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 vs. Melody Picong
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will tell you plain and candidly
Don′t stop back and smile
Because you have a face like a crocodile!
Sparrow, you shouldn't tell me that at all
I mind you when you was small
Many of the nights I used to mash your head
I know you think you are looking sweet
Posing here in you old false teeth
Is a lucky thing your uncle kick out
For you to get the false teeth to put in your mouth!
That is all you can say
In every angle and every way?
But the way how you watching at me
I go buss a right hook in your belly!
It look as if you want trouble here tonight
Allyuh always looking for fight
I′ll tell you this candidly
That is why the jail never empty!
You know that I'll be proud and glad
If Sampson and Delilah come back to Trinidad
But when they come, I wouldn't go in the theatre
Because look the jawbone of the ass right here!
Well, ladies and gents, to tell you this I′m sure
When the circus was here they had a big uproar
Walking hand in hand, the female chimpanzee
Take Mello for she man!
Sparrow, that is a mistake
And in my opinion you give me a headache
This is what I′m forced to say
Is the same mistake you going to make today!
Well Melody, you have me in a rage
Whining up on the stage
You feel you are looking cute
But when you finish, take off the dead man suit!
You shouldn't tell me that
This is what I am compelled to tell you flat
I hope you doesn′t say that I am crack
In a while I'll be whining behind yuh back!
Well believe, don′t touch mih flesh
I wouldn't say you fresh
Back to back, belly to belly
And I think you are slack!
The lyrics to "Sparrow vs. Melody Picong" by Mighty Sparrow depict a back-and-forth exchange between two individuals, Sparrow and Melody, engaged in a traditional form of Trinidadian calypso banter known as "picong." In this form of verbal sparring, wit, humor, and sometimes insults are exchanged in a playful manner.
From the beginning, Sparrow taunts Melody about his appearance, comparing him to a crocodile because of his smile. Melody retaliates by reminiscing about the times he used to tease Sparrow when they were younger, even mentioning how he would playfully hit Sparrow's head. Sparrow then mocks Melody's false teeth, suggesting that it was fortunate his uncle got rid of them, enabling Melody to wear them.
The banter continues as Sparrow accuses Melody of lacking creativity and constantly harping on the same topic, implying that Melody's sole focus is trying to provoke a fight. Sparrow humorously mentions his excitement about the biblical characters Sampson and Delilah returning to Trinidad, but sarcastically adds that he wouldn't attend the theater show because Melody's presence would serve as a reminder of a donkey's jawbone.
The song takes an amusing turn as Sparrow accuses Melody of getting involved romantically with a female chimpanzee when the circus was in town. Melody dismisses this as a mistake and accuses Sparrow of giving him a headache. The banter concludes with Sparrow playfully expressing his anger and challenging Melody's dancing skills, jokingly suggesting he should remove his "dead man suit" after his performance. Melody responds by warning Sparrow not to touch him and calling him slack.
Overall, "Sparrow vs. Melody Picong" demonstrates the lighthearted yet witty nature of picong in calypso music, where playful insults are exchanged in a humorous manner between performers.
Line by Line Meaning
Well Melody, come close to me
Melody, approach me closely
I will tell you plain and candidly
I will speak to you honestly and directly
Don't stop back and smile
Do not hold back your smile
Because you have a face like a crocodile!
Because your face resembles that of a crocodile
Sparrow, you shouldn't tell me that at all
Sparrow, you should not tell me such things
I mind you when you was small
I remember you from when you were young
Many of the nights I used to mash your head
I often used to hit your head
In crossing to go on yuh mother... babadap, babadap!
While passing by your mother... babadap, babadap!
I know you think you are looking sweet
I am aware that you believe you appear attractive
Posing here in you old false teeth
Presenting yourself here with your worn false teeth
Is a lucky thing your uncle kick out
It is fortunate that your uncle discarded
For you to get the false teeth to put in your mouth!
So that you could acquire false teeth to wear
That is all you can say
Is that the only thing you can say
In every angle and every way?
From every perspective and in every manner?
But the way how you watching at me
But the way you are staring at me
I go buss a right hook in your belly!
I will throw a powerful punch at your stomach!
It look as if you want trouble here tonight
It appears that you desire conflict this evening
Allyuh always looking for a fight
All of you are constantly seeking confrontations
I'll tell you this candidly
I will honestly tell you this
That is why the jail never empty!
That is why the jail is never empty!
You know that I'll be proud and glad
You know that I will be proud and joyful
If Sampson and Delilah come back to Trinidad
If Sampson and Delilah were to return to Trinidad
But when they come, I wouldn't go in the theatre
But if they do come, I would not go to the theater
Because look, the jawbone of the ass right here!
Because, look, the foolish person is right here!
Well, ladies and gents, to tell you this I'm sure
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you
When the circus was here they had a big uproar
During the circus' visit, there was great commotion
Walking hand in hand, the female chimpanzee
Walking together, the female chimpanzee
Take Mello for she man!
Took Mello for her partner!
Sparrow, that is a mistake
Sparrow, that is an error
And in my opinion you give me a headache
And, in my view, you cause me a headache
This is what I'm forced to say
This is what I am compelled to utter
Is the same mistake you going to make today!
It is the same mistake you will make today!
Well Melody, you have me in a rage
Well, Melody, you have infuriated me
Whining up on the stage
Dancing sensually on the stage
You feel you are looking cute
You believe you appear attractive
But when you finish, take off the dead man suit!
But once finished, remove the attire of a deceased person!
You shouldn't tell me that
You should not say that to me
This is what I am compelled to tell you flat
This is what I feel obliged to tell you directly
I hope you doesn't say that I am crack
I hope you do not state that I am insane
In a while I'll be whining behind yuh back!
Soon, I will be gossiping about you!
Well believe, don't touch mih flesh
Well, understand, do not touch me physically
I wouldn't say you fresh
I would not say you are attractive
Back to back, belly to belly
Facing each other intimately
And I think you are slack!
And, in my opinion, you are lazy!
Writer(s): S. Francisco
Contributed by Elena G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@franklinjonesjaramillo727
Damn. My father owned this album. And although I couldn't understand much I really enjoyed it. They were the hardest. I think Sparrow is still alive.
@suzancameron5353
The Lord Melody had an incredible and distinctive voice.
@Trintana
Every time I listen this lavway, I smile.
Greatest respect to these two calypso greats your memory will indeed live on!!
@TheAto2000
I was told about this rivalry by a teacher in school in the 1990s. I'm glad to finally hear an example .Melody was already dead when I started remembering things as a child. I grew up viewing Sparrow as a rival to calypsonian Kitchener, who died in 2000. Sparrow is still alive as of writing in 2018.I'm glad to get this renewed interest in "kaiso".
@monroebroo
Those were the good old days. Kudo's to Glenroy for sharing such a classic.
@starryknight776
Fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing, bless you, made my Mama happy this evening xx
@ashton272
This is where rap battle came from
@dmunchman
Thanks Glen . Duel sound's refreshing .
@dariosmagata8481
Yes this is the precursor to the rap battle. Rap and hip-hop comes out of Caribbean music, look at some of the earliest hip-hop records and see where they were recorded, in the reggae and calypso studios of NYC and Florida. Many things trace back to the islands!
@americasmaker
Yeah, no. The dozens are the precursor to Hip Hop, same ethnic group, black Americans. I wouldn't be surprised if this was influenced by black American Jazz and bebop, blues, the dozens.