gossip to announce a sensational news story.
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...("Sparrow dead!")...
The news story is about the death of someone known as 'Sparrow' and nobody knows who killed him.
If you see dis woman ("Sparrow dead!")...
A description is given of someone who is spreading the news of Sparrow's death.
Wid a flag in she hand ("Sparrow dead!")...
The woman is holding a flag and using it to draw attention.
She bang on she belly ("Sparrow dead!")...
The woman is making noise by hitting her belly, making sure everyone knows about Sparrow's death.
Tellin' everybody ("Sparrow dead!")...
The woman is telling everyone she sees about Sparrow's death.
Well big mouth Lillian...
A new character is introduced, Lillian.
Say the funeral was on television...
Lillian confirms that Sparrow's funeral was on TV.
She picky head cousin say...
Lillian relays something she heard from her cousin.
"Mmmhumm, de coffin cost twenty thousand...
Lillian's cousin mentions the cost of Sparrow's coffin and the financial difficulties it caused him.
That is why he sell de company...
To pay for the coffin and the burial, Sparrow sold his company.
To pay de doctor and de burial fee...
The money Sparrow got from selling his company was used to pay the doctor and burial costs.
While she talking up come big Belly Angie...
Another character, Belly Angie, interrupts Lillian while she's gossiping.
With a paper bawlin' "Girl, all you ain't see?"...
Belly Angie adds to the gossip by bringing up something else from the newspaper.
Well dat was excitement...
The scene is described as exciting.
Traffic jam, people block de pavement...
The excitement has caused a traffic jam and people are crowding the streets.
Mama look at commerce...
The artist comments on how people are trying to profit from Sparrow's death.
Everybody done ride de express...
People have taken advantage of the situation to travel for free.
If people want to kill, choke or leggo...
The artist suggests that people are capable of violence if provoked.
Sparrow just land in [?]...
It is suggested that Sparrow's death could have been avoided if he had stayed away from danger.
This time the evening news led de throng...
The TV news is again mentioned as a source of information.
That another had lain by Chester Marong, hey!...
A new death is announced, showing that violent deaths are common.
Writer(s): Slinger Francisco
Contributed by Brooklyn H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@demolabank
Mighty Sparrow( The Mighty Sparrow )
Sparrow Dead
I hear he had cancer
I hear he had yellow fever
Something in de bladder
And a double dose of leukemia
Two gossip mongers gossipin'
I stand up in a corner listenin'
Before I could ask who dey talking 'bout,
A newspaper boy start to shout
'Hey paper!
'Extra!'
'Read all about it!'
'Paper!'
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
('Sparrow dead!')
If you see dis woman
('Sparrow dead!')
Wid a flag in she hand
('Sparrow dead!')
She bang she belly
('Sparrow dead!')
Tellin' everybody
('Sparrow dead!')
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
According to Vicki
He was always lookin' sickly
So he went to England
For a belly transplant operation
It's de woman that he foul up begee (?)
If she would walk out on he
Another newsman, got tell she know -
It's the devil that he sell for calypso!
'Hey, paper'
'Extra!'
'Read all about it!'
'Paper!'
Who kill de Sparrow Nobody know
{'Sparrow dead!'}
If you see dis woman
{'Sparrow dead')
With a flag in she hand
('Sparrow dead!')
She bang she belly
{'Sparrow dead')
Tellin' everybody
('Sparrow dead')
Find more lyrics at ※ Mojim.com
Well big mouth Lillian
Say the funeral was on television
She picky head cousin say
'Mmmhumm, de coffin cost twenty thousand
That is why he sell de company
To pay de doctor and de burial fee'
While she talking up scum big Belly Angie
With a paper bawlin' 'Girl, all you ain't see?'
Oh, you read it?
I'm gon' tell you:
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
('Sparrow dead!')
If you see de woman
('Sparrow dead!')
Wid a flag in she hand
('Sparrow dead!')
She bang she belly
('Sparrow dead!')
Tellin' everybody
('Sparrow dead!')
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
Well dat was excitement
Traffic jam, people block de pavement
Mama look at comments
Everybody done buy de Express
People want to kill Chopalingo
Sparrow just land in Piarco
This time the Evening News paints de town
With another headline by Chester Marong
'Hey!'
'Read all about it!'
'Extra!'
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
('Sparrow dead!')
If you see dis woman
('Sparrow dead!')
Wid that flag in she hand
('Sparrow dead!')
She bang she belly
('Sparrow dead!')
Tellin' everybody
('Sparrow dead!')
Who kill de Sparrow? Nobody know...
@puirYorick
It's de woman that he foul up begee (?)
If she would walk out on he
Another newsman, got tell she know -
It's the devil that he sell for calypso!
>> what I hear <<
It's de woman that he foul up begee (BG - for British Guyana)
I hear she wok obeah on he
Another newsman, gon tell he know -
The devil take he soul for calypso
>> of course, I could be just as wrong as whoever wrote those out on that site <<
@salsasoul4112
The Man. The Legend. The Master. There's no other Calypso King. The Mighty Sparrow lives forever!
I'm so proud to be Caribbean 🇬🇾 🇹🇹 🇬🇩 🇯🇲 🇧🇧 🇦🇬 🇭🇹 🇨🇺 🇧🇸 🇰🇳 🇦🇼 🇩🇲 🇵🇷
@ujimajame4601
This song was actually released in 1969 on the album "More, Sparrow, More" but shows the true genius of Sparrow! Responding to rumors prevalant then that have reemerged time and time again to this day, Sparrow applies his unique sense of humor to attack announcements of his premature death that make this a timeless classic! This is also on YouTube performed live at the GBTV Culture Show from 1995 and in an updated form with different (though not better) music, with two great musical interludes.
@emmanuelgbeho947
August 2021. Sparrow alive and kicking.
@godscissorer
And the mighty Sparrow?
@williammills1026
The man passed away a few days ago...
I grew up on these songs...they inspired me...R. I. P.
@doctorj5009
Birdie is still chirpin
@waynekhan2728
My God I grew up on the MIGHTY SPARROW ‼️‼️‼️ and did my children, they can sing any sparrow tune !! Slinger Frisco ❤️❤️❤️❤️ the of Trinidad 🇹🇹 & Tobago 🇹🇹
@sastrishastri1997
Legends doh dead .
@SocaPhD
Sparrow is still with us folks!!
@marjorieferguson2064
Yes he is and we should treasure him