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2 Tone (or Two Tone) is a music genre created in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s by fusing elements of ska, punk rock, rocksteady, reggae and New Wave. It was called 2 Tone because most of the bands were signed to 2 Tone Records at some point. Other labels associated with the 2 Tone sound were Stiff Records and Go Feet Records. Within the history of ska, 2 Tone is classified as its second wave, the product of an early 1980s nostalgia for vintage music. It is the precursor of the third wave ska scene of the 1990s. Read Full Bio2 Tone (or Two Tone) is a music genre created in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s by fusing elements of ska, punk rock, rocksteady, reggae and New Wave. It was called 2 Tone because most of the bands were signed to 2 Tone Records at some point. Other labels associated with the 2 Tone sound were Stiff Records and Go Feet Records. Within the history of ska, 2 Tone is classified as its second wave, the product of an early 1980s nostalgia for vintage music. It is the precursor of the third wave ska scene of the 1990s.

The 2 Tone sound was developed by young musicians (mostly in Coventry, West Midlands) who grew up hearing 1960s Jamaican music. They combined 1960s ska with contemporary punk and pop music. Bands considered part of the genre include: The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat, Madness, Bad Manners, and The Bodysnatchers.

The term 2 Tone was coined by Jerry Dammers of The Specials. Dammers, with the assistance of Horace Panter, also created the Walt Jabsco logo to represent the 2 Tone movement. It was based on an early album cover photo of Peter Tosh, and included an added black-and-white check pattern.

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01Gangsters The Specials

The Specials

02Mirror in the Bathroom The English Beat

The English Beat

03Embarrassment Madness

Madness

04On My Radio The Selecter

The Selecter

05Harborcoat R.E.M.

R.E.M.

06Little Bitch The Specials

The Specials

07The Prince Madness

Madness

08Blank Expression The Specials

The Specials

09Nite Klub The Specials

The Specials

10Lip Up Fatty Bad Manners

Bad Manners

11Grey Day Madness

Madness

12Do Nothing The Specials

The Specials

13Cardiac Arrest Madness

Madness

14Friday Night, Saturday Morning The Specials

The Specials

15The Sun And The Rain Madness

Madness

16Too Much Pressure The Selecter

The Selecter

17Stupid Marriage The Specials

The Specials

18Save it for Later The Beat

The Beat

19Three Minute Hero The Selecter

The Selecter

20Missing Words The Selecter

The Selecter

21Bed And Breakfast Man Madness

Madness

22Friday Night, Saturday Morning - 2015 Remaster The Specials

The Specials

23Stereotype The Specials

The Specials

24James Bond The Selecter

The Selecter

25Racist Friend The Specials

The Specials

26International Jet Set The Specials

The Specials

27I Can't Stand It The Specials

The Specials

28Land of Hope and Glory Madness

Madness

29In the Middle of the Night Madness

Madness

30Celebrate The Bullet The Selecter

The Selecter

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Gangsters
The Specials Lyrics

Bernie Rhodes knows don't argue

Why must you record my phone calls?
Are you planning a bootleg LP?
Said you've been threatened by gangsters
Now it's you that's threatening me

Can't fight corruption with con tricks
They use the law to commit crime
And I dread, dread to think what the future will bring
When we're living in gangster time

Don't call me scar face

Can't interrupt while I'm talking
Or they'll confiscate all your guitars
And Catch-22 says if I sing the truth
They won't make me an overnight star

Don't offer us legal protection
They use the law to commit crime
I dread to think what the future will bring
When we're living in real gangster time

Bernie Rhodes knows don't argue

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jerry Dammers, John Bradbury, Lynval Golding, Neville Staples, Roderick Byers, Stephen Panter, Terry Hall

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on specific lyrics, highlight them

Comments from YouTube:

Ichwan Rasyid

6w↑229

RIP Terry Hall. Very sad to hear this news tonight. You made the world a better place with your lyrics and tunes. Rest easy ❤️

Andrew Kaveny

5w↑1

Such a legend ❤️

susana couto

I will adoro you

Kevin O'Dell

6w↑1

@FFM0594 a lot of the first album were cover versions

FFM0594

6w↑5

They weren't his lyrics or tunes, they were Jerry Dammers.

Gemini

6w↑3

He was only 63 very sad news

The Laughing Man

6w↑394

Rest easy Terry! The specials changed my life.
I've been a mod since I was a little kid and this one hurts like hell.
Thank you for the glorious legacy of music you with us.
❤️❤️❤️❤️🕴🏿🕴🏻🕴🏾🕴🏻🕴🏽🕴️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Jacqui Basheer

Terry was incredible. So so sad.

Russell Willoughby

5w↑1

here here, was one of my favourites groups, RIP terry you were part of my youth and i thank you

Chris stalwart

gutted,big time

Mark Connell

6w↑3

Gone but never forgotten RIP Terry

Todd Michael Johnson

6w↑6

I feel your pain right now. The Specials had a huge influence on my teenage mind. ❤️

4 More Replies...

Jacqueline Edwards

6w↑180

One of the best song out,, am 55 years young female, I absolutely adore this song, was am still a big fan of Terry and his gang,, and yes I was a rude girl,, with all the get up,, and proud,, best years of my life listening to this kind of music,,
RIP Terry Hall,, 🙏 ❤️❤️❤️

steve penfold

Me to sweetheart 52 years young same hair cut no choice now chemotherapy still got my old stomping boots lolxx daughter wearing them now x

steve penfold

Me to sweetheart am 52 years young still rude girl same hair cut now just had chemotherapy no choice lolxx rip Terry 😢

Steve Inczedi

👍😎

Nessa Tovey

Lol I’m 55 too&loved these&was a Rude girl too 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

M W

Hey Jacqueline, I have 4 years on you, so a similar vintage. Time is certainly flying by. I was a punk but of course liked the whole variety of music from those days. I reckon we really did live through a fantastic era for music my friend. And to think of it, a fantastic time for some crazy and wonderful fashion, well styles at least.

We ruled the world, all but for a brief moment in time.

1 More Replies...

Jez Phipps

6w↑79

Hearing 'Gangsters' for the first time aged 10 just totally blew me away! RIP Terry Hall.

Allen

Me to what a band.Rip terry

Moon 02

6w↑1

Me too

robin moss

6w↑43

Absolutely gutted, a massive influence on my youth, Rest well Terry, thanks for the amazing memories 😢

Art Love Friend

6w↑73

Still loving this song after all these years! Rest in power Terry Hall.

Belief Gaming

2y↑200

The original lineup burned very brightly for a very short time, but sometimes I marvel at just how absolutely awesome this original lineup of The Specials was. Truly fantastic.

Colin Wilson

26w↑3

@james mcmanus So, skinny ties, Fred Perry and Docs for the boys and nudity for the girls on horseback. Viva Coventry!

james mcmanus

1y↑2

Do you mean the mid 70's Coventry special outfit

Christopher Wilson

6w↑28

RIP Terry Hall, such a sad loss at 63 years old, brilliant singer, classic songs

Steve W

6w↑14

The Specials had a profound effect on my life and is the sound track of my youth, thanks to all the band and Rest in Peace Terry, you will never be forgotten. I can't believe I was only watching video after video the other night of new and old gigs and then I hear this sad news.

K

6w↑48

Rest in peace Terry Hall 🙏
Feel so sad 😞 I was a teenager growing up to the sounds of ska.
The Specials were such a big part of life in those days and their music resonated with me on a deep level. He will be sorely missed 😢 gone but never forgotten 💔 😢

Glove

6w↑30

RIP Terry Hall my brother passed on this amazing band to me and always loved them, can't go to any pub in the Midlands with the specials music on without seeing middle aged men skanking around with huge smiles on their face. The music lives on forever.

Rodrigo monroy carta

6w↑9

Descansa Terry , ahora eres inmortal ,siempre estarás en nuestros corazones ,saludos desde la Ciudad de México 🇲🇽

Hank Diaz-leal

6y↑500

My friend since kindergarten always loved these guys, he asked me to give them another chance, he passed away suddenly, I was then left with the Specials as his last request from me.. WOW they are incredible and extremely underrated.. Thank u Eric

IDC Anymore

Not underrated in the UK, I can tell you! They ruled the world for a couple of short years.

lady Macbeth

I agree, underated. I discovered them When I was a teenager in the 90,s and it was like the second wave of ska with a lot of local and international groups playing ska and rending homage to the classics, the parents of ska, like the specials, so nice memories come to my mind When listen to them

Norm Appleton

6w↑1

That's an asshole story

Strange Wayfaring Stranger

Well sadly Terry died, so hopefully they are hanging out.

usndocjaysin8404

@SniffinYaMum miss much? Lol 🤣 keep on lil man, hope your cloak stays clean my guy👍🏻

13 More Replies...

dannielladee

6w↑27

Rest in peace Terry Hall from a proud Cov girl 🏁💙 I was just about old enough to see their 30th anniversary tour in 2009...how lucky to have witnessed the best live band to ever come out of the UK :')

Graham Byrne

6w↑4

Having a specials night as always,few beers sound pumped up ,almost sobbing,can’t believe the legend is not with us skanksters , luv ya terry

f.w.

6w↑8

Terry...you handled the hard knocks gracefully.The music was one of a kind. Life can be a sick place, but you showed intelligence and heart in your music! R.i.p

pipster74

6w↑16

RIP Terry! Thank you for the music! Your music was of our generation and one I’m proud of!

H T

6w↑16

Rest in Peace, Terry. You have seen life and will remain an inspiration. God bless your family, friends and fans.

Julia Wheeler

6w↑17

RIP Terry you will be much missed loved this band so much so lucky to see them live just amazing ❤️

Angela Burrow

6w↑5

I'm not a huge fan of 2 tone, but always loved the Specials &, especially, Fun Boy Three. The loss of Terry Hall has knocked me for 6. His talents will be seriously missed, & my sincere condolences to all those who loved him.

lunhil12

2y↑63

Still a killer tune, never gets old.

D.M.Ex.

2y↑122

To say this album was central to my development as a human being is a huge understatement. I never went in for the whole look (couldn't afford it). But I played this album till it crumbled to dust.

Colin Wilson

26w↑2

I had never heard the Specials until first year university, although I had the Special AKA album in high school. Free Nelson Mandela? Anyone, anyone? Yes hearing the Specials for the first time is a wake up call, especially if you're enjoying the music with a cool nerdy boy from England who is about to become your best friend for life. We also bonded over Kate Bush, Tom Waits, the Pogues, Nikolai Gogol and the fact that we are both technically bastards (born out of wedlock). Our knee-slappingly funny attempts to function in a shared basement apartment and our stressful "vacation" in New York will have to wait for another time.

Roy Jones

43w

Interestingly Gangsters was originally a single only release, added to the album later when it got a cd release.

Damien Castillo

6w↑11

RIP Terry! The Specials got me through a hellish adolescence and early adulthood. I don't know if I would even be here if it wasn't for them.

Christian Schwinghammer

6w↑7

Terribly sad news about Terry Hall's death. I saw them live at The Hammersmith Palais in London back in the summer of 1979 when they were the opening act (together with Lew Lewis Reformer) for Rockpile. I was 15 years old at the time and it was my first truly great concert experience...

Requiescat in pace

Mad Cat Lady 72

6w↑11

Devastated at the passing of Terry Hall! I’m having real flashbacks going through all of these old videos and performances though! Rest in peace Terry! You left an amazing legacy! 😢💔

jublino travis

6w↑9

RIP another absolute Legend died suddenly after a brief illness 🙄
When will people wake up to the common denominator in all these 'brief illness/sudden deaths"??? He spoke for his generation but most of his generation are asleep & complying so who will speak for him? REST IN PEACE TERRY 🙏🕊thanks for the most amazing 🎶

Stephen Roldan

Well put

peggy wessex

6w↑5

Rest in Peace Terry Hall. Thank you for the sound of our youth.

rumcookie12

2y↑237

"You can't fight corruption with politics. They use the law to commit crimes. I dread to think what the future will bring..." As a citizen of the future they worried about, I can say their concerns were valid.

Herivelto Jorge de souza

Exactly what we have today in.......Brazil.
So far from England..

Ed Lawn

6w↑2

40 years later, lyrics are more true than ever. RIP Terry.

Roslyn Agaltsova

Absolutely agree, they saw it coming x

jublino travis

Yep another "after a brief illness" wonder if he'd had any inoculations recently? I dread to think how far these genocidal maniacs will go, esp as the masses accept ever new mandate no questions asked 😔

jublino travis

4 More Replies...

Andrew Erroch

3y↑42

I absolutely love this song. It's the very first record I ever bought at 11 years old in 1979 and it will always be one of my all time favourites. Pure Class. Æ

MALOS CEREBROS

8y↑152

When a song can remain timeless it is pure genius. Thank you Specials!!

BB

36w↑2

Agreed

irais de la garza

8y↑2

This is my favorite song ♡♡
Ha

Phosmana

6w↑6

Thank you for so many wonderful songs. Your impact on the world of music will live on.

Susi Paterson

1y↑21

Aged 12, bought "Gangsters" in the record store in "The Arcade". B-Side was The Selecter. Brought the single home. Played it. Still love this music a billion years later, living in the US. Can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss Coventry.

Norm Appleton

Yea Susi

steven andrews

I've got the very same 45

Andrew Bray

6w↑9

The world's best foot stomping sound ever, thank you Terry and the boys. 🕶🎼 R.I.P. Terry Hall.

GildaLee27

4w↑3

When I heard Terry Hall had died last week, I burst into tears. I will always be grateful for his life and music and message. Love and peace to all. 🕊🕯🙏

pachy444

42w↑15

My all time favourite record from the day it was released, clear memories of buying it as soon as it was available, still got it.

Patrick Demmers

1y↑16

A classic that shows how music should be ….catchy uplifting and carrying a message!!

Irish Tino

1y↑29

I got this album in '82 so I think these guys were over as a band by then. I just started listening to it again (thank god I saved all my vinyl). What a fucking perfect mix of ska, punk, Caribbean. This is my choice for bands "that should have bigger worldwide".

Norm Appleton

48w

They were done by then

michaela church

6w↑5

Thank-you so much Terry for being so amazingly brilliant and versatile in what you did for generations of music lovers......I followed you pretty much through from The Specials and onwards.....so much integrity in what you did.......always exploring with new genres.......and there was something definitely quite cool about your presence......really loved you and what you did....RIP my friend......xxxxxxxxx🥰

Mu

6w↑5

RIP Terry Hall you are one of my all time heroes. Love to you and your family..

Kevin Blanchard

6w↑2

This is the song that got me into The Specials when I saw them performing on Saturday night live. Terry Hall was just too cool for school singing this song, rest in peace Terry

arch1e

6w↑4

RIP Terry. Back in '79 Terry, as the front man, was probably the biggest influence on me in my youth and remained so throughout. Thoughts with your family and friends. And for Brad's family who passed at a similar time of year.

Skip Mole

6w↑4

☹ Terry may be gone but this work of genius will live on forever. I could listen to it daily.

Jacksirrom

6w↑4

RIP Terry Hall. I just got turned on to The Specials after that Adam Curtis documentary. Listened to them a lot over the pandemic. "Do Nothing" is probably still my favorite.

Eric George

3y↑22

A timeless classic from the Specials!!

Nelson Muntz

6w↑5

I'm 44 and this is the 1st time i've ever heard this song. Reading on the singers death, had heard of the band but only remember hearing ghost town, but never knew it was them. They really didnt get the exposure they deserved.

Tracie Pearce

3y↑11

🎷The specials were and still are the best Ska band of all times 🎹

Dan Hintz

15w

skatalites by a country mile.

carollinson

1y↑8

The snare pierces you like a red hot poker. Top song, top group. Terry Hall is the epitome of cool. Hope all is well in 2022 for you.

mayormc

6w↑4

So classic and even more prophetic than I remembered. RIP Terry Hall. Two Tone for life.

Paul Smyth

6w↑4

RIP Terry Hall, a legend and a red. You'll be sadly missed

stephen mcginness

6w↑4

Remember seeing this on late night BBC ,i was 17,never seen anything like it since .God bless Terry,home safe now

lerenifleur

6w↑5

Très triste d'apprendre le décès si jeune de Terry. Condoléances à ses proches et à tout ceux qui l'aimait.

Daz Auto

3y↑302

1979 to 1981. They were the best band on the planet. No one could touch them.

Will Dee

48w

Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones…?

Norm Appleton

48w

Well, the Stranglers

Anthony Perry

Thanks specials you were the best band ever

Diga a verdade

1y↑1

Earth-Wind and Fire

Jacqui Cryer1964

1y↑2

👌🏻💜… and I went to see them again Blackpool last night … still amazing x

20 More Replies...

sugarray29

6w↑1

RIP Terry Hall - The Special's were part of my youth growing up. I identified with their music and message. Too much racism around at that time. This music has stood the test of time.

GriefTourist

6w↑2

Takes me right back to my first week in secondary school back in '79. RIP Terry we love you.

Ray Talbot

6w↑5

R.I.P Terry your voice will be missed Ska forever 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🏁

Igor Amokian

6w↑1

We all share similar incredible memories from these great times….my goodness.
Timeless tunes we can travel there anytime we hear these classics.

Rip
😎😎😎😎😎😎🎤🎹🕶🕶🎼🪘🥁🎺🎷🎸🎤

Christopher Lynch Lynch

3y↑45

Remember how popular ska was in my home town of Limerick in the south West of Ireland in late 70s /early 80s. Hordes of skinhead, bootboy, nutty boy gangs and endless fighting at teenage discos. Many of the top bands like Madness and Bad Manners came and played too. Great days to be young in.

Brendan Donnelly

2y↑4

Respect from Belfast. 👍

Johnjoe

6w↑2

RIP TERRY HALL! Two tone/Ska was the first music I got into then I got into HIP HOP! I'm still into HIP HOP but I still listen to Ska! Brings back memories of my school disco's! 💯

Just Me

6w↑2

Gutted! First track I ever heard was Gangsters and was hooked! Passed my Art prelim with a portrait of Terry Hall..Rest in Peace💔

The Last Guitar Hero

1y↑7

Heard this on the radio yesterday. Magnificent. Why can't music still be this good?

bob

6w↑2

This was my era. Rest in peace Terry thanks for the music 🎵

Rochelle Eskue

6w↑5

Awe, RIP Terry 🙏. You were a unique musician with that unforgettable voice.
You will be missed, Love ❤️.

Tokyo Inooshi

8y↑1.2K

First Ska song I ever heard it my life as a kid and I fell in love with The Specials. Their music is magic I swear

Durgan McDurgan

6w↑1

R.I.P. Terry! Thank you for all the great music.

Ray Talbot

14w↑1

Me to, still to this day this song takes me right back 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

Jack W

36w↑1

My first was ghost town I’m pretty sure

Norm Appleton

50w↑1

It GRABS you! Makes you listen

Larz Gustafsson

1y↑1

One of the very first I heard to along with Madness "Swan Lake".

50 More Replies...

Sugar spun

3y↑12

I was a Mod back in the day and loved the Ska revival, Specials, Beat, Selecter and this was and still is one of my all time tunes.

Fernando Alarcon

2y↑7

As an 8 year old boy in 1980. I was mesmerized by this band. My sister would play this over and over. Great music, where have you gone.

jose navarro garcia

2y↑3

La mejor banda de Ska de todos los tiempos!!!.

wurzel

6w↑2

God bless terry you were one of the most iconic voices of my youth ! I remember listening to this song and your voice started to slur because of the batteries in my cassette player !!!! R.I.P

Skaface Canada

6w↑1

Terry will be sadly missed. The Specials will always be one of our favourite bands.

D Ridley

6w↑4

Terribly sad news- I'm a Cov' kid too and Terry was the front of a fantastic group. They were "our" band and how we loved them!

olufemi

1y↑3

Memories of hot summer days and nights growing up. Love it!!!

Mark Murray

6w↑3

What a great British band never to be repeated R.I.P. Mr Hall ..xxxx

Marc Fedak

2y↑4

The Specials were my favourite second-generation ska band. Despite all their moving around, they were super tight.

MrUnidyne

48w↑2

This album was "all killer, no filler". I played the vinyl until I could just about see through it.

Cressida Crumble

4w↑1

Like when I was 14 and having a shit time at school this was everything. That 3 way glance Terry does at the end was the epitome of cool. Thanks for your contributions to music TH 😢

Karl Childers

6w↑2

RIP Terry; your music literally changed my life for te better, I’m thankful I got to see you and/or Neville in person multiple times 💔🏁

michaela church

6w↑4

RIP Terry.....one of my all time favourites 😪

themangkuks

6w↑3

RIP Terry Hall, 2 Tone pioneer whose impassive style made him a star with a conscience thru turbulent times in British music and politics.

Adrian Williams

6w↑1

A voice of a generation thanks for giving us so much you will be in our hearts forever legend.

Robert Philp

2y↑32

Ooofftttt! I always loved Terrys haunting voice on these lyrics. Gotta dance now!

Google Smoogle

Yess

Chronic Bullscat

3y↑2

Such a good song!!! Can never get sick of listening to them

Yves C.

20w↑4

This groove is sooo good❤️ dangerous and haunting. RIP GANGSTER

krazyhartin

39w↑3

I just heard this song on tv; from a live gig. You guys are awesome!

Michael Labram

Loved this band and Terry especially….Massive joy in my youth….Rest i n peace…..❤

Angela Riley.

4y↑6

I love Terry's face when they performed this at Pinkpop 83. He can't believe the crowd.

Jonh Cass

3y↑4

The specials will always have a place in my heart top band and of course there legends

xXC0URAGE0US

3y↑14

It's 2020 and this track still rips

TIL B

47w

It's 2022 and this track is still ripping.

Gunner Steve

2y↑4

Just a pure classic! I was 11 when they released it only seems like yesterday. Thanks for video 🤗

Christian Worthinton

2y↑2

Love it! Can't get enough!!

C. LM

6w↑2

Rest in power, Mr. Hall. Thank you for the amazing memories. 🖤🥀

Debby Toth

2y↑6

My first and favorite band of all time. Just timeless!

Lesley Cunningham

3y↑3

I never get bored of the specials

Bethan Hamer.

1y↑1

Fell in love at twelve ❤️ terry you were my first love 😂😂😂👍👍
My daughter loves specials too , as a baby her fave was monkey man 😂

arlichar11

2y↑2

its musical genius... a forgettable subject, but so much going on at same time somehow comes together perfectly

Evqirne Drvnker

3y↑4

Música deliciosa.🧠✨🎶🎶

LeCutter

6w↑2

Back in the early 80s in Toronto there was a weekly dance on Fridays "Start Dancing!" that brought all the skins, mods, punk, and other assorted freaks together - most of which all knew each other anyway - to have a place to hang out on Friday nights and dance instead of fighting, with each other or the squares on the street. The Specials, Madness, et al. was always a big part of it. Had the good fortune to see most of the ska/punk/Oi bands back in the day and it was - mostly - always a good time. 63 is just way too bloody young. You are missed Terry... do not doubt.

K Star

6w↑2

RIP Terry, thanks for all the great music.

Rob Call

6w↑3

So long and thanks for the great music and times. RIP Mr Hall.

Karl

2y↑3

fantastic! big up the boys from the Specials!!!

Olz Dee

1y↑7

The track that started it all. I had this single on rough trade recs. With The Selector on the B side. The first music that I really noticed as a kid.