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.
We Pass That Stage
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When people reject us and call us low class
Courteous words like "Thank you", "I'm sorry"
"Please" and "Would you forgive me?" which we once knew
Have now become a forgotten thing of the past
We convict and we condemn in our minds
Our bosom pal without a trialBut this wickedness, crookedness
Stupid and malicious guile is out of style
Can't we be constructive and try to engage
In something to alleviate this present shortage
Control the urge to damage and as a people be less savage
In this day and age, we must remember we pass that stage
We don't hesitate to try and create
And then perpetuate fictitious impressions
Saturday night infidelity is a damn joke
We cussing, we whoring, we smoking dope
Sunday morning, we holier than the Pope
The wanton consumption of alcohol
Just to get drunk and peddle in junk
With the asinine presumption
That man should treat woman like skunk
Now that's pure bunk
Why can't we forget about riot and scrimmage
Ignore the old talk and gossip in the village
Cease the damn wastage, stop going on the rampage
In this day and age, remember we pass that stage
When we criticise, we tend to over dramatise
Thereby exercising ignorance and folly
The mistakes that were made by the older heads
Crapaud smoke we pipe if we are continuously misled
We contend certain public servants are disgustingly lazy, openly
Yet we have no praise for the hard-working ones we see, no siree
As a result of the wars we incessantly wage on our elders and teachers
They just can't manage this perpetual suffrage
You don't have to go to college in this day and age
To know that we pass that stage
The Mighty Sparrow's song "We Pass That Stage" is a poignant reflection on the contemporary human condition in which we often forget the basic tenets of civility that mark us as a civilized society. In this song, he highlights some of the most widespread issues prevalent in society that often hinder our ability to operate as respectful and productive members of society.
The first paragraph of the song deals with the issue of disrespect, rejection, and lack of common courtesy. Sparrow laments the fact that people today have forgotten the importance of basic courtesy and respect towards one another. People tend to convict and condemn others in their minds without giving them the opportunity for a fair trial. Sparrow advocates for a more constructive approach towards conflict resolution that would allow people to engage constructively and work towards alleviating present shortages.
In the second paragraph, Sparrow addresses several social ills that plague contemporary society, including infidelity, alcoholism, and violence. He criticizes the wanton consumption of alcohol and the way it is often used to peddle in junk. Sparrow also criticizes the rampant infidelity that prevails on Saturday nights, which is then juxtaposed with Sunday morning hypocrisy.
Overall, "We Pass That Stage" is a powerful commentary on contemporary society's moral and ethical values. It highlights some of the most pressing issues that hinder our ability to operate effectively as members of society. In this sense, it is a call to action for individuals to introspect and change their behavior towards others, particularly those of different social classes or ethnicities.
Line by Line Meaning
We show disrespect and then we object
We disrespect others but get upset when they reject us
When people reject us and call us low class
We feel insulted when others reject us or call us low class
Courteous words like "Thank you", "I'm sorry"
Words of courtesy like "Thank you", "I'm sorry" that we used to say
"Please" and "Would you forgive me?" which we once knew
Words like "Please" and "Would you forgive me?" which we have forgotten
Have now become a forgotten thing of the past
We no longer say these words and have forgot their importance
We convict and we condemn in our minds
We judge and condemn our friends without giving them a fair chance
Our bosom pal without a trial
We condemn our closest friends without a fair trial
But this wickedness, crookedness
This evil behavior of ours
Stupid and malicious guile is out of style
Is unacceptable and not in fashion anymore
Can't we be constructive and try to engage
Why can't we be positive and try something new
In something to alleviate this present shortage
Do something about the shortage and scarcity we are facing
Control the urge to damage and as a people be less savage
Stop acting destructively and control the urge to destroy things
In this day and age, we must remember we pass that stage
We have to remember that we have moved on from this behavior
We don't hesitate to try and create
We quickly create false impressions
And then perpetuate fictitious impressions
And continue to spread these false impressions
Saturday night infidelity is a damn joke
We joke around about infidelity on Saturday nights
We cussing, we whoring, we smoking dope
We swear, engage in prostitution, and use drugs
Sunday morning, we holier than the Pope
But on Sundays, we pretend to be good and act righteous
The wanton consumption of alcohol
Drinking excessive alcohol
Just to get drunk and peddle in junk
And using it as an excuse to sell drugs
With the asinine presumption
Thinking foolishly
That man should treat woman like skunk
That men should treat women badly
Now that's pure bunk
That's nonsense
Why can't we forget about riot and scrimmage
Why can't we stop fighting and arguing
Ignore the old talk and gossip in the village
Stop spreading rumors and gossip in the community
Cease the damn wastage, stop going on the rampage
Stop wasting resources and acting destructively
In this day and age, remember we pass that stage
We have moved on from this behavior and need to act accordingly
When we criticise, we tend to over dramatise
We tend to exaggerate when we criticize
Thereby exercising ignorance and folly
And showing our lack of knowledge and foolishness
The mistakes that were made by the older heads
The mistakes made by our elders
If we doh benefit from them, we go beg we bread
If we don't learn from these mistakes, we will suffer
Crapaud smoke we pipe if we are continuously misled
And we will be misled like fools
We contend certain public servants are disgustingly lazy, openly
We openly accuse some public servants of being lazy
Yet we have no praise for the hard-working ones we see, no siree
But we don't acknowledge those who are hardworking
As a result of the wars we incessantly wage on our elders and teachers
Because of the constant fights and arguments with our elders and teachers
They just can't manage this perpetual suffrage
They cannot handle this constant suffering
You don't have to go to college in this day and age
You don't need to go to college to know this truth
To know that we pass that stage
To understand that we have moved on from this behavior
Contributed by Reagan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@clothedwiththesun.
2024 we still ain’t pass the stage yet. SMH. Thank you Sparrow for another classic !
@calypsomusicgeorgerampersad
A masterpiece of social commentary...!
@riyadhrafique8377
Song #2 from the Mighty Sparrow. This along with Miss Mary (1974) was Calypso Monarch that year,