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Rudy A Message to You
Dandy Livingstone Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Stop your running about
It's time you straighten right out
Stop your running around
Making problems in town
Aha-a rudy

A messsage to you rudy
A messsage to you

You're growing older each day
You want to think of your future
Or you will wind up in jail
And you will suffer
Aha-a rudy

A messsage to you rudy
A messsage to you

Stop your running about
It's time you straighten right out
Stop your running around
Making problems in town
Aha-a rudy

A messsage to you rudy
A messsage to you

Overall Meaning

Dandy Livingstone's "Rudy A Message to You" is a ska song that delivers a timely message to young, restless Rudy to stop his mischief and straighten himself out. The lyrics emphasize the importance of Rudy's future and the enormous consequences that lie ahead if he continues to indulge in his reckless behavior. The chorus of the song, "A message to you Rudy," reiterates the urgency of this message and serves as a warning to those who, like Rudy, are caught up in the chaos of their youth.


The song captures the essence of a time when violence and unrest were rampant in Jamaica, particularly in the 1960s, and warns against the dire implications of juvenile delinquency. The lyrics encourage young people to make better choices for their future, to cease their reckless behavior, and to become productive members of society.


In essence, "Rudy A Message to You" is a classic ska tune with a timeless message that is still relevant today. It reminds listeners of the importance of heeding the advice of those who care and of the need to focus on building a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Stop your running about
Quit wasting your time chasing after things that won't benefit you.


It's time you straighten right out
It's time for you to behave properly and act responsibly.


Stop your running around
Cease moving aimlessly with no sense of direction or purpose.


Making problems in town
Your irresponsible behavior is causing issues in the community.


Aha-a rudy
A call-out to the person named Rudy.


A messsage to you rudy
This is a message for you, Rudy.


You're growing older each day
You are getting older with each passing day.


You want to think of your future
It's important to consider how your actions today will impact your future.


Or you will wind up in jail
Your irresponsible choices may lead you to being incarcerated.


And you will suffer
If you end up in jail, you will face tremendous hardship.


A messsage to you rudy
This is a message directed to Rudy.


A messsage to you
This is an important message that Rudy needs to take to heart.


Stop your running about
Quit aimlessly moving around and wasting your time.


It's time you straighten right out
It's time for you to behave properly and act responsibly.


Stop your running around
Stop moving aimlessly with no sense of direction or purpose.


Making problems in town
Your careless behavior is creating issues in the community.


Aha-a rudy
A call-out to the person named Rudy.


A messsage to you rudy
This is a message specifically for Rudy.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert Livingstone Thompson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rogerpeachey2212

This one always gets me on the dance floor. I'm 63 but dance like I was 20.

@mattasticmattattack8546

🕺🕺🕺👍❤

@tomfaulkner6616

I wish. I'm 62 and dance like I'm 63!

@rogerpeachey2212

😂😂

@alanrprice

But now it hurts in the morning.

@rogerpeachey2212

@@alanrprice I suffer with a bad hip. But I dance through the pain. Such is my love for reggae.

1 More Replies...

@plasteredbastard

Tip of the hat to the Specials for keeping this amazing genre of music relevant in the 80s. But this is the definitive version.

@clintonlee8898

Awesome remake

@giuseppelogiurato5718

Such a preachy song on the surface, but all the rude boys loved it anyway... Great rocksteady song, even if it seems a little "goodie goodie"... ("No Rudie, there is no good-good Rudie!")

@haroldhadradi8763

The man (Rico Rodriguez) playing the trombone on this recording, is the trombone player in the specials.
They approached Rico just before recording their cover.

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