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.
Xmas Moppers
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comes from people who don't know what to say
They like to use words that's big and long
And they ain't know when they using it wrong
Some Moppers come by me last Christmas Day
Eat me out and drink me in the worst of way
"Ah had a swell time," they started to boast
"But before ah go let me make a toast"
And they tell me:
Here's to my good friend I wish that he
And everybody live in enmity
I wish him ill-health and adversity
Disaster and strife eternally
I second the motion!
Ah grab meh cutlass and I tell the louse
"You better get to hell out meh house!"
"You can't do him that!" a next one said to me
"What he said should make you feel happy"
I was shocked because this was a friend of mine
I tired lend him money, we just get along fine
So when he say he like the remark
I say he must be boozed and making skylark
But he start:
May your cup of sorrow never run dry
May misfortune follow you until the day you die
You are such a nice quiet illiterate lad
Your obnoxious company make me feel glad
I second the motion!
Ah long maga one they call D'arbreu
Say "Three cheers for insipid Sparrow
The fame and fortune that he has accomplished
I wish it all would rapidly diminish
He's a fella that I have always despised
Ah don't know why people does watch him and criticize
His stupidity is unsurpassed
In other words, he's a high hypothetical ass"
May his friends bring him joy and frustration
Impose on him and lift him to degradation
He's a jolly good fellow and a kind reprobate
Unscrupulous and always inconsiderate
May I second the motion?
I couldn't believe people could be so rude
Repaying kindness with ingratitude
Lord, well ah grinding like a sugar mill
I ain't know which one of them to kill
But ah grab meh cutlass and ah pelt a blow
I never see drunken people take off so
Meh wife laugh, she laugh 'til she choke
And telling me I must learn to take a joke
"Pompomloomically speaking you're a pussyistic man," she said
"Most elaquitably full of shitification
Your splendiferous views are too catsarstical
Too cuntimoratic and too bitchilistical!"
The song's opening suggests that half of the troubles in the world today come from people who are unsure of what to say, and as a consequence, they use big words that they don't understand in the context that they should be used, essentially using them inaccurately. This assertion is then supported by the Moppers who come by on Christmas Day and boast about their behaviour, suggesting that they had a great time and even offer odd toasts. The lyrics then delve into the kind of toasts these Moppers make, which are malicious and perverse. The lyrics detail the varying kinds of evil wishes that these Moppers had, from wishing their good friend and everyone else enmity, to wishing ill-health and adversity, and disaster and strife eternally. The lead singer then proceeds to call out the friends who had supported these remarks in disbelief and even grew defensive when they were challenged to give reasons why they genuinely believed these malicious wishes were good. The line "May your cup of sorrow never run dry" is one of the many examples of malicious wishes offered by the Moppers, showing clearly how people can sometimes use words that are big and long to disguise the real intentions behind them.
The song highlights the destructive power of words and insights into the importance of being mindful of what we say and how we say it. Furthermore, it underscores the price of ingratitude, reminding listeners that kindness shared ungratefully produces sour reactions. It also reflects the transformation of special occasions in contemporary times as what should have been a time of sharing love and affection among friends and family turned out to be a time of displaying drunkenness and insult. Lastly, the song encourages the audience to laugh and not take things too seriously.
Line by Line Meaning
Half the trouble in the world today
Many problems in the world come from people who do not communicate effectively
Comes from people who don't know what to say
Problems occur because people use big words without understanding their meanings
They like to use words that's big and long
People prefer using long words that make them sound smart, even when they don't make sense in the context
And they ain't know when they using it wrong
They don't know how to use these words properly in a sentence, leading to communication breakdowns
Some Moppers come by me last Christmas Day
Some acquaintances came by on Christmas Day
Eat me out and drink me in the worst of way
They consumed all of my food and drinks selfishly
"Ah had a swell time," they started to boast
They bragged about enjoying their time at my expense
"But before ah go let me make a toast"
Before leaving, they propose a toast
Here's to my good friend I wish that he
A false wish aimed at my health and happiness
And everybody live in enmity
He desires that everyone remains in constant conflict and hostility
I wish him ill-health and adversity
He wishes me to have bad health and face constant misfortunes
Disaster and strife eternally
A wish for bad luck and strife to follow me forever
Ah grab meh cutlass and I tell the louse
I react by grabbing my cutlass and confronting my guests
"You better get to hell out meh house!"
I ask them to leave and never come back
"You can't do him that!" a next one said to me
Someone objects to my reaction
"What he said should make you feel happy"
They argued that their statements intended humor and banter
I was shocked because this was a friend of mine
I was saddened as these individuals were once my friends
I tired lend him money, we just get along fine
I had previously loaned him money, and we have had a good relationship until now
"But when he say he like the remark"
His agreement with vulgar statements surprises me
I say he must be boozed and making skylark
I suggest he is drunk and not serious
May your cup of sorrow never run dry
A wish for me to be unhappy forever
May misfortune follow you until the day you die
A wish for me to face bad luck until I die
You are such a nice quiet illiterate lad
An ironic compliment intended as an insult
Your obnoxious company make me feel glad
They humor themselves with my company's expense
Ah long maga one they call D'arbreu
A thin-looking person named D'arbreu comments
Say "Three cheers for insipid Sparrow
He salutes but insults me indirectly
The fame and fortune that he has accomplished
He acknowledges my success but does not appreciate it
I wish it all would rapidly diminish
He desires my success to decline soon
He's a fella that I have always despised
He admits to hating me for no particular reason
Ah don't know why people does watch him and criticize
He wonders why others watch and condemn me despite my success
His stupidity is unsurpassed
He states my incompetence is unparalleled
In other words, he's a high hypothetical ass
A figure of speech to reinforce his insult
May his friends bring him joy and frustration
He wishes ill will even from those close to him
Impose on him and lift him to degradation
He assumes I am happy about my riches and seeks to bring me down
He's a jolly good fellow and a kind reprobate
He acknowledges my kindness but suggests it's for show only
Unscrupulous and always inconsiderate
He describes me as dishonest and selfish
I couldn't believe people could be so rude
I'm surprised at how nasty and uncivilized they have acted
Repaying kindness with ingratitude
They have not reciprocated my previous generosity
Lord, well ah grinding like a sugar mill
I am filled with anger
I ain't know which one of them to kill
I'm so filled with rage that I'm contemplating violence
Meh wife laugh, she laugh 'til she choke
My wife found the situation amusing
And telling me I must learn to take a joke
She suggests I learn to appreciate humor even if it's vulgar
"Pompomloomically speaking you're a pussyistic man," she said
My wife makes a sarcastic comment about my masculinity
"Most elaquitably full of shitification
An insult and a made-up word to mock my intelligence
Your splendiferous views are too catsarstical
My views are ridiculous according to her
Too cuntimoratic and too bitchilistical!"
The insults keep coming with this nonsensical tripe
Contributed by Wyatt L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Jevezy
Damn, I love his play on the words. That is why He is the King.
@Jevezy
I love it when Sparrow play with words. I love this calypso, I usually end up laughing out loud.
@SuperSnk1
Fantastic. Just Wonderful. Very, Very Entertaining. Thank you Doc. You are surely the KING.
@bennettstehenson2138
he is such an intelligent person in the way how he write is lyrics. sparrow you an Bobmarley the greatest.
@mervyboy
The number if years i have been looking for this song, i almost thought i had made up hearing it
@elongreen8566
The best this man is so intelligent.
@ExodusPessoa
Great Lyrics
@candyf304
love it mmmm
@datrineebeautee1
ah just love it , nice too badd !
@alton31ellis
I second the motion!