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.
Wife & Boat
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tragedy in the family
Now this old woman who could hardly see
Giving me sympathy for he
She told me she heard about it and how she felt so sad
She tell me she was so shocked when she heard the news
"Oh meh boy, I know how you must be feeling sad
Knowing fully well I didn't give a damn ′bout the boat
My reply was blunt, I quote: "Not really!"
She was an old wreck from the beginning
She bottom was totally smashed up
She body was mucked up and scratched up
She wasn't good for anything!
Anytime I get inside her
She uses to make more water
Faster than anyone
It's a great relief now she gone!
Well, by and by she began to cry
Shedding tears like if she in pain
I dried her eyes but when she tried
To rebuke me I start again:
Seven sailors did rent she from me one night by chance
A seaside party they had here in Port of Spain
The fools, and them tried to get inside of she all at once
Not realising that she couldn′t take the strain
When she was returned to me I saw naturally
She just wasn′t good again - naturally!
She had a bad crack and a nasty hole
Inside she was smelling of dead fish
For she didn't wash when she finish
So shamed I couldn′t tell a soul!
You see that night I tried to use she,
She began to leak like crazy
Now it's all said and done,
I′m just glad the nastiness gone!
Last Saturday down in the bay
I didn't know really what′s wrong
Why she get so hot and I didn't know what
Was to do just to cool she down
She was never, never a faithful proposition to me
She drained meh pocket for every penny she get, huh!
And brother,
All who come out to play used to come out and play with she
She's gone but she leaves me shamed and heavy in debt
A damn parasite she was,
I′m glad she finished
Good riddance to the old witch!
So you see...
She was an old junk and a worthless thing
Her figure was totally ugly
Her motions erratic and clumsy
Which was most embarrassing
That is why I let meh brother
Turn she over in front meh neighbor
And dab she bottom with paint...
At this point the old lady faint!
The lyrics of Mighty Sparrow's "Wife and Boat" seem to be a story of two tragic losses that are not taken too seriously by the singer. He tells the story of losing his boat while his brother loses his wife, and how the old woman gives him her sympathy for his brother's loss. He goes on to explain that the boat was never really worth anything and was a terrible investment even though he tries to make it seem important. In fact, the loss was actually a relief as it had drained him financially, and was always leaking water.
The lyrics seem to suggest that the singer may not be a reliable narrator, as he tries to play down the significance of the two losses, and seems unconcerned for the wife's death or his brother's feelings. His criticism of the boat extends beyond its appearance and performance, and he seems to suggest that it was somehow cursed, with instances of people renting his boat and returning it in a terrible state.
The song is an interesting commentary on how possessions can be seen as more valuable than relationships, and how people can become attached to things that have no real value, either financially or as an important part of their lives. It also expresses how easy it is to detach from people when we feel they no longer serve our interests or when they are a burden.
Line by Line Meaning
I lost meh boat, brother lose he wife
There has been a tragedy in the family - I lost my boat and my brother lost his wife.
Now this old woman who could hardly see
An elderly woman, who had difficulty seeing, gave me sympathy for my loss.
Giving me sympathy for he
The elderly woman was giving me sympathy for my brother's loss.
She told me she heard about it and how she felt so sad
The woman told me that she had heard about the loss and was very saddened by it.
She tell me she was so shocked when she heard the news
The woman told me that she was very surprised to hear the news.
Oh meh boy, I know how you must be feeling sad
The woman empathized with me and knew that I must be feeling very sad.
Ever you'll think about the treasure you lose.
She encouraged me to think about the things that I had lost.
Knowing fully well I didn't give a damn 'bout the boat
I was aware that I didn't actually care about losing the boat.
My reply was blunt, I quote: Not really!
I responded with an abrupt 'Not really!' to the woman's condolences.
She was an old wreck from the beginning
The boat was in poor condition from the start.
She bottom was totally smashed up
The underside of the boat was badly damaged.
She body was mucked up and scratched up
The hull of the boat was dirty and scratched.
She wasn't good for anything!
The boat was practically useless.
Anytime I get inside her
Whenever I got inside the boat.
She uses to make more water
The boat had a tendency to take on water.
Faster than anyone
The boat would take on water more quickly than any other boat.
It's a great relief now she gone!
I felt a sense of relief that the boat was gone and I didn't have to deal with it anymore.
Well, by and by she began to cry
The woman began to cry as I told her about the boat.
Shedding tears like if she in pain
The woman was crying as if she was in pain.
I dried her eyes but when she tried
I tried to comfort the woman, but she was resistant.
To rebuke me I start again:
I started to tell her more about the boat.
Seven sailors did rent she from me one night by chance
One night, seven sailors rented the boat from me.
A seaside party they had here in Port of Spain
They had a party by the ocean in Port of Spain.
The fools, and them tried to get inside of she all at once
The sailors foolishly tried to climb into the boat all at once.
Not realising that she couldn't take the strain
They didn't realize that the boat couldn't handle the weight.
When she was returned to me I saw naturally
When the boat was returned to me, I realized that it was in terrible shape.
She just wasn't good again - naturally!
The boat was ruined and couldn't be fixed.
She had a bad crack and a nasty hole
The boat had a large crack and a hole in it.
Inside she was smelling of dead fish
The inside of the boat smelled terrible, like dead fish.
For she didn't wash when she finish
The boat wasn't cleaned after it was used.
So shamed I couldn't tell a soul!
I was too embarrassed to tell anyone about the state of the boat.
That night I tried to use she
I tried to use the boat that night.
She began to leak like crazy
The boat started to leak uncontrollably.
Now it's all said and done
Now that everything is over and dealt with.
I'm just glad the nastiness gone!
I'm relieved that the boat is no longer around.
Last Saturday down in the bay
Last Saturday, by the water.
I didn't know really what's wrong
I was unsure what was going on.
Why she get so hot and I didn't know what
I didn't know why the boat was overheating.
Was to do just to cool she down
I didn't know how to cool the boat down.
She was never, never a faithful proposition to me
The boat was never reliable for me.
She drained meh pocket for every penny she get, huh!
The boat was expensive to maintain and repair.
And brother,
And, you know,
All who come out to play used to come out and play with she
Everyone who wanted to have fun would do so on the boat.
She's gone but she leaves me shamed and heavy in debt
Although the boat is gone, I still feel embarrassed and in debt because of it.
A damn parasite she was,
The boat was a complete burden.
I'm glad she finished
I'm happy that the boat is no longer a part of my life.
Good riddance to the old witch!
I'm glad that the boat is gone forever.
She was an old junk and a worthless thing
The boat was essentially garbage and not worth anything.
Her figure was totally ugly
The boat was physically unattractive.
Her motions erratic and clumsy
The boat moved around in an unpredictable and awkward way.
Which was most embarrassing
This was highly embarrassing for me.
That is why I let meh brother
This is why I allowed my brother to do what he did.
Turn she over in front meh neighbor
My brother turned the boat over in front of our neighbor.
And dab she bottom with paint...
And painted the bottom of the boat.
At this point the old lady faint!
The elderly woman fainted at this point in the story.
Contributed by Nolan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stephensheppard908
Story telling in song at its best. He uses picture words so you actually see what is happening. The pure definition of double entendre.
@valramsingh8360
the very best example of top class double entendre