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.
One Pant Man
Walter Ferguson Lyrics
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I souldn′t be in society
Calling myself a calypsonlan
But she claim she going
To run me out of the country
Yes, she call me a one pant man (repeat)
Me no know Breda, me no know
I only sing me sweet calypso
But she said she running me
Out of the land
She went and told the authority
Telling them I'm a foreigner
They came with gun and artillery
Compelling me to show them me cedula (repeat)
Me no know Breda, me no know
What I done this wicked woman
I only sing me sweet calypso
But she said she running me
Out of the land
She went and told the government
Telling them I running contraband
When the government comes down on me
They were obliged to leave the calypsonlan (repeat)
The song One Pant Man by Walter Ferguson tells the story of a calypsonian who is being accused by a woman of being a one pant man, meaning he only has one pair of pants and is unable to afford more. The woman goes as far as threatening to run him out of the country, saying he is not fit to be a part of society and calling into question his status as a calypsonian. The singer narrates that he is confused as to why this woman is being so wicked towards him, as he is simply a musician singing sweet calypsos.
The situation escalates when the woman reports him to the authorities, claiming he is a foreigner without proper documentation. The government then comes with guns and artillery, forcing him to present his cedula, or identification card. The singer expresses his ignorance regarding what he has done to deserve such treatment, stating that he has only ever sung calypsos. However, his career as a calypsonian is put in jeopardy when the woman reports him again to the government, this time claiming he is running contraband. As a result, the government demands that he leave the country.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the prejudices faced by marginalized groups, including artists and immigrants, and the power that some individuals hold in having their voices heard and respected by those in authority. Through its creative storytelling and catchy melody, the song exemplifies the social awareness present in many calypso compositions.
Line by Line Meaning
A certain woman called me a one pant man
A woman accused me of only owning one pair of pants, and used that as a reason to say I don't belong in society.
I souldn't be in society
According to the woman who insulted me, I am unfit to be part of the community.
Calling myself a calypsonlan
I am proud of being a calypso musician.
But she claim she going
However, she threatened to run me out of the country, despite my passion for calypso music.
To run me out of the country
The woman threatened to force me to leave the area.
Yes, she call me a one pant man (repeat)
The woman repeatedly insulted me by calling me a person who only owns one pair of pants.
Me no know Breda, me no know
I don't know what I did to deserve the woman's wrath.
What I done this wicked woman
I have no idea what I did to make this woman so angry and vindictive.
I only sing me sweet calypso
All I do is sing my beloved calypso music.
But she said she running me
Despite my peaceful and artistic profession, she insisted on trying to force me out of the community.
Out of the land
She wanted me to leave the country altogether.
She went and told the authority
The woman went to someone in power to spread lies about me.
Telling them I'm a foreigner
She falsely claimed that I was not from the area, hoping to use that as a reason to get me expelled.
They came with gun and artillery
The authorities showed up with weapons, prepared to forcefully remove me from my home.
Compelling me to show them me cedula (repeat)
The officials demanded that I show them my identification papers, implying that I was not a legitimate citizen.
She went and told the government
The woman took her complaints about me to even higher levels of authority.
Telling them I running contraband
She accused me of being involved in illegal trade.
When the government comes down on me
As a result of her lies and accusations, officials were sent to punish me.
They were obliged to leave the calypsonlan (repeat)
However, despite their efforts, they had to give up and let me continue to live and work as a respected calypso musician.
Writer(s): Walter Ferguson
Contributed by Taylor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.