From an early age, he showed a grand interest in music and he learned to play the harmonica, guitar and clarinet. As a clarinet player, he started the group “Miserable” with other Limonese calypsonians. This was in the 1950s.
In the 60s, he began to write calypsos and until now, he has written over a hundred songs of great quality and cultural relevance for Limonese people.
Walter Ferguson, also known as Gavitt, was always present in calypso challenges held in different points of the Caribbean coast. From the town of Bluefields, Nicaragua to Bocas del Toro in Panama, calypsonians would move by boat, horse, train or truck to compete in improvisation contests and Mr. Ferguson´s fame travelled along with other big names as Panama´s Lord Cobra, or Limonese singers Papa Tun and Shanti.
More recently, Walter Ferguson used to record his music in audiocassettes to sell the tourists in Cahuita. Each tape was unique, an original, personal concert for each person who requested a souvenir.
Mr. Ferguson has received several recognitions, such as the Popular Culture Award given by the Ministry of Culture, the ACAM Award, and the Ancora Prize by La Nación newspaper.
His songs honestly reflect the idiosyncrasy of the Afro Costa Rican community and a part of the country´s culture most ignored by the State of Costa Rica. Mr. Ferguson jokes about the calypsonian´s naïve spirit, often misunderstood and persecuted, taken advantage of by glamour girls who call him “sugar candy” or bullied by policemen, and portrays Afro Costa Rican life with simplicity and creativity. His work has been interpreted by other Costa Rican artists like Manuel Monestel and band Cantoamérica since the 1980s, which has made his work known in other areas of the country and abroad.
Man Is a Blessing
Walter Ferguson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is what I want to people to know
But the woman is a funny generation
Llisten while I sing me calypso (repeat)
Master me no know
How them wicked so
Fire don′t be low
You going to get the blow (repeat)
The song "Man Is a Blessing" by Walter Ferguson speaks about the importance of recognizing human existence as a blessing of creation. Ferguson urges his listeners to appreciate the gift of humanity and to spread the message. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of life by referring to women as a "funny generation," which could be interpreted as a subtle criticism of gender roles or as a playful commentary on the complexities of life. Throughout the song, the artist uses the calypso genre to convey his message, which is historically known for its emphasis on social commentary and satire.
In the second and third stanzas, Ferguson takes a darker turn and alludes to elements of violence and danger that can emerge in human relationships. He questions why people can be so wicked in their actions and warns against the consequences of angering the wrong person. The lyrics "Fire don't be low/If you fool with them/You going to get the blow" suggest that there are consequences for wrongful actions and that it is essential to be cautious when dealing with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Man is a blessing of creation
Let it be known that humanity is a precious gift from the Creator
This is what I want to people to know
I desire for everyone to recognize the value of humanity
But the woman is a funny generation
Despite being an important part of humanity, women are often underappreciated
Listen while I sing me calypso
Pay attention to the rhythm of my music
Master me no know
I do not have all the answers
How them wicked so
I do not understand why some people are so cruel
Fire don't be low
The intensity of emotion is increasing
If you fool with them
Interactions with cruel people have consequences
You going to get the blow
There will be negative outcomes if you engage with wicked individuals
Writer(s): Walter Ferguson
Contributed by Gabriel A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
RVCh
¡Cuánta pureza!
Juan Manuel Seoane Tiribelli
Muchas Gracias por tan hermosa música, viva la música de la tierra sea cual sea la tierra!, da questa terra e da cualquna! il son della terra!
mincho178
Periodista: Las letras de las canciones en el disco están en inglés, sin embargo usted siempre canta en "patuá"... Walter Ferguson Nosotros llamamos a lo que yo canto "patuá". En el calypso no usamos palabras gramaticalmente, tenemos una manera de llamar las cosas y eso es el patuá. Mucha gente piensa que el patuá es francés, pero es el mismo inglés. La manera como pronunciamos las palabras es patuá. - Walter Ferguson para el Semanario Universidad 21 noviembre del 2002
Eduardo Azofeifa
simplemente genial :3
thesalsonatorr
Tremendo calipsonian, excelente persona.
Tony Torres
solo bueno.!!!
emerick araya soto
grandee ferguson !!!
terryble99
El buen calipso!
Dianita9192
Jajajajajajaja <3 :D