Written by Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow).
The Mighty Sparrow wrote this calypso about Dr. Eric Williams and the
People's National Movement (PNM) in 1957. It was recorded by the Balisier
company in Trinidad. Dr. Williams, a prominent historian and leader of
the PNM, became Chief Minister of Trinidad and Tobago in 1956 and Prime
Minister in 1962. "Big Belly" is an allusion to Albert Gomes,
an opposing politician.
Lyrics courtesy of Slinger Francisco and the Eric Williams Memorial Collection,
University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago).
I am sure you've heard the story
Between Big Brain and Big Belly
I am sure you know the story
Between the Brain and the Belly
Well, Sparrow ain't 'fraid to talk
Who don't like it could take a walk
Fight finish, no bruise, no cuts
But a man fall down on he guts
People bawling, praise little Eric, rejoice and be glad
We have a better future here in Trinidad
PNM, it ain't have nobody like them
For they have a champion leader
William the Conqueror
I am no politician, but I could understand
If it wasn't for Brother Willie
And his ability
Trinidad wouldn't go, neither wouldn't come
We used to vote for roti and rum
Nowadays, we eating all the Indians and them
And in the ending
We voting PNM
So darling, praise little Eric, rejoice and be glad
We have a better future here in Trinidad
PNM, it ain't have nobody like them
For they have a champion leader
William the Conqueror
Many lives were in danger
They murdered a stranger
Then they went and threaten the Doctor
Concerning his daughter
Well, he was the man for us
Because he didn't make no fuss
But then he had the place going wild
When he proved Big Belly making child