This calypso sings the praises of the carnival legends who had passed away.
Sparrow praises Bertram Innis, the combo band leader who accompanied Mighty Sparrow in his second place finish at the August 1962 Independence Calypso King competition.
Sparrow remembers George Bailey, the famous band lead...
[Verse 1]
Every year somebody dear
Give us cause to shed a tear
And mourn for they are gone
Now all that's left is a faint memory
Based on the theme of a strange melody
Still we must think of them
And recall their image with pride
Telling people from deep inside
This is dedicated to those who died
[Chorus]
Bert Inniss I'll always remember
Jumping when a steel band pass, playing mas
Sugary, peppery Bert , was never ever one for class
Bertram Inniss , wherever you are, compère
Just for you I came out with real fire this year
[Verse 2]
Each and everyone I know
Some good day will have to go
Right back from where they came
Now good or bad we must try all the same
Not to be sad or heap scorn on their name
And every girl and boy
Who are sharing my sympathies
I must tell you this song is just
Dedicated to memories
[Chorus]
George Bailey I'll always remember
Jumping when them big band pass, playing mas
Sugary, peppery George was never ever one for class
George Bailey, wherever you are compère
Just for you I came out with real fire this year
[Verse 3]
How many have known a friend
Playing mas down to the end
Who will never again
And though we play
Now and then thoughts will stray
To that dear one who has long passed away
So for this Carnival when you're jumping up, take a break
Try and take in this song I make
To remember for old times sake
[Chorus]
Jack Brathwaithe I'll always remember
Jumping when them big band pass, playing mas
Sugary, peppery Jack was never ever one for class
Jack Brathwaithe, where ever you are compère
Just for you I came out with real fire this year
[Verse 4]
Simple words cannot define
The memories that fills the mind
Of those who are left behind
To some of us it's a kin or a friend
Or a great love that was shared to the end
So it is our duty, I mean each and every one
See that their memories live on
Even though they are dead and gone
[Chorus]
Albert Moore I'll always remember
Jumping when a steel band pass, playing big mas
Sugary, peppery Al was never ever one for class
Dear Albert, where ever you are compère
Just for you I came out with real fire this year
Memories was written by Mighty Sparrow.
Mighty Sparrow released Memories on Tue Jan 01 1974.