In just a few years span penguin had more hits than many other calypsonians had in decades. The slipper, Telco poops, look the devil dey, what sweet in goat mouth, way way banker.... Genius with a style of his own. Made my childhood memorable. Thanks for the musical memories..
Great teacher at Mount Hope Junior Secondary in the late 70s. I remembered him helping me along in the calypso competition. Great memories. RIP Sir. Great loss to the calypso world and T&T.
THE LYRICS: I've had a go at the lyrics to this 1984 soca classic. I've put question marks after the parts I'm unsure of (a native "Trini" speaker would probably be able to clear up the uncertainties). Doh = Don't. De = the Ok, here goes.... VERSE 1 Mi partner in a quandary, he willing to settle down in life But want to get de recipe, as how to treat and keep a wife I tell him just treat them kind, and they will love you till death But one thing you got to bear in mind and never never forget Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man (2x) They want a man, not a worm Responsible and concerned A man who lays down his terms A man who could stand up firm Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man VERSE 2 A woman will try to rule you, and if you sit down and take it calm She'll mamaguy you and fool you, and say you are such a loving man She spend every cent you make, without consideration And when you eh have no more to take, she gone with a macho man Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man (2x) A man is supposed to lead, supply all his woman's needs Never make de yard get weeds, dig de soil and plant de seeds Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man VERSE 3 Some men does play namby-pamby, they sticking up in de house whole time Cooking cleaning washing nightie, and 'fraid to go wid de boys and lime But as the years travel on, them same men women does hate For women must always free with scorn a man did masculine (?) Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man (2x) Not men who does curl their hair, and put earrings in their ear Very quick to say "Yes dear", when she frown they shake with fear Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man Eeeeh, ya ya yiii VERSE 4 A man should be like a tower, protect his household at any cost He got to show strength and power, and show that he fit to be de boss His children he must control, doh make his woman look small And if he live to a 100 old, she wouldn't leave him at all Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man (2x) You could be a little wild, but with discretion and style Doh use too much bricks and pie (?), you is a man not a child Woman doh like, woman doh like, woman doh like soft man Ya hear? Alright! Softman, could never hear (?) We melsh respect (?) Everybody, does call him "Chupidee" Softman, looks like a fool Softman, get's ridiculed Hey, look at he! Softee softee softee softee Softman, softee (9x)
I have Penguin's Soft Man on the Soca Gold Vol. 3 CD. This version sounds different than version I have on the CD. This one sounds better from his 1984 album Touch It.
