16 Great Calypso Songs For Teaching

Calypso is a genre of music that is Caribbean. The History of Calypso is very interesting, and language plays a very important part in this music. The music is influence by all aspects in society – political, economical, social, and cultural. Calypso began in the mid-19th century with roots from the African slaves and the French planters. It was originally sung in patois (French creole) and later in English as English became the official language of the country. The early calypsonians were considered like royalty as it is reflect in their names.

Your calypso name is given to you by your peers, based on your style. In the old days they tried to emulate British royalty. There was Lord Kitchener, Lord Nelson, Duke. When I started singing, the bands were still using acoustic instruments and the singers would stand flat footed, making a point or accusing someone in the crowd with the pointing of a finger, but mostly they stood motionless. When I sing, I get excited and move around, much like James Brown, and this was new to them. The older singers said “Why don’t you just sing instead of moving around like a little Sparrow.” It was said as a joke, but the name stuck.” — Mighty Sparrow

TEACHING WITH CALYPSO

Today, there are a large number of songs within the Calypso genre. They can be used as a tool for teaching and learning. Children learn by songs very well, and calypso has been overlook for far too long by teachers within the Caribbean. Calypso is part of the culture of the islands; and we should not shy away from making it part of a teaching aid. This idea was most supported by Leonid Francis; and to his pleasure the Ministry of Education acknowledged and sponsored a workshop where Mr. Francis was able to explain to other teachers how this can be done.

Many calypso songs cover a wide variety of subject topics – from Language Arts to History and Social Studies. Most likely, this is one way the young generation can develop an appreciation for their culture; and encourage their participation in the many aspects of their culture. I find Mr. Francis idea brilliant. Thus, we have selected a number of songs we believe could help teachers accomplish their teaching goals.

songs for teaching

The following are 16 songs that can help teachers teach various topics. There are countless others and perhaps over time we might build on this list.

16 Songs THAT CAN HELP TEACHERS TEACH VARIOUS TOPICS:

1. Bring Back The Old Time Days – Nappy Mayers

Richard “Nappy” Mayers (1951 – 1993) was a composer/musician. “Bring Back The Ole Time Days” was released in 1991.

Teaching Points

This song can be used to teach a number of topics in Social Studies, economics, History, and Science: The effects of industrialization; the effects of pollution on the land; changing values of people and how these changes affect decision making.

It can also be used to teach the spoken language pattern of the era. The students can examine how the the singer expresses his thoughts on a reflective piece.

Song: Bring Back the Ole Time Days

Lyrics: Bring Back The Ole Time Day

Bring back the old time days
Bring back them old time ways
I know everything must change
But I still love the old time days

Used to be everyone could afford to live right
Just to feel nice, didn’t need no Paradise
Now open your eyes, look around
Smoke in the city, and what was pretty
Crying out for sympathy

So bring back the old time days
Bring back them old time ways
I know everything must change
But I still love the old time days

Used to be everyone cared for each other
Lived like brothers, respected one another
In times gone by we used to share
Together we’d make do and if I draw a sou-sou
What was mine was yours too
I know them days done pass and gone
And I know that life must carry on
But if I must join in with the pack
Then I going back, I going back. Yeah, yeah

Back to the old time days
Back to them old time ways
I know everything must change
But I still love the old time days

Yes, bring back the old time days
Bring back them old time ways
I know everything must change
But I still love the old time days

Bring it back, bring it back
Just bring it back
Bring it back, bring it back

The development of the railway system in Trinidad and Tobago was significant. This song (Last Train) was composed by the Mighty Spitfire (real name Carlton Gumbs) in the 1940’s and also sung by some calypsonians. The song is actually about a woman named Dorothy having a last fling before her marriage. Though this song was compose in the 1940s, the last train to San Fernando was actually made at 5:12 p.m. on August 30, 1965. The song was hardly about a train line coming to an end in the calypso.

Duke of Iron (Cecil Anderson) sang the song in the 1960s. Cecil Anderson (1906-1968) was a popular calysonian from the 1930s through the 1960s. His clean cut mannerism and crisp diction helped him achieve much popularity in the United States.

2. Last Train – Duke of Iron

The development of the railway system in Trinidad and Tobago was significant. This song (Last Train) was composed by the Mighty Spitfire (real name Carlton Gumbs) in the 1940’s and also sung by some calypsonians. The song is actually about a woman named Dorothy having a last fling before her marriage. Though this song was compose in the 1940s, the last train to San Fernando was actually made at 5:12 p.m. on August 30, 1965. The song was hardly about a train line coming to an end in the calypso.

Duke of Iron (Cecil Anderson) sang the song in the 1960s. Cecil Anderson (1906-1968) was a popular calysonian from the 1930s through the 1960s. His clean cut mannerism and crisp diction helped him achieve much popularity in the United States.

Teaching Point

This song is perfect to begin discussions in class for a number of subject areas: Economics, Business, Sociology, History, and English Literature. Students can discuss topics of ethics, values and morality, modes of transportation, colloquialism, storytelling, etc.

Song – Last Train

Lyrics: Last Train

Last train to San Fernando
Last train to San Fernando
If you miss this one, you’ll never get another one
Bee-dee-dee-dee-bom-bom to San Fernando

Last night I met my sweet Dorothy
She said, tomorrow I join in sweet matrimony
But if you act all right
Oh, you can take me out tonight
We could wine and dine and get back in time
For the last train to San Fernando

Last train to San Fernando
Last train to San Fernando
If you miss this one, you’ll never get another one
Bee-dee-dee-dee-bom-bom to San Fernando

(Instrumental Break)

Last train to San Fernando
Last train to San Fernando
If you miss this one, you’ll never get another one
Bee-dee-dee-dee-bom-bom to San Fernando

Well, I married into high society
Be carefull of the place you’re a-takin’ me
‘Cause if you slip, I’ll slide, and I may never be your bride
Bee-dee-dee-dee-bom-bom to San Fernando

Last train to San Fernando
Last train to San Fernando
If you miss this one, you’ll never get another one
Bee-dee-dee-dee-bom-bom to San Fernando

Last train (to San Fernando)
Last train (to San Fernando)
Last train (to San Fernando)
Last train (to San Fernando)

3. Jean and Dinah – Mighty Sparrow

Slinger Francisco (born 1935) is better known as Mighty Sparrow and the Calypso King of the World. He won Trinidad’s “Calypso Road March” eight times, “Calypso King/Monarch” eight times, and the “Calypso King of Kings” twice.

Jean and Dinah was a popular calypso in 1956. It was also the Mighty Sparrow’s first hit and the first of eight road marches. This song celebrates departure of the U.S. troops from Trinidad. The U.S had been given “rent-free” lease by the British on a parcel of land to hold as a navy base.

Teaching Points

This song can be used to teach a number of topics in Social Studies and History: mainly the rise of single parent households, the effects of prostitution, the effects of the World Wars on the Caribbean islands, the effects of colonization, and the rise of nationalization.

Song: Jean and Dinah

Lyrics: Jean and Dinah

Jean and Dinah
Rosita and Clementina
Round the corner posing
Bet your life is something they selling
And if you catch them broken
You can get em all for nothing
Don’t make no row, the yankees gone
Sparrow take over now

Well the girls in town feeling bad
No more Yankees in Trinidad
They going to close down the base for good
Them girls have to make out how they could
Brother is now they park up in town
In for a penny, and in for a pound
Believe me its competition for so
Trouble in the town when the price drop low
So when you bounce up

Things bad is to hear them cry
Not a sailor in town, the night clubs dry
Only West Indians like me or you
Going to get a drink or two
And as we have things back in control
Ah seeking revenge with me heart and soul
Brother when I spread the news around
Is to see how them cave men come into town
Just doh make mischief

It’s the glamour boys again
We are going to rule Port of Spain
No more Yankees to spoil the fete
Dorothy have to take what she get
All of them who used to make style
While they taking two shillling with a smile
No more hotel to rest your head
By the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread

Source: Musixmatch

4. Federation – Mighty Sparrow

Federation has been the topic of many calypsoes. The song “Federation” was first popularized in 1962. The song seeks to explain the reasons of a failed federation for the British Caribbean.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool in History and Social Studies. It can be used to teach West Indian integration and federation. The actual federation lasted from 1958 to 1962. Some other songs that can be used for this topic as: Atilla the Hun’s Expedite Federation (1933), Lord Beginner, and Lord Kitchener. The latter two sang songs entitled Federation.

Linking Articles:

Becoming a Caring Citizen

Respecting Neighbours

Song: Federation

Lyrics: Federation (1970s)

People want to know why Jamaica run from the federation
Well they want to know why Jamaica run away from the federation
Jamaica have a right to speak she mind that is my opinion
And if you believe in democracy you’ll agree with me
But if they know they didn’t want federation
And they know they don’t want to unite as one
Independence was at the door, why didn’t they speak before
This is no time to say you ain’t federating no more.

When they didn’t get the capital site that nearly cause big fight
When Sir Grandley Adams took up his post that even made things worse
They bawling .. we ain’t want no Bajan premier Trinidad can’t be capital for here
So the grumbling went on and on to a big referendum
But if they know they didn’t want federation
And they know they don’t want to unite as one and only one
I say to tell the doctor you’re not in favor don’t behave like a blasted traitor
How the devil you mean you ain’t federating no more.

Sorry but no federation again I think it’s a big shame
After so much efforts and energy.. goodbye everybody
Right now it’s only a memory we failed miserably
Some may say we shouldn’t have parted
But it’s Jamaica who had started
If they know they didn’t want federation
And they know they don’t want to unite as one
Just tell the doctor you’re not in favor don’t behave like a blasted traitor
This is no time to say you ain’t federating no more.

Federation boil down to simply this it’s dog eat dog and survival of the fittest
Everybody fighting for independence singularly Trinidad for instance
We gone get it too so don’t bother but I find we should all be together
Not separated as we are because of Jamaica
If they know they didn’t want federation
And they know they don’t want to unite as one
Tell the doctor … tell the doctor you’re not in favor don’t behave like a blasted traitor
How the devil you mean you ain’t federating no more………Outside Man!!

5. Portrait of Trinidad – Mighty Sniper

This song is by The Mighty Sniper. and appears on the single  Portrait of Trinidad / He Want to Pass (1965).

The Mighty Sniper’s real name was Mervyn Hodge. He won the Calypso Crown in 1965 with the “Portrait of Trinidad” and “More Production“.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool in History and Social Studies. It can be used to teach about the achievement of a number of people with different interest and goals in society. The song emphasizes the value of hard work and commitment.

Song: The Portrait of Trinidad

Lyrics: The Portrait of Trinidad

Trinidad is my land, and of it I am proud and glad
But I can’t understand why some people does talk it bad
But I know, all of dem wey running dey mouth
Don’t know wey dey talkin’ ’bout
They would paint here black here every day
And the right things they would never say

Like our sportsmen being rated among the best
Our scholars have sit and passed every test
And put us right ‘longside the rest
But then our Pitch Lake is the greatest one of its kind
Our sugar and oil is really refine
So you see friends, this is a real King Solomon’s mine

They does talk some nonsense
Me ain’t know wey they doing it for
‘Bout so much violence
Man, you would swear that we fighting war
Of course, we have we delinquents to face
But just like any other place
Look, the things they does say ’bout here
Is really too much for me to bear

Because my people are daily making progress
Without any form of stupidness
And in this way, we must gain success
For when we moving, we all move as one body
No bickering between you and me
For our policy stands for racial equality

Now when a stranger spending a little time in this lovely isle
Every day you see him, he always have a hearty smile
And when his time is up to depart
He would say with pride in heart
I’ll be back, you could bet your life
And if I can’t come, I go send my wife

And then he’ll tell you, he really wants her to come
To drink some rum and have plenty fun
In this great island in the sun
For Trinidadians, as foreigners do recall
It doesn’t matter whether big or small
Or if you rich or poor
Friends, we cater for one and all

So all of dem wey talking
They either drunk or they staring mad
Or maybe they forgetting Mr. Universe belongs to Trinidad
And yet, we have men of talent and skill
With high hopes of improving still
And if you think all this is a lie, the Mighty Sniper go tell you why

Now, our steelband is the best talent in the world
By calypsos our stories are told
With its rhythm to touch your soul
So, Trinidad, this lovely land of my birth
Small, but overwhelming in worth
And as you know Carnival is the greatest frolic on earth

Black Stalin- New Portrait of Trinidad

It should be noted that there was later a response by the Black Stalin – “The New Portrait of Trinidad” (1972).

6. Journey – Tambu

Christopher “Tambu” Herbert (born 1956) was popular between 1988 and 1991, when he won the Road March competition for three years consecutively. “Journey” helped him win the Road March in 1989. He was a front-singer for the band “Charlie’s Roots”. Now a pastor, he sings gospel music.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching aid for Social Studies, Sociology, and English Language. One major topic in this poem is suicide. Other topics are goal setting, leadership, and mental health. The teacher can ask a number of questions to encourage thought and critical thinking.

Example: What does the phrase “drifting as a lonely sea” means?

Song: Journey

Lyrics: The Journey

The journey…
The journey, it now start.
I was drifting on a lonely sea
when a voice kept calling out to me
keep on calling, calling, calling.
I was shaking like a frightened child.
I was shaking, shaking.
I was caught in the cold and I had nowhere to hide.
I heard:”Son, son, son, son, come, come, come,
Don’t you be afraid;
You just started your mission.
The waters will be rough.
Have faith and you will make it
All the way yeah, yeah.

Chorus:

Cause the journey it now start
The journey it now start…
Sonny, do not give up
Don’t ever
You were put here to survive
You are in charge of your life
And never look back, look ahead!
Never say die until you’re dead
Children: ah say the journey now start
The journey ah say to travel on

When you’re reaching out towards your goals;
Reaching, reaching
You may stumble and fall
But don’t give up at all,
Don’t give up; do not give up
no, no, no, no, no!
it is friends may smile and talk with you,
yet stab you in the back
they will do anything to get you off your track
you must fight, fight, fight, fight!
fight with all your might
you must stand up to your trials regardless of the strains
at times there will be darkness,
but light will strike again

Chorus

7. Trinidad, The Land of Calypso – Roaring Lion

Roaring Lion was born Rafael de Leon (1908-1999) in the Caura Hills of northern Trinidad. Some other popular songs are Ugly Woman, Mary Ann and Netty, Netty. His “If you wanna be happy” was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 18, 1963. He had an illustrious career, even entertaining the U.S President Franklin D Roosevelt at the Walforf Astoria in New York. When he was asked about his country, he responded “The Land of Calypso“. He is the grandfather of an American actor and television personality, Alfonso Ribeiro.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for Geography and Social Studies. It can be used to help identify the differences in cultures and the meaning of nationalism.

Song: Trinidad, The Land of Calypso

Lyrics: Trinidad, The Land of Calypso

People are interested to know where calypso originated
People are interested to know where calypso originated
Some say it came from Cuba, some said British Guyana
Some contend seriously it was sung by Moses crossing the Red Sea
But ah told dem…

No, no, oh, no, Trinidad is the land of Calypso
No, no, oh no, Trinidad is the land of Calypso

It was a serious contention that was causing some real confusion
Some said it’s Japanese or the folksong of ancient Chinese
A fellow said he is certain Delilah used to sing calypso to Sampson
One said he heard when Nero was burning Rome, he sang calypso
But ah told him…

No, no, oh, no, Trinidad is the Land of Calypso
No, no, oh, no, Trinidad is the Land of Calypso

One said that in India they sung calypso when charming cobra
Another said that Elijah sang calypso in the chariot of fire
They argued with one another, trying to find out the owner
They mention every country, all but the land of La Trinity
But ah told dem…

No, no, oh, no, Trinidad is the Land of Calypso
No, no, oh, no, Trinidad is the Land of Calypso

Excitement reached such a tempo when I said that the calypso
Is an ancient French ballad that was adapted by Trinidad
A fellow said if you please, it was sung by Espinosa and Socrates
And Hannibal sang a calypso when crossing the Alps to meet Scipio…

No, no, oh, no, Trinidad is the Land of Calypso

8. King Liar – Lord Nelson

Lord Nelson (Robert Nelson) was born 1930 in Tobago. King Liar is one of his most popular calypso songs.

Teaching Point

This song, though amusing, can be used as a teaching tool for English Language, specifically the use of senses in speech, figurative language and storytelling. It can be used to teach students how figurative language is used in poetry and songs.

Song: King Liar

Lyrics: King Liar

I know some of you wouldn’t believe me
But if I lie, ask meh good friend Marky
It was a big lying competition
To see who they would crown as lying champion

Liars from all parts of the West Indies
Big shot liars from all dem foreign countries
From a field about a thousand or so entry
In two days it boil down and leave just three

I had meh eye on “Liar de Lion”
‘Cause I know he does come with some good ones
But they had a younger fella named Devo
Come from some village there in Tobago

He says he father is Tobago’s best fisherman
Catch a fish a mile wide, 80 feet in span
He had to tie it on de boat and swim back to land
To get he brother Eric to give him a hand

Yuh hear lie, Dat is lie
Lie, yuh hear lie
Teacher Percy say if yuh tell ah lie
You going to hell as soon as yuh die

Liar de Lion, he laugh till he sweat
He say Mr Devo eh say nothin’ yet
If you really want to hear bout fishin’
Let me blow you mind, now listen to something

When you talking bout fish, yuh just hit de spot
I was hoping you did believe it or not
The fish yuh father caught, fuh you it was great
But is dem small fish meh father does use fuh bait

Lion went ahead on points in de show
Completely eliminated Mr Devo
De next man to beat was “Wil The Outrageous”
He ask de judges if he could lie first

The judges asked Lion, the Lion agreed
He said any topic Wil pick is alright with me
He outrageous, I strong, let we meet head on
And when we done see who head fit to wear de crown

Yuh hear lie, Dat is lie
Lie, yuh hear lie
Teacher Percy say if yuh tell ah lie
You going to hell as soon as yuh die

De outrageous say that he knew a tailor
Comes to making suit, de man is a master
If you show him a man coming round a corner
He could make him a suit and don’t even measure

Ah talking bout suit sitting down correct
Expertly made and fitting perfect
He used to sew for Shakepeare, make suit for Hamlet
And up to this day he eh make a mistake yet

You know de crowd went wild, they couldn’t cool down
Ah say Liar de Lion losing he crown
De judges brought de crowd back to order
And ask de Lion to lie ’bout a tailor

He said my man is de best, Rolfy is his name
Cutting cloth, making suit is his game
Doh show him de man, my tailor is class
Just show him de corner whey de fella pass
And he go make a suit, dat is tailor

Yuh hear lie, King liar
Teacher Percy say if yuh tell ah lie
You going to hell as soon as yuh die

Teacher Percy say if yuh tell ah lie
You going to hell as soon as yuh die

9. Feel to Party – Black Stalin

Black Stalin or Leroy Calliste (born 1941) is was a leading calypsonian from Trinidad and Tobago. He won Calypso Monarch on five occasions and Calypso King of the World in 1999.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for English Language, Sociology, Economics and Social Studies. The teacher can discuss a number of topics with the students: socialisation, family values, wants and needs, budgeting, family structures, role of family members, etc. The song can also be used to help develop students critical thinking skills.

Sample comprehension question are:

Why does Stalin say “stop all housework you doing“? Do you think the singer has the money to go to fete?

Song: Feel to Party

Lyrics: Feel To Party

Stop all house working yuh doing
Tonight we going and have some fun
I just feeling to party
The way we used to when we was young
Just put on something sexy
So you’ll be free to move around
Make sure the children okay
We eh coming home til morning come

Tonight the black man feeling to party
Tonight the black man feeling to jam jam jam jam jam
Tonight the black man just here to boogie woogie
Come on come on hold on to yuh man
And leh we do
Leh we do
Leh we do ah little oy!
Bang Bang Ba dang ba bang

Leave we worries by the door steps
For that tonite we have no time
We go deal with that tomorrow
Tonight we going out to lime
We go do ah little soca
We will do ah ittle grind
We go do a little back back
And show them youngsters how to wine

Tonight the black man feeling to party
Tonight the black man feeling to jam jam jam jam jam
Tonight the black man just here to boogie woogie
Come on come on hold on to yuh man
And leh we do
Leh we do
Leh we do ah little oy!
Bang Bang Ba dang ba bang

Remember when we was courting
Before we had this family
Anyway tune playing
Two people sure to be there was we
But since we start having children
To make them strong we give dance up
So tonight tonight meh darning
We turning back the hands of the clock

Tonight the black man feeling to party
Tonight the black man feeling to jam jam jam jam jam
Tonight the black man just here to boogie woogie
Come on come on hold on to yuh man
And leh we do
Leh we do
Leh we do ah little oy!
Bang Bang Ba dang ba bang

When meh fans and them tell meh
They fine meh career going rel fine
I does simply have to tell them
You is the driving force behind
You is the one that give meh courage
You is the one that have me great
So for that meh darling
We going out and celebrate

Tonight the black man feeling to party
Tonight the black man feeling to jam jam jam jam jam
Tonight the black man just here to boogie woogie
Come on come on hold on to yuh man
And leh we do
Leh we do
Leh we do ah little oy!
Bang Bang Ba dang ba bang

10. Plant the Land – Lord Shorty

Garfield Blackman (1941-2000), more known as Lord Shorty or Ras Shorty, was a Trinidadian, Calysonian and soca musician. He is most known as the Father of Soca and Love Man. Shorty experimented with fusing calypso and Indian-inspired music to create soca music. He is the grandfather of a contemporary popular soca star, Nailah Blackman.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for Agriculture, Economics and Social Studies. The teacher can discuss a number of topics with the students, such as eating local produce, farming, home gardening, poverty, and diversification. Primary school students can discuss the song during World Food Day (October 16). The teacher can ask the students to name some local foods they enjoy.

Song – Plant de Land

11. Far From Home – Calypso Rose

Calypso Rose or Linda Mc Cartha Monica Sandy-Lewis (born 1940) is considered the “mother of calypso“. She resides in Queens, New York and regularly returns to Trinidad and Tobago. She has won many Caribbean awards.

Teaching Point

This song (Far from Home, 2016) can be used as a teaching tool for social studies. It can be used to introduce students to the sensitive topic of migration. The students can discuss the reasons for migration and consider the reasons someone would migrate.

Song – Far From Home

12. The Hammer – David Rudder

David Michael Rudder (born 1953) was a Trinidadian calypsonian. He was one of the Charlie’s Root vocalists and lead singer. In 1986 “The Hammer” and “Bahia Girl” brought him to prominence.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for the history of steel-pan and how the steel-pan was made. The song can also be an excellent tool for teaching figurative language. This is a very poetic song and students would find it most interesting analyzing and finding the meaning of the song.

Song – The Hammer

Lyrics: The Hammer

(Act 1 The Beginning)

Somewhere up in Lavantille
Many years ago
A man had a hammer
Used to follow him to and fro
He used to use it to pound a pan
Or sometimes a stupid man
All in the savannah
Never miss Panorama
One day the old hammer just disappear
Some say that it vanish into thin air

Where de man wid de hammer gone
Tell me, tell me wher he gone
Anybody know where de hammer gone
Tell me, tell where he gone
Can you tell we what going on
Tell me, tell where he gone
Ah want to know where de hammer gone
Tell me, tell where he gone

Why you up and leave, trail
Why you make me grieve, trail
Hammer tell me flat, trail
Why you do we dat, trail
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more,
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more.

(Act 2 – The Passing)

From April of 85
Hammer went to sleep
After years of making noise,
Not even a peep
He used to move wid de dragon man
All through this soca land
Always on the scene
They used to control the barber-greene
But the dragon doh walk the trail no more
Who holding the hammer I want to know.

Where de man wid de hammer gone
Tell me, tell where he gone
Look Thunderbolt Williams, what going on
Tell me, tell where he gone
This thing like a police boot on meh corn,
Tell me, tell where he gone
And now ah hear it by Y’De Lima on pawn
Tell me, tell where he goneLook children
Search under yuh bed, trail
All above yuh head, trail
Look behind the door, trail,
What yuh waiting for, trail
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more,
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more.

(Act 3: The Funeral)

On a silver chariot
Riding to the sun
Leaving fire in its wake
Spirits on the run
As we gather round that day
Ah hear sister Sheila say
How last night she see a sign
She see the hammer and it doing fine
Same time thunder roll she bawl out “You see!”
He done start to tune a pan already

Where de man wid de hammer gone
Tell me, tell where he gone
Sister Sheila darling, what going on
Tell me, tell where he gone
This hammer giving we a heavy horn,
Tell me, tell where he gone
This thing like a police boot on meh corn,
Tell me, tell where he gone

Children
Search all through the town, trail
Turn it upside down, trail
Check on top de hill, trail,
On dat window sill, trail
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more,
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more.

(Act 4. The Dream)

I want to hear the hammer ringing out
>From every panyard
>From Europe to Africa
Just like here in Trinidad
This hammer must never die
Let me tell you why
Anytime the music dead
Is then life go buss we hed
So the children start singing the refrain
Begging me to ask the question again

Where the man wid de hammer gone
tell me, tell me where he gone
Search up in Whitehall
Ransack de town hall
And if we eh find it deh
Mus be Millette who take it away
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more,
Well the dragon doh walk the trail no more.

Source: Musixmatch

13. Love Thy Neighbour – Roaring Lion

Roaring Lion was born Rafael de Leon (1908-1999) in the Caura Hills of northern Trinidad. Some other popular songs are Ugly Woman, Mary Ann and Netty, Netty. His “If you wanna be happy” was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 18, 1963. He had an illustrious career, even entertaining the U.S President Franklin D Roosevelt at the Walforf Astoria in New York. When he was asked about his country he responded “The Land of Calypso“. He is the grandfather of an American actor and television personality, Alfonso Ribeiro.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for social studies, religion and English Language. It can be used to discuss the importance of religion in preserving ethical and moral values in society. students can use the song to explore the singers belief on the causes of crime. For English Language, the song can be analysed by students. The teacher could ask a number of questions so students could show understanding of the message the singer wanted to share with his listeners.

Some questions the teacher can ask:

Why do you think Roaring Lion felt it important to sing a song about loving your neighbour?

What does the singer asserts that the listener would agree with him in the first stanza?

What assumptions does the singer make on the listener?

Explain the term “brotherly love”?

What advice does the singer give to achieve happiness?

What figures of speech can you identify in this song?

What does the singer suggest to the reader and why?

Song – Love Thy Neighbour

Lyrics: Love Thy Neighbour (1978)

If this little proverb you would understand
You would lend your brothers a helping hand
If this little proverb you would understand
You would lend your brothers a helping hand
Whether you are white, pink, blue or black
You have got to reach the six feet of earth and that’s that
Whether you agree or you should disagree
Still I’m pretty certain that you will agree with me
Singing life would be easier and time would be breezier
IF you love your neighbour

If you study the Lord’s teachings you will find
The Sermon on the Mount can save mankind
And make life a whole lot easier
IF you love your neighbour

We all know there is ideal happiness above
Which arises from the presence of brotherly love
So if of the joys of heaven you like to partake
This an example you should strive to emulate
Resist all temptations and refrain from strife
And try to lead a noble and an upright life
And this too you must learn, to make the best of what you earn
And strictly learn to leave your brother’s property alone
Then life would be easier and time would be breezier
IF you love your neighbour

If you study the Lord’s teachings you will find
The Sermon on the Mount can save mankind
And make life a whole lot easier
IF you love your neighbour

I can speak with biblical veracity
That love’s a passion sponsored by the divinity
And so we all should endeavour assiduously
To walk in the paths of virtue and humility
For he that humbleth himself shall exalted be
And humbled will be he whose failing is vanity
So whatever we do we we should keep in mind this view
That the other man is worth quite as much or more than you
And life would be easier and time would be breezier
IF you love your neighbour

If you study the Lord’s teachings you will find
The Sermon on the Mount can save mankind
And make life a whole lot easier
IF you love your neighbour

14. Sir Garfield Sober – Mighty Sparrow

Mighty Sparrow’s, affectionately referred to as “The Birdie”, real name is Slinger Francisco (born 1935) is a Grenadian Calypsonian known as the “Calypso King of the Word“. He won Trindad’s Carnival Road March competition eight times, Calypso King/Monach eight times and Calypso King of Kings title twice.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for the Social Studies and to introduce topics such as West Indian Cricket, Garfield Sobers, and Sports in the Caribbean. The song can also be used in English Language , specifically comprehension. The teacher can ask a number of questions to encourage much thought on the message of the song. The song could also be used to encourage students to research on who Sir Garfield Sobers was.

15. Sip and Chat – Lord Relator

Lord Relator’s real name is Willard C. Harris (born 1948) is a Trinidadian Calypsonian. He won the Calypso Crown in 1980.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for the Social Studies, Sociology, and Economics. The teacher can identify a number of topics: social responsibility, drunk driving, morality, ethics, spending, and consumerism.

Song – Sip and Chat

Lyrics: Sip and Chat

You gotta sip and chat…

The latest advisory, we must drink responsibly
The entire nation must drink in moderation
For this Christmas season, I beg you have reason
Be moderate and take it cool
Don’t let alcohol make you a fool.

Sip and chat, …

If you can’t do that
Don’t bother to come and drink out my rum
My friends, I want you to know, this year the money low, drink slow!
Sipping and chatting is the way that you have to go in Trinbago
For economical reasons I change up the rules this season
And because of that I giving you sound advice
I saying it once, I not saying it twice
This year the lime go be nice
If you visiting a friend, pick up a bag of ice
If you going by Lenny, carry a bag of ice and the lime go be nice.

[You gotta sip and chat,…]
Wey this big crowd going? It only have three more pastelles remaining, you know!
[You gotta sip and chat… Sip … sip it.]

Some people so greedy, they drinking fast and speedy
They mixing the liquor and like the pace getting quicker
They wouldn’t pick and choose, they don’t mind getting booze
Drinking like they in a race, next thing they puking inside your place.

What a disgrace!

Sip and chat… if you can’t do that
Don’t bother to come and drink out my rum
My friends, I want you to know, this year the money low
Sipping and chatting is the way that you have to go, drink slow!
For economical reasons I change up the rules this season
And because of that I giving you sound advice
I saying it once, I not saying it twice
This year the lime go be nice
If you visiting a friend, carry a bag of ice
If you going by Placid, pick up a bag of ice and the lime go be nice

[You gotta sip and chat…]
Ey, boy, how you drinking so fast? Take your time boy.
You want to finish the bottle? Wey yuh…is a dog show? Cool it nah!
[You gotta sip and chat… Sip… sip it.]

Must respect your neighbour, I beg you, watch your behaviour
Especially for Christmas, make sure that you put down some ——-
Some people just don’t think, all they want to do is drink
That kind of business cyah work
Please don’t drink on an empty stomach.

What you have to do?

Sip and chat … if you can’t do that
Don’t bother to come and drink out my rum
My friends, I want you to know, this year the money low, drink slow!
Sipping and chatting is the way that you have to go
For economical reasons I change up the rules this season
And because of that I giving you sound advice
I saying it once, I not saying it twice
This year the lime go be nice
If you visiting a friend, pick up a bag of ice
If you going by David ——–, carry a bag of ice and the lime go be nice.

[You gotta sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat]
Allyuh lucky allyuh being ice, you know, otherwise I’d ah put allyuh out already You drinking too fast! Is only a flask of whiskey I have, you know.
[You gotta sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat]
And when you see that petit quart of the rum done you know what happening? Ice or no ice, allyuh have to hit the door! I saying no more.
[Sip … sip it.]

As we getting older, responsibility we must shoulder
We have to be wiser now that they bringing the breathalyzer
If you travelling home late, please be considerate
The onus is now on you, for Christmas time please don’t overdo.

You hear what I say?

Sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat, if you can’t do that
Don’t bother to come and drink out my rum
My friends, I want you to know, this year the money low, drink slow!
Sipping and chatting is the way that we have to go in Trinbago
For economical reasons, I change up the rules this season
And because of that I giving you sound advice
I saying it once, I not saying it twice
This year the lime go be nice
If you visiting a friend, pick up a bag of ice
If you going by Barkie, carry a bag of ice and the lime go be nice.

[You gotta sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat]
Leave my whiskey alone! But how you drinking so fast? Is a race or what? Take your time and swallow!
[You gotta sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat, sip and chat]
But what happening boy? Allyuh want to buss my bar?
[Sip … sip it.]
Allyuh don’t come by me next year with this kind of habit nah, with this kind of attitude. My drinks ent go last. Haul allyuh…!

Source

16. Don’t Cry For Me – Denyse Plummer

Denyse Plummer (born 1953) is a calypso and Gospel singer from Trinidad and Tobago. She experience prejudice earlier in her career as the genre was seen as Afro-Caribbean. She won the Calypso Queen Crown six times. Currently, she sings gospel.

Teaching Point

This song can be used as a teaching tool for Social Studies, Sociology, History and English Language. The teacher can identify a number of topics: racism, pluralism in society, culture, tribalism, the location of the Trinidad and Tobago, ethnic groups in Trinidad and Tobago, and contributions made by ancestral groups. Comprehension questions could explore the reasons this song was sung by the singer.

Song – Don’t Cry for Me

Lyrics: Don’t Cry For Me (La Trinity)

No longer may I seem to be a paradise of glory
Or a river of pleasure running out to the sea
But I take my refuge in a higher power you see
My body will be restored and my heritage is still beautiful to me

Don’t cry for me, my children, (Don’t cry) for all the fire that falls upon me
Don’t cry for me, my children, (Don’t cry) it was given to me to test me
But I will not be shaken, I am La Trinity
And there is no destruction, if you look you still see
There is a mountaintop, there is the sea and sand
Child, I am your rock, I am your island

Children, I am strong, immovable, so keep working, forget the pain
Always knowing that your toil is never in vain
Many hands make light work, I have two million, I am told
Just like my soldiers, they will never
No, my children will never abandon my soul

Rise up all my children, (Rise up!) forget the fire that falls upon me
There is no misconception, (Rise up!) you are the power and strength inside me
And I will not be shaken, I am La Trinity
No chaos and confusion, no doom, no tragedy
may crack on solid foundation
Child, I am your rock, I am your island

Look in the mirror, tell me what you see

a beautiful child of La Trinity
Look in the mirror, tell me what you see

a beautiful child of La Trinity

Tortured minds crying out for help, child, you have some place to go
Don’t be anxious for your life or your tomorrow
The birds, they don’t sow or reap and yet their children they feed
I shall provide abundantly
For you are worth to me much more than a bird in a tree

Don’t cry for me, my children, (Don’t cry) for all the fire that falls upon me
Don’t cry for me, my children, (Don’t cry) it was given to me to test me
But I will not be shaken, I am La Trinity
And there is no destruction, if you look, you still see
There is a mountaintop, there is the sea and sand
Child, I am your rock, I am your island

Condemnation to all who meddle and destroy my sacred contents
Only a weak one can the Devil ever torment
But my children, you are my power, you are the substance that make me strong
And tomorrow you will see
I will be a land once again bountiful and free

Rise up all my children, (Rise up!) forget the fire that falls upon me
There is no misconception, (Rise up!) you are the power and strength inside me
And I will not be shaken, I am La Trinity
Land of your creation, blessed and almighty
And when one door is locked, another one will open
Child I am your rock, I am your island

Look in the mirror, tell me what you see

a beautiful child of La Trinity
Look in the mirror, tell me what you see

a beautiful child of La Trinity
I say to look in the mirror, tell me what you see

a beautiful child of La Trinity
Look, look, look, look in the mirror now and tell me now what you see

a beautiful child of La Trinity
Look in the mirror, tell me what you see
(I see) a beautiful child of La Trinity…