The group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers, with Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals) and a rhythm section featuring Horace Panter (bass) and John Bradbury (drums; born 16 February 1953, died 28 December 2015). The band wore mod-style 1960s period "rude boy" outfits (pork pie hats, mohair suits, and loafers). In 1980, their song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached number one in the UK. In 1981, the unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up in 1984. A version of the band reformed from 1994-2001. In 2008, the band reformed again and, in2009, embarked on a 30th anniversary tour. In 2010, they toured America and Europe. In 2011 they again touring the UK.
In 1979, their debut LP hit the shelves and quickly soared into the UK Top Five. The album was produced by Elvis Costello and was released under founding member, Jerry Dammer's record label 2 Tone Records.
Following the success of their debut album, Specials, their second and final album, More Specials was released. This expanded the group's 2 tone sound to include lounge music and other influences.
After two albums and a string of very successful singles the band called it quits in 1984. The bands members moved onto their other musical projects. In 1994 they toured with the original line-up without Terry Hall and Jerry Dammers. Roddy sang Terry's parts. The line-up changed in 1996. The band split again in 2001.
In 2008, The Specials officially announced that they would reform and embark on a 30th Anniversary Tour in 2009. The founding member, Jerry Dammers was not part of the reformed Specials and relationships between him and the rest of the band have remained sore, particularly on Dammers' side of things.
In January 2013, the Specials announced the departure of Neville Staple. In February 2014 it was revealed that another original member, Roddy Radiation, had left the reformed group. In spite of this, the Specials played an extensive tour in the autumn of 2014 with Steve Cradock as lead guitarist.
On 19th December 2022 it was announced that Terry Hall had passed away after a short illness. He was 63.
www.thespecials.com
Ghost Town
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the clubs have been closed down
This place is coming like a ghost town
Bands won't play no more
Too much fighting on the dance floor
Do you remember the good old days before the ghost town?
We danced and sang and the music played in natty-boom town
This town is coming like a ghost town
Why must the youth fight against itself?
Government leaving the youth on the shelf
This place is coming like a ghost town
No job to be found in this country
Can't go on no more
The people getting angry
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
This town is coming like a ghost town
The lyrics to The Specials' song Ghost Town paint a bleak picture of a town that is slowly dying. The opening lines of the song set the tone for what is to come: "This town is coming like a ghost town, all the clubs have been closed down." The verse describes a place that is no longer vibrant with activity and where people have stopped going out to have fun. The chorus repeats the line "This town is coming like a ghost town," emphasizing the sense of despair and hopelessness that permeates the song.
The second verse shifts the focus to the reasons behind the town's decline. It questions why the youth are fighting against each other instead of working together, and criticizes the government for not doing more to help the young people of the town. The final verse indicates that the situation in the town has become so dire that the people are beginning to get angry and can't go on anymore. The repetition of the chorus drives home the message that the town is in a downward spiral and that there is little hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
This town is coming like a ghost town
The town is becoming desolate and empty, mirroring the eerie and haunting feeling of a ghost town.
All the clubs have been closed down
The social and entertainment scene in the town has shut down, leaving little to no options for leisure activities.
This place is coming like a ghost town
The place is becoming deserted, with a lack of people and activity.
Bands won't play no more
Musicians and performers have stopped coming to the town to perform, possibly due to the lack of audience or financial support.
Too much fighting on the dance floor
The social gatherings that used to take place have now become violent and disruptive, creating an unpleasant atmosphere for everyone involved.
Do you remember the good old days before the ghost town?
Reflecting on the past when the town was lively and bustling, before it became deserted and lifeless.
We danced and sang and the music played in natty-boom town
Recalling the vibrant and exciting music scene that used to exist in the town, with people enjoying themselves and having fun.
Why must the youth fight against itself?
Questioning why the younger generation is turning to violence and conflict within their own community.
Government leaving the youth on the shelf
The government is neglecting or ignoring the needs of the younger generation, leaving them feeling forgotten or unsupported.
No job to be found in this country
The lack of employment opportunities in the area, making it difficult for people to find work and support themselves.
Can't go on no more
The situation has become unbearable and unsustainable, with people feeling overwhelmed and unable to continue living like this.
The people getting angry
The frustration and anger of the community is escalating, potentially leading to further conflict and unrest.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Jerry Dammers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind