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.
Steering Wheel
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stay right here in the garage
I am afraid and you know after hours
Down dey have night prowlers
Anything you have to do, do it here
We ain't have nothing to fear"
When I hold she to demonstrate meh plan
Is then the trouble began, man
She start to working up and working up and working up
Hmmm and she carrying on
She foot stick up in the steering wheel
And blowing the horn, if you hear it?
She father come out
Big machete in the hand and so help me
The old man started to shout, and if you hear him:
"Shame, Sparrow, shame
You're spoiling meh daughter name
I tell you don't come back here again
You are the one to blame
Take care meh daughter strain"
Can you imagine this long-legged woman
In such an awkward position?
And me, a friend of the family
Couldn't be more guilty
If she did keep she tail quiet
Nobody would'a know the garage have activity
But she keeping up like she mad
Holding she leg like a blasted flag
She start to working up and working up and working up
And she carrying on
She foot stick up in the steering wheel
Blowing the horn, if you hear it
She father come out
Big stick in the hand and so help me
The old man started to shout, oh meh Lawd:
"Shame, Sparrow, shame
You're spoiling meh daughter name
Don't come back here again
Sparrow, you are the one to blame
And take care meh daughter strain"
This time the dog started to bark
Don't talk how the garage dark
Ah start to feel in the dark because I couldn't see
She "Hee hee, boy you tickling me!"
This time she ankle quite by the gear lever
And she big toe hook the indicator
Ah fighting hard to untangle she
But the noise waking everybody
Man, she start to working up and working up and working up
And she carrying on
She foot stick up in the steering wheel
And blowing the horn...
She father come out
Big stick in the hand and the old fool
Started to shout, if you hear me
"Shame, Sparrow, shame
You're spoiling meh daughter name
I tell you don't come back here again
You are the one to blame
Take care meh daughter strain"
She little brother and she two nephew
Come outside and peeping too
Ah start to run, run away from the car
Ah couldn't face the grandmother
This time meh jacket fly, meh shoes in meh hand
Meh pants get away from meh midsection
In the dark I stumble and fall
The dog take meh socks, underpants and all
Mean she dey, she working up and working up and working up
And she carrying on
She foot stick up in the steering wheel
And blowing the horn, loud loud loud!
She father come out
One big machete in the hand, and
And the old man started to shout, if you hear him:
"Shame, Sparrow, shame
You're spoiling meh daughter name
I tell you don't come back here again
Take care meh daughter strain
Something in she brain
Take care meh daughter strain
Shame, Sparrow, shame
Take care meh daughter strain
Shame, Sparrow, shame
Take care meh daughter strain!"
The song "Steering Wheel" by Mighty Sparrow is a playful yet risqué tune about a steamy encounter in a garage. The singer's female partner initially expresses fear of going to a dangerous location down in Carenage, but the singer convinces her to stay in the garage instead. However, trouble starts when the woman begins to get carried away with pleasure, and her foot gets stuck in the steering wheel while the horn blows loudly. This attracts the attention of the woman's angry father, who confronts the singer with a machete, accusing him of spoiling his daughter's name. The song ends with the singer trying to escape from the scene after being embarrassed by the entire incident.
The song is a classic example of Mighty Sparrow's ability to weave humour and innuendo into his music while maintaining a catchy beat. Despite the bawdy subject matter, Sparrow manages to maintain a light-hearted tone throughout the song, which has helped to establish it as a favourite at Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago. The lyrics are also rich in metaphor and double entendre, making it a popular topic for discussion among music enthusiasts.
Line by Line Meaning
She tell me "No, I ain't going Carenage
She refuses to go to Carenage and would rather stay in the garage due to safety concerns
Stay right here in the garage
She wants to stay in a safe place and avoid potential danger outside
I am afraid and you know after hours
She is afraid of being out late when criminal activity is more likely to occur
Down dey have night prowlers
There are criminals around the area who are active at night
Anything you have to do, do it here
She suggests that any necessary activity should be done in the safety of the garage
We ain't have nothing to fear"
She believes that staying in the garage is safe and will allow them to avoid potential harm
When I hold she to demonstrate meh plan
When he attempts to demonstrate his plan to her
Is then the trouble began, man
The trouble started to occur when he tried to show her his plan
She start to working up and working up and working up
She becomes increasingly excited and agitated
Hmmm and she carrying on
She continues to behave erratically
She foot stick up in the steering wheel
Her foot gets stuck in the steering wheel
And blowing the horn, if you hear it?
She begins to honk the horn loudly, possibly as a result of her excitement and stuck foot
She father come out
Her father comes out of the house
Big machete in the hand and so help me
He has a machete in his hand and is possibly threatening
The old man started to shout, and if you hear him:
The father begins to yell and become angry
"Shame, Sparrow, shame
He is shaming Sparrow and blaming him for his daughter's behavior
You're spoiling meh daughter name
He is blaming Sparrow for negatively affecting his daughter's reputation
I tell you don't come back here again
He tells Sparrow not to return because of what has happened
You are the one to blame
He believes that Sparrow is responsible for what has happened to his daughter
Take care meh daughter strain."
The father wants Sparrow to be careful and cautious when it comes to his daughter
Can you imagine this long-legged woman
Sparrow is asking the listener to imagine seeing the woman in her awkward position
In such an awkward position?
Sparrow describes the woman's uncomfortable and compromising position
And me, a friend of the family
Sparrow reveals that he is a friend of the woman's family
Couldn't be more guilty
He feels guilty for what has happened
If she did keep she tail quiet
If the woman had been quiet and discreet
Nobody would'a know the garage have activity
No one would have known about the activity in the garage
But she keeping up like she mad
The woman is behaving like she is crazy, drawing unwanted attention
Holding she leg like a blasted flag
She holds her leg up and waves it around in a provocative manner, further drawing attention
This time the dog started to bark
The dog begins to bark, possibly due to the noise being made and/or the woman's behavior
Don't talk how the garage dark
The darkness of the garage may contribute to the chaos and confusion
Ah start to feel in the dark because I couldn't see
Sparrow becomes disoriented and confused due to the darkness
She "Hee hee, boy you tickling me!"
The woman seems to be amused by Sparrow's attempts to free her from the steering wheel
This time she ankle quite by the gear lever
Her ankle gets stuck by the gear lever
And she big toe hook the indicator
Her big toe hooks the indicator, causing more noise
Ah fighting hard to untangle she
Sparrow is trying his best to free her from the steering wheel and gear lever
But the noise waking everybody
The noise being made is alerting and disturbing the neighbors
She little brother and she two nephew
The woman's family members, including her younger brother and two nephews
Come outside and peeping too
They come outside to see what is going on and witness the chaos
Ah start to run, run away from the car
Sparrow begins to run away to avoid further trouble
Ah couldn't face the grandmother
He fears facing the woman's grandmother after what has happened
This time meh jacket fly, meh shoes in meh hand
Sparrow's clothes and shoes get scattered in the confusion
Meh pants get away from meh midsection
His pants fall down, adding to the humiliation
In the dark I stumble and fall
Sparrow falls down in the dark due to the chaos and fear
The dog take meh socks, underpants and all
The dog gets hold of Sparrow's socks and underpants, compounding his embarrassment
And blowing the horn... She father come out
The woman is still making noise and her father comes out once more
One big machete in the hand, and
The father is still holding a machete and is still angry
And the old man started to shout, if you hear him:
The father begins to yell again
"Shame, Sparrow, shame
He is still shaming Sparrow and blaming him for the incident
Take care meh daughter strain"
He repeats his previous warning to Sparrow to be careful with his daughter
Something in she brain
The father suggests that there is something wrong with his daughter's thinking or behavior
Shame, Sparrow, shame
The father continues to shame and blame Sparrow for the incident
Take care meh daughter strain
He repeats his warning to Sparrow to be careful with his daughter
Shame, Sparrow, shame
The father once again shames and blames Sparrow
Take care meh daughter strain!"
The father repeats his warning to Sparrow to be careful with his daughter
Writer(s): Francisco Slinger
Contributed by Harper N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sandyferris4536
Sparrow should have disconnected the battery before fixing the machine lol. Beautiful Caribbean classic
@noelsturrup3817
Excellent point! Especially if she knew she would carry on so! Haha
@normanosborne7367
SO MUCH ACTIVITY HAPPENING IN THE GARAGE. ALL THAT WORKING UP SHE DOING HER FEET TOUCH THE STEERING WHEEL BLOWING THE HORN****LOUD LOUD LOUD****POOR SPARROW GET CAUGHT OUT HERE. A TRUE GENIUS (5 STAR*****)
@smegybellend
cool
@noelsturrup3817
Di fadda did admit in the end, "Something in she vein" Haha