Publication Note: This piece was first shared on Sokah2Soca (March 24, 2025) and is now presented in a reformatted version for Kaiso Dial.
Gone are the days of witty and mischievous Calypsos, the type that the Mighty Sparrow gave to us. We took so much for granted, and now that he has retired, we look back at his work and smile continuously as we listen to his witty songs. One song in particular that I really like is "Steering Wheel." The 45 RPM single featured "Steering Wheel" on side 1 and "You Don't Love Me" on side 2. The original release was in 1965, from the album titled "Sparrow's Carnival 1965."
Sparrow, in his mischievous ways, showcased his wit, charisma, and so much humor while describing his adventures as a philandering young man. "Steering Wheel" masterfully tells a story and creates a playful and provocative song that will resonate for generations. Sparrow's masterful wordplay telling about the woman's feet on the steering wheel while her father laments the chastity of his daughter is priceless. Sparrow in the garage, demonstrating his "wukking up, wukking up and wukking up with she foot stick up in the steering wheel blowing the horn!"
Though not as mobile as he once was as a younger man, his voice is as beautiful as ever. You would be shocked at how well he can sing at his current age. He was a wonderful cultural figure, the King of Calypso, and his song had you hooked." "Steering Wheel" is one of many songs Sparrow gifted us. It paints a picture of a society that was and is still relevant today. In today's world, we all need to laugh a little—laugh at ourselves and society in general. This song paints a picture of our society with splashes of humor and Sparrow mischief. This song perfectly captures the essence of our society. Yes, he is still the King of Calypso!
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Steering Wheel
Album: Sparrow's Carnival 1965
Artist/Performed by: Sparrow
Label: National Recording Company NLP 5050A
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Year: 1965
Genre: Calypso
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