"Trinbago has
so much to offer, yet we treat Carnival time as
transitionary when in fact
we
should celebrate our talent right throughout the year!
"
This song was the first time of collaborating with Edwin
Pouchet, arranger of Excellent Stores Silver Stars, with
the basic melody composed on pan. After the music bed
was put down by Ibo, and listening to it, I decided to
make some modifications in the chorus which resulted in
new phrasing. Having played my first pan in Silver
Stars,
it was indeed significant to be collaborating
with the leader of one of the most energetic steelbands
known for pushing the boundaries and creating history.
One may recall that Silver Stars is the only steelband
to win Band of the Year with Gulliver’s Travels in the
early 60’s, and more recently winning the Pan in the 21st
Century with Phantom of the Opera arranged by Edwin in
2007. I therefore thank Silver Stars for my foundation
in pan.
The lyrics of the song were written in a couple days to
bring the song alive in a celebratory fashion,
recognizing that the immense talent of our people is
reflected in our infectious rhythms and passion in our
music. Some see a paradise to be emulated, some see
deterioration over the years in our mas and music.
I see talent that should be harnessed, and encouraged
right through the year, but unfortunately the reality is
that most of the royalties leave our shore in favour of
the foreign music played. Carnival is a celebration
time, when we see a transformation in our streets and
panyards. If only we can find the formula to transform
our society through our rich cultural blessings.
Thanks to Monika of pan-jumbie.com
for allowing me to share my music with the pan world,
and coining the link after this song's title. It is
indeed a small celebration time for me after 10
consecutive years of composing and writing for the pan
community.
Thanks to all who have played some role along this
journey !
Lyrics:
VERSE 1
Look at
how this nation, does go through a transformation
Like de
problems just disappear, at this time of year
Cause is
party time, and is fete and lime
Rhythm in
de street, sound like a ragga soca beat
Well
bacchanal, cyar stay out of de Carnival
Ya just
bound to see we on the big screen TV
When we
jumping in sweet T and T.
CHORUS Celebration happening on the
street
Oh gawm,
how it sweet
Celebration happening in de yard
Bassman,
like he mad
Count ya
blessings, come and join dis party, baby
Jump in de band, honey,
and put up ya hand, baby
Doh wanna lose it, ya feel
de music, go directly to ya brain
Ya feel de
passion; ya know de rhythm, go infect ya thru ya veins
Ya still
wonder how come, music from an oil drum
Could
hypnotize, and mesmerize, all ah we.
VERSE 2
When ya
see my nation, jumping up in celebration
Like a
tension filling de air, as de time draws near
For de
Carnival, for de festival
Well open
your eyes, ya could see a paradise
We reach a
stage, every year we start a new page
Can’t you
see that de world want to emulate we
When we
jamming in sweet T and T.
CHORUS
VERSE 3
We go
through de motion, but there is a higher notion
Why is
only a one-off affair, think right through de year
‘Bout de
calypso, on de radio
Watch de
royalty, going out of T and T
Appreciate, dis sincere plea to celebrate
So excuse
me for sharing dis philosophy
When we
talking ‘bout sweet T and T.
