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.
Who She Go Cry For
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you put a ring on she hand
And you feeling down in your heart
You're so smart!
Hey but you realize only now
How she butting you like a cow
You thought was a angel cake
But you thief a bake
You damn stupid cunumunu
Dennis, pay for your damn farseness
You give she the money
You put she in a nice place
I give she the honey
Sweet for she to taste
In the middle of the night
(Who she go cry for?)
When she want to hug up tight
(Who she go cry for?)
When the woman feeling to feel alright
Who she go cry for?
She living happy with me
You find she looking pretty
You tell your friend "now she can't escape"
You like she shape!
Jump and buy big television set
Something I never give she yet
Diamond ring was your next approach
You end up in church
During the wedding reception
She gone with Leroy the best man
Ah know is obeah make her stupid so
You give she the ring
In June or in September
I give she the thing
She'll always remember
In the middle of the night
Let me hear you!
Who she go cry for?
When she want to feel alright
(Who she go cry for?)
When the women feeling to hug up tight
(Who she go cry for?)
Well you wanted to settle down
With a pretty woman in town
And your two eyes catch a-fire for my Sarah
Now I hear she telling everybody
How your mustache does tickle she
She tired of this Frenchman thing
That you like every night
You used to play sweet man
But now, you got a reputation
In heat, she say you more hot than sweet, haha
You working all day
You tired and you weary
Me ain't working no way
And I ready like Freddy
In the middle of the night
Let me hear you!
Who she go cry for?
When the woman feeling to hug up tight
Who she go cry for?
When she want to scratch and bite
Who she go cry for?
Oh ho ha ha...
The song "Who She Go Cry For" by Mighty Sparrow is a song about a man who takes away another man's woman and puts a ring on her finger only to realize that she does not love him. The man in the song arrogantly thought he was smart for stealing someone else's woman, but he soon finds out that she is not as perfect as he thought. He insults her and refers to her as "butting [him] like a cow," implying that she is a burden to him. The man also refers to himself as "damn stupid cunumunu," a Trinidadian expression for an idiot or dunce.
As the song progresses, the man realizes that the woman is happier living with Mighty Sparrow, the singer, who treats her better. He unsuccessfully tries to win her back with lavish gifts such as a big television set and a diamond ring, but she still leaves him for the best man, Leroy. In the end, Mighty Sparrow asks the man who she will cry for when she wants to feel alright or when she wants to hug up tight or scratch and bite.
The song highlights the themes of love, betrayal, and karma. The man in the song reaps the consequences of his actions after stealing Mighty Sparrow's woman. The song also emphasizes the importance of treating people with love and respect rather than objectifying them and treating them as trophies.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you take away me woman
You stole my woman from me
And you put a ring on she hand
You got married to her
And you feeling down in your heart
You're starting to regret your decision
You're so smart!
You thought you were clever
Hey but you realize only now
You're realizing it too late
How she butting you like a cow
How she controls you
You thought was a angel cake
You thought she was perfect
But you thief a bake
But you messed up
You know she ain't love you
You know she doesn't really love you
You damn stupid cunumunu
You're really foolish
Dennis, pay for your damn farseness
You have to pay for your mistakes, Dennis
You give she the money
You gave her money
You put she in a nice place
You put her in a good situation
I give she the honey
I gave her love
Sweet for she to taste
Something for her to enjoy
In the middle of the night
Late at night
(Who she go cry for?)
(Who will she cry for?)
When she want to hug up tight
When she wants to cuddle
When the woman feeling to feel alright
When she wants to feel happy
She living happy with me
She's happy with me
You find she looking pretty
You see her looking good
You tell your friend "now she can't escape"
You think she's stuck with you
You like she shape!
You're attracted to her body
Jump and buy big television set
You buy expensive things to impress her
Something I never give she yet
Something I haven't given her
Diamond ring was your next approach
You tried to impress her with a diamond ring
You end up in church
You got married to her
During the wedding reception
At the wedding party
She gone with Leroy the best man
She left with the best man, Leroy
Ah know is obeah make her stupid so
I know she was influenced by evil magic
You give she the ring
You gave her the ring
In June or in September
During June or September
I give she the thing
I gave her something valuable
She'll always remember
She'll never forget
Let me hear you!
Say it loud!
Well you wanted to settle down
You wanted to get serious
With a pretty woman in town
With an attractive woman
And your two eyes catch a-fire for my Sarah
You became infatuated with my Sarah
Now I hear she telling everybody
Now I hear that she's telling people
How your mustache does tickle she
How she enjoys the feel of your mustache
She tired of this Frenchman thing
She's tired of your French accent
That you like every night
That you use all the time
You used to play sweet man
You used to be charming
But now, you got a reputation
But now, people think less of you
In heat, she say you more hot than sweet, haha
She thinks you're more interested in sex than romance
You working all day
You work all day
You tired and you weary
You're tired
Me ain't working no way
I'm not working
And I ready like Freddy
And I'm always ready
When she want to scratch and bite
When she wants to be rough
Oh ho ha ha...
Laughing
Writer(s): Slinger Francisco
Contributed by Leah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@suzannejoseph
the man is the king of "pun"... a true artist!!
@errolmills7939
I
@Quelvisv
I love this classic so much word can not begin to explain!
@snagapuss23
this song is a gem man!!!
@dennisbuchanan4547
This guy very funny and talented😂
@angelheart30able
i love you! sparrow you are the best ;)
@margaretsimpson9636
Beautiful Angel love uuuu.
@chrissystewart4123
Best version ever
@harry6555
the gal still crying for me
@chrissystewart6268
Nice Version 🇬🇩🇹🇹