The Mighty Sparrow’s calypso, Lying Excuses, has come under examination for its portrayal of gender relations, infidelity and the use of humour to influence perceptions of relationships.
Emeritus Professor at the University of the West Indies, Patricia Mohammed, explored the song’s themes in a presentation examining Sparrow’s storytelling and the stereotypes reflected in his lyrics.
Professor Patricia Mohammed says the Mighty Sparrow’s lyrical wit and humour offer more than entertainment, inviting audiences to examine the messages embedded in his calypsos.
In her analysis of Lying Excuses, Mohammed examined the song’s portrayal of a husband who uses elaborate explanations to convince his wife of his innocence.
Mohammed argued that the calypso shifts attention away from the husband’s behaviour and towards the wife’s willingness to believe his explanations.
She also pointed to the wider gender expectations reflected in the song, including the pressure on women to maintain relationships despite questions of trust and fidelity.
She said Sparrow’s use of language and double entendre adds another layer to the narrative, demonstrating how humour can communicate ideas about relationships and social behaviour.
Mohammed’s analysis highlighted the value of revisiting calypso not only as a form of entertainment, but also as a reflection of the social attitudes and gender dynamics present when the songs were created and how they may be interpreted today.
She was speaking at a forum entitled The Birdie Sings, celebrating the life and music of the mighty sparrow.