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.
You Mad
Mighty Sparrow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Terrible nightmare for everyone
Endless struggles
For young couples
Pure frustration
Created by this artificial inflation
The cost of land so high it will driveYou mad
If you think you could get through and don't connive
You mad
If you think on the salary you could survive
You mad
When things improve if you'll be alive
You mad
Things that are duty free costing you more money
Consumer protection is so bad it will drive you mad
To build a house you can't get cement
Scandalous price they charging for rent
Slumlords ain't care
They do no repair Ghetto style you live
With roaches and rats?.
If you think one bed cannot sleep five
You mad
And don't think this is something that I contrive
You mad
If you don't know it's husband, children and wife
You mad
If you can't see they live like bees in a hive
You mad
With no alternative
That's how poor people live
Don't you feel sad to know things so bad
It could drive you mad
Government build a few two room flats
You have to win lottery to get that
For young newly weds,
Situation dread
They sleep together
Sometime by he mother Sometime by she father
If you believe I just talking jive
You mad
You think it easy in this town to try
You mad
Perhaps you think its you one getting deprive
You mad
Or maybe you think I don't want you to strive
You mad
I tired to begging lodging,
I plan to start squatting
In the police back yard,
Make him rob and go staring mad
Inland Tenants association
Want government to acquire land
Those who possess
And have land in excess
Subsidize the price
To sell to poor people who couldn't buy otherwise
So you think faith in the system has been revived
You mad
Proposals like that can't take a nose dive
You mad
Opposition to the bill would never be rife
You mad
At last the people have won the stripe
You mad
But political wars, have citizen outdoors
Too compromise for them is too hard, so we going mad
The Mighty Sparrow's "You Mad" is a poignant commentary on the dire housing situation in Trinidad at the time. The song describes the struggles of young couples who are frustrated by the high cost of land and artificial inflation, and the endless struggles they face to build their homes. Sparrow notes that even things that are duty-free end up costing people more money, and consumer protection is so bad that it can drive people mad. He laments that even to build a house, one cannot get cement, and the exorbitant rent charged by slumlords means that many people end up living in squalor with rodents and no hope of moving into better housing.
The singer notes that even the government's attempts to help alleviate the housing crisis by building two-room flats often fail, as people must win a lottery to obtain them, leaving many newlyweds living with their in-laws. Sparrow suggests that people are driven to madness by the sheer hopelessness of their situation and that many have given up on the system entirely, with some even considering squatting on land or begging for lodgings.
The song is a powerful social commentary that portrays the struggles of people who are living in poverty in a society that is geared towards the better-off. Sparrow's lyrics reflect the hopelessness and frustration that many people feel about their living conditions, and his observations remain relevant even today.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk about the housing situation
The singer wants to address the housing crisis.
Terrible nightmare for everyone
The housing situation is terrible for everyone involved.
Endless struggles
All attempts to find or build affordable housing are difficult and continuous.
For young couples
This housing crisis is especially frustrating for young couples who want to start a life together.
Pure frustration
The artist is feeling nothing but frustration about this issue.
Created by this artificial inflation
The housing crisis is caused by an artificial inflation of the cost of living.
The cost of land so high it will drive
The cost of land is insanely high and driving people mad.
You mad
The cost of land and living expenses is making people angry and frustrated.
If you think you could get through and don't connive
If you think you can make it without scheming or cheating, you're not being realistic.
If you think on the salary you could survive
People are struggling to survive on their salaries due to high living expenses.
When things improve if you'll be alive
Even if conditions were to improve, there's no guarantee people will still be alive to see it.
Things that are duty free costing you more money
Items that are supposed to be tax-free still cost more than they should.
Consumer protection is so bad it will drive you mad
Lack of consumer protection is making people furious.
To build a house you can't get cement
It's impossible to build a house when even basic material like cement is unavailable.
Scandalous price they charging for rent
The rent prices are outrageous and cannot be justified.
Slumlords ain't care
Landlords who own slums don't care about their tenants' living conditions.
They do no repair Ghetto style you live
Landlords often neglect necessary repairs to their slum properties, forcing people to live in ghettos.
With roaches and rats?
Slums are infested with roaches and rats.
If you think one bed cannot sleep five
People are being forced to cram themselves into small spaces, including beds that are not large enough for everyone.
And don't think this is something that I contrive
The artist is not fabricating these terrible living conditions.
If you don't know it's husband, children and wife
Families are forced to share small spaces with each other, including husbands, children, and wives.
If you can't see they live like bees in a hive
Families are living crammed together like bees in a hive.
With no alternative
People have no other options when it comes to finding housing.
That's how poor people live
Unfortunately, this is just the reality of how poor people are forced to live.
Don't you feel sad to know things so bad
The singer is saddened by how bad the housing situation has become.
Government build a few two room flats
The government has only built a few two-room flats to address the housing crisis.
You have to win lottery to get that
Even the few two-room flats that have been built require people to enter a lottery to be eligible to move in.
For young newly weds, Situation dread
Young newlywed couples are in a terrible situation.
They sleep together Sometime by he mother Sometime by she father
Young newlywed couples are forced to sleep in whatever space they can find, sometimes with one partner's parents.
If you believe I just talking jive
The singer is not making up these terrible living conditions.
Perhaps you think it easy in this town to try
If you think it's easy to deal with the housing crisis, you're not being realistic.
You mad
The housing crisis is making people furious and frustrated.
Or maybe you think I don't want you to strive
The artist does not want to discourage people from striving for better living conditions.
I tired to begging lodging, I plan to start squatting
The artist has given up on begging for better living conditions and is now considering squatting in empty spaces.
In the police back yard, Make him rob and go staring mad
The singer will even consider squatting in a police back yard if that's what it takes to get better living conditions.
Inland Tenants association
This is an association that represents tenants living inland.
Want government to acquire land
The association is asking the government to acquire more land to build on.
Those who possess And have land in excess
People who own too much land and aren't utilizing it should be forced to sell it for cheaper prices so that poor people can afford it.
Subsidize the price
The government should provide subsidies to reduce the cost of land.
To sell to poor people who couldn't buy otherwise
These subsidies should go towards helping poor people find and afford better housing options.
So you think faith in the system has been revived
If you think the government will work to truly address the housing crisis, you're being too optimistic.
Proposals like that can't take a nose dive
Proposals like providing subsidies for cheaper land prices should be taken seriously and not discarded.
Opposition to the bill would never be rife
People should not oppose bills that aim to address the housing crisis.
At last the people have won the stripe
If these proposals are implemented, the people will have finally won the fight for better living conditions.
But political wars, have citizen outdoors
Political opposition can often drive citizens to take drastic measures, such as living outdoors.
Too compromise for them is too hard, so we going mad
Opposition to these proposals is so extreme that poor people are being driven insane.
Contributed by Declan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Randy-Roberts
Juan Carlos Reina Leal
~ Lyrics below. The lyric in asterisk I think is incorrect. Otherwise all else is good.
Talking 'bout the housing situation
Terrible nightmare for everyone
Endless troubles
For young couples
Your frustration
Created by this artificial inflation
The cost ah land so high it could drive...you mad
If you think you could get through and don't connive...you mad
If you think on the salary you could survive... you mad
When things improve if you'll be alive... you mad
Things that are duty free
Costing you more money
Consumer protection is so bad
It could drive you mad
To build a house you can't get cement
Scandalous price dey charging for rent
Slumlords ain't care
Dey do no repair
Ghetto style you live
With roaches and rats with rent so prohibitive
If you think one bed cannot sleep five... you mad
And don't think it is something that I contrive...you mad
If you don't know with husband, children and wife... you mad
If you can't see they live like bees in a hive...you mad
With no alternative
That's how good people live
Don't you feel sad to know things so bad
It could drive you mad
Government build a few two-room flats
You ha to win lottery to get that
For young newlyweds
Situation dread
Dey sleep together
Sometimes by he mother, sometimes by she father
If you believe I just talking jive...you mad
You think it easy in this town to thrive... You mad
Perhaps you think is you one getting deprived... You mad
Or maybe you don't think I want you to strive... you mad
Ah tired begging lodging
Ah plan to start squatting
In the police backyard
Making *bad* Ah go steering mad
The Land Tenants' Association
Want government to acquire land
Those who possess
Idle lands in excess
Subsidize the price
Sell to poor people who couldn't buy otherwise
So if yo faith in the system has been revived... you mad
For process like dat can't take a nosedive...you mad
Opposition to the bill will never be rife...you mad
At last the people have won the strife...you mad
But political wars
Have citizens outdoors
To compromise for them is too hard
So we going mad
@elliotpierre6299
Sparrow was a lyrical and melody master with a voice as clear as a bell and the ability to fit any number of words into a single bar of music. Genius!!
@dennisbuchanan4547
Well said☝🏾
@advenjo
Still relevant in 2019.
@djpredator579
I like this Sound
@jeromeandrew5276
He had no weakness as a calypsoian
@lydonduncan8242
Sing this in 2021 nothing has changed ☠.
@nickash9936
What change in Trinidad from when sparrow sing this song to presently ??
@wangtao9923
Absolutely Nothing, As a matter of fact, it has gotten worse.
@normanosborne7367
SOME VERY SERIOUS REASONING FROM THE GUNSLINGER.... COST OF LIVING GET HIGHER & PEOPLE JUST CAN'T TAKE IT.
💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯💘🎯
@SolomonSeward-pc4lw
Is the mighty BLACK SPARROWS still alive?