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.
Ten To One Is Murder
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They have me feeling sad
Well, they playing beast
Why they run for police
Ten criminals attack me outside ah Miramar.
(Ten to one is murder!)
About ten in the night on the fifth of October
Way down Henry Street, up by HGM Walker
(Ten to one is murder!)
Well, the leader of the gang was hot like a peper
(Ten to one is murder!)
And every man in the gang had a white-handle razor
(Ten to one is murder!)
They say ah push the girl from Grenada
(Ten to one is murder!)
Well, ah back back until ah nearly fall in the gutter
(Ten to one is murder!)
You could imagine my position, not a police in the area!
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
Well, ah start to sweat
Man, ah soaking wet
Mama, so much threat
That's a night ah can't forget
Ten ah them against me, and fifty spectator
(Ten to one is murder!)
And the way dey coming up like dey want to devour
(Ten to one is murder!)
But in the heat of the excitement, is den ah remember
(Ten to one is murder!)
In me next pants pocket, ah forget me wedger
(Ten to one is murder!)
Ah don't know what to do, but ah just can't surrender
(Ten to one is murder!)
So they go cut me down as small as Pretender
(Ten to one is murder!)
Can you imagine all the planning to get out me liver
(Ten to one is murder!)
But as the crowd start to gather, ah started to shiver
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
In the still of the night
Ah was really in a fright.
Me alone against ten
Ten vicious men
Ah remember ah had a chicken at Miramar
(Ten to one is murder!)
Well, ah said to meself, 'that's me last supper'
(Ten to one is murder!)
But ah get away; and ah run, till ah reach Johnson corner,
(Ten to one is murder!)
They take off in me skin with big stick an' boulder
(Ten to one is murder!)
The fella in front was a very good pelter.
(Ten to one is murder!)
Bottle and stone falling but no place to shelter
(Ten to one is murder!)
Ah hear 'potow pow', and the crowd start to scatter!
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
(Ten to one is murder!)
The Mighty Sparrow's Ten To One Is Murder tells the story of a man who is ambushed and attacked by a gang of ten criminals in the streets. The lyrics describe his fear and desperation as he realizes he's alone against ten vicious men, with no help from the police. The first verse sets the tone of the song, with the singer feeling "sad" and "beast" about the situation. The chorus repeats the phrase "ten to one is murder," emphasizing the unfairness of the situation and how the odds are against him.
The second verse describes the attack in more detail, with the gang armed with knives and accusing him of pushing a girl from Grenada. The singer tries to back away and avoid the confrontation, but there's no escape. The third verse is a moment of realization, as he remembers he has some money in his pocket, which makes him a target for the robbers. However, he doesn't give up and tries to fight back, but the situation is too overwhelming. Finally, he manages to run away, barely escaping with his life.
The song's theme of violence, injustice, and police corruption is typical of calypso music from Trinidad and Tobago, where Sparrow is from. It also draws attention to the social and economic inequalities in the Caribbean, where crime and poverty are rampant. The song's catchy melody and sing-along chorus made it a hit in the 1960s, and it continues to be a favorite among fans of calypso music.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, they playing bad
The actions of a group have caused me distress
They have me feeling sad
I am experiencing negative emotions due to their behavior
Well, they playing beast
Their actions are savage and animalistic
Why they run for police
They should be held accountable for their actions but are avoiding responsibility
Ten criminals attack me outside ah Miramar.
A group of ten individuals attacked me near Miramar
(Ten to one is murder!)
The odds were unfair and the situation was dangerous
About ten in the night on the fifth of October
The date and time of the attack
Way down Henry Street, up by HGM Walker
The location of the attack
Well, the leader of the gang was hot like a peper
The leader of the group was aggressive and filled with energy
And every man in the gang had a white-handle razor
Each member of the group was armed with a razor
They say ah push the girl from Grenada
The group may have had a motive for attacking me
Well, ah back back until ah nearly fall in the gutter
I tried to avoid the situation and protect myself
You could imagine my position, not a police in the area!
The lack of law enforcement made the situation worse
Well, ah start to sweat
I became nervous and scared
Man, ah soaking wet
I was drenched in sweat due to the stress of the situation
Mama, so much threat
The situation posed a serious threat to my safety
That's a night ah can't forget
The event had a lasting impact on me
Ten ah them against me, and fifty spectator
There were more attackers than there were people to help me
And the way dey coming up like dey want to devour
The attackers were being aggressive and violent towards me
But in the heat of the excitement, is den ah remember
I had a moment of clarity in the midst of chaos
In me next pants pocket, ah forget me wedger
I had forgotten my money in my other pocket
Ah don't know what to do, but ah just can't surrender
I was unsure of what to do but did not want to give up
So they go cut me down as small as Pretender
The attackers were violent towards me and left me in bad condition
Can you imagine all the planning to get out me liver
The attackers intended to hurt me severely
But as the crowd start to gather, ah started to shiver
The situation became more intense and I became even more afraid
In the still of the night
The attack took place when everything was quiet and still
Ah was really in a fright.
I was filled with fear and panic
Me alone against ten
I was outnumbered and alone in the situation
Ten vicious men
The attackers were cruel and violent
Ah remember ah had a chicken at Miramar
I had eaten at Miramar prior to the attack
Well, ah said to meself, 'that's me last supper'
I realized that the situation could have been deadly
But ah get away; and ah run, till ah reach Johnson corner,
I managed to escape and run to Johnson corner
They take off in me skin with big stick an' boulder
The attackers threw large objects at me, causing injury
The fella in front was a very good pelter.
One of the attackers was particularly skilled at throwing things
Bottle and stone falling but no place to shelter
There was no safe place to hide from the attackers' weaponry
Ah hear 'potow pow', and the crowd start to scatter!
There was a loud noise and the spectators began to disperse
Contributed by Nicholas C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sarahmthuthuzeli4382
2021 still listening i love sparrow so muchπ₯°
@Supah84
2024 and still listening.
@melvingriffith
Unbelievable talent!!! Will always love this era of music.
@petercaesar57
This is the essence of Sparrow, see how he puts his everything into it. I loved it when Guardian life used it to make an ad. during one of the world cup competitions.
@CindyBeharry-sz3qu
2024 and still sounding good β€
@radharamana9038
Love this song & all of Mighty Sparrow...he is the Best !
@keelybilcom9256
My grandfather dance to this song before he died..... Sparrow you truly are the mighty Sparrow really love all your songs the are classics
π Sleep in perfect peace papa Natty.....you will forever remain in our hearts.
@TriniGirlNatural
Real talent, amazing breath control.
@terronhastick9247
Such a well written song a classic π πΉπΉ
@milesmacedon269
The best in his craft! None better.