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.
Wood in the Fire
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Talk to me) tell me you love me sincerely
(Talk to me) darling don't remain silent
(Talk to me) because I love the excitement
Doobdidoob doodeeyah
For when you talk I fell like a man
And I get more zeal and inspiration
Even though I know it is mama I gizem.
Refrain:
Tell me you think I'm sweeter than honey,
Tell me if I ever leave you you'll kill me.
Scratch up me back bite off me ears when I ask "what's the matter?"
Tell me there's too much wood in the fire.
(Promise me) Promise me everything you wish
(Promise me) Give me in french or in spanish
(Promise me) Say something good or something bad
(Promise me) As long as I make you talk I'm glad
Doobdidoob doodeeyah
Our little love talk has turned me on
I could carry on from dusk till dawn
As long as I hear your sexy conversation.
Refrain
(Do you need) Mama rev up your engine
(Do you need) Give vent to your feelings
(Do you need) Honey bunch now some at all
(Do you need) Shame to the must get on and fall
I want a nice little mournful cry
Like uhoo, uhoo, uhoo, uhoo
Whoioioi, Sparrow, byeyeye
The song Wood in the Fire by Mighty Sparrow expresses the desire for communication and love within a relationship. The lyrics suggest the singer is feeling insecure and wants reassurance from their partner. They want their partner to share their feelings and emotions, even if they are bad. The repetition of "Talk to me" and "Tell me" emphasize the longing for communication, and the refrain "Tell me you think I'm sweeter than honey, Tell me if I ever leave you you'll kill me." are indicative of the fear of losing the relationship. The singer wants their partner to express their love in a genuine manner, and even if there is trouble in the relationship, the singer wants their partner to be honest with them.
The song uses metaphors and innuendos to convey the message of communication and love. The metaphor of "wood in the fire" refers to the trouble in the relationship, and the need to get it out of the way, while the innuendo of "scratch up me back bite off me ears" implies the need for passion and intensity in the relationship. The use of Trinidadian Creole reinforces the cultural context of Sparrow's music, adding to the meaning and emotions behind the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
(Talk to me) I am not at peace honey
Communicate with me please because I'm feeling uneasy and without peace
(Talk to me) tell me you love me sincerely
Express your true, honest love for me
(Talk to me) darling don't remain silent
Don't stay quiet and communicate with me
(Talk to me) because I love the excitement
Talk to me because it excites me
Doobdidoob doodeeyah
Nonsensical sounds that convey the feeling of excitement and energy
For when you talk I fell like a man
When you talk to me, I feel manly and empowered
And I get more zeal and inspiration
Your talking inspires and motivates me
Even though I know it is mama I gizem.
Despite knowing that you're just flattering me, I still love it
Tell me you think I'm sweeter than honey,
Compliment me by saying that I'm sweeter than honey
Tell me if I ever leave you you'll kill me.
Promise that you'll never leave me, even hypothetically, or else
Scratch up me back bite off me ears when I ask 'what's the matter?'
React passionately when I ask you what's wrong, even if it means physically hurting me
Tell me there's too much wood in the fire.
Use this phrase to end the refrain and convey that there's too much drama or tension in the situation
(Promise me) Promise me everything you wish
Make me any promise you want
(Promise me) Give me in french or in spanish
Make the promise in any language, it doesn't matter
(Promise me) Say something good or something bad
Make any type of promise, positive or negative
(Promise me) As long as I make you talk I'm glad
I'm happy as long as you're talking to me, regardless of what you're saying
Our little love talk has turned me on
Our conversation about love has aroused me
I could carry on from dusk till dawn
I could talk about love with you all night long
As long as I hear your sexy conversation.
I just want to hear you talk to me in a sexy way
(Do you need) Mama rev up your engine
Do you need some encouragement or motivation?
(Do you need) Give vent to your feelings
Express your emotions and let them out
(Do you need) Honey bunch now some at all
Just say something, anything at all
(Do you need) Shame to the must get on and fall
Don't be hesitant, just go ahead and fall for me
I want a nice little mournful cry
I want to hear you cry for me in a sad, but beautiful way
Like uhoo, uhoo, uhoo, uhoo
Nonsensical sounds that convey the idea of crying
Whoioioi, Sparrow, byeyeye
Additional nonsensical sounds to end the song
Contributed by Isabelle F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CaptBrooce
We played this at our wedding and it was awesome. Still makes me smile...
leojbramble
My childhood right here. House parties in NYC with my parents' friends and family from the West Indies; my US-born bro, sis and me enjoying the rhythms, the melodies, the lyrics, the vernacular, the vocals, the instrumentation... meanwhile the double-entendre flying way over our heads. :)
LUVNLIFEAT50
I can recall as a child hearing this and other calypsos on the radio station every morning on 'Calypso Corner' wow!! what great memories!!
Stefan Persaud
My dad is from surinam and played this album every weekend we visited him (as kids of 8 yrs). Although my hips are dutch and white, I still shake them every time I hear the king of calypso even though I am 38 now and my kids MUST learn to shake on the calypso of Mighty Sparrow :)
Jessica Spears
I remember all the fun with the entire family gathering at Aunty C's house and we youngsters peeking at the elders dancing. What a wonderful time.
Prodigal Sun
Some just hear Calypso, but don't hear the double talk .. The brilliance in the words and the meaning . Love the mighty Sparrow .
Abomu
True. Double entendre at it's best!
PortalPath
My father played this album every day after work....never on Sundays though.... as children we didn't understand the double entendre but loved the music.
1garysgirl
this one is for my father he use to play this song on saturdays n we would dance on his feet..... RIP clinton always remember u this is your song... luv it
bivmvideo
OMG This is such a big part of my childhood.