Lewd Lyrics
Not all calypsos are written with socially and politically conscious lyrics. Calypsos are notoriously risqué as well. There is no shortage of calypsos whose lyrics focus on female sexuality, the perceived male dominance in a matriarchal-centered society, and the dynamics of the male-female relationship (admonishing women for their alleged faithlessness and promiscuity and praising the male species for their virility and sexual conquests): "Sugar Bum Bum" (Lord Kitchener, 1978), "Sexy Marajhin" (Sparrow, 1981), "Rebecca" (Superblue, 1983), "A Deputy Essential" (Penguin, 1982), "Don’t Back Back" (Mighty Sparrow, 1984), "Four Women to One Man" (United Sisters, 1994), "Bottom in De Road" (Iwer George, 1998).5
Not surprisingly, the coarse and sometimes vulgar lyrics of these calypsos have always been the topic of heated debates on radio and television talk shows, and the source of discontent for many feminist and religious activist groups, often resulting in an official ban of the bawdy lyrics on national airwaves.
In 1998, there was a public outcry regarding the lyrics in Iwer George’s (Neil George) calypso "Bottom in de Road." Iwer’s calypso touched on the sensitive issue of interracial sexual relationships in what is largely a cosmopolitan society (Trinidad and Tobago is a heterogeneous mixture of different ethnicities: Africans, East Indians, Chinese, Caucasians, Syrians). He boasts of his sexual conquests: "Ah had Dougla (offspring of a mixed African/East Indian marriage) . . . ah had Chinee . . . ah had Syrian . . . African . . . White Women . . . but ah never had an Indian." While Iwer George was praised in some circles for his bravado at openly singing about a contentious topic that has only recently gained acceptance by some segments in the society, there were several activist groups who voiced their displeasure of the lyrics.
In an editorial in the Trinidad Express newspapers, the Maha Sabha (a Hindu based non-profit organization in Trinidad and Tobago) voiced its protest in vehement tones: "the calypso 'Bottom in De Road' by Iwer George offends because of its sexist and racist lyrics and expressions. To sing that he has had a Canadian, American, Dominican, 'but never an Indian yet', promotes the idea of uninhibited sex, the glamour of numerous sexual partners and the desirability of illicit sex with Indian women."6
The Maha Sabha, with support from other proactive feminist groups successfully advocated for the removal of the calypso from the radio airwaves. But, as is often the case with controversial calypsos, Iwer George had his revenge, and "Bottom in De Road" emerged as one of the more popular offerings for the 1998 carnival season.
Next page: "Dance in the Streets"
