Similar FEMALE bands & groups include: The Deltones (mostly female), Althea & Donna (self-formed group with male back-up) & The Belle Stars (New Wave & Ska).
Formed in London by Nicky Summers in 1979, they released two ska/rocksteady singles on the 2 Tone record label. The Bodysnatchers' first concert was at the Windsor Castle pub in London, on 24 November 1979. After signing to 2 Tone, they undertook a tour supporting The Selecter. They appeared in the "Dance Craze" documentary film, featuring live performances by various British 2 Tone bands.
The lineup:
Rhoda Dakar (vocals), Nicky Summers (bass), Stella Barker (rhythm guitar), SJ Owen (lead guitar), Pennie Leyton (keyboards), Jane Summers (drums), Miranda Joyce (saxophone)
The Bodysnatchers played together for less than two years, with the group disbanding in 1981 and no album released. Singer Rhoda Dakar joined The Special a.k.a..
Ruder Than You
The Bodysnatchers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They forget about us up to now, but take care boys, we may well show you how
Long time now it is men only scene, we didn't skank so well but we were keen
Now rudeboys don't have it their own way,
Hey listen we have something to say!
Rudegirls... you better watch out
Rudegirls... now there's more of us about
Rudegirls...
We're ruder than you!
We don't want to fight
We don't need no tests
Cuz it doesn't matter who is the best
So, you rudies, make sure you're out there
These good sounds we were glad to share
That is all we really want to do
That's the BodySnatchers, we play for you!
Compositor: Bodysnatchers / Gaz
The song "Ruder Than You" by The Bodysnatchers is a strong message to men that women can be just as good as them in the world of ska and punk music. The opening verse serves as a warning to rudeboys that rudegirls are just as capable in the scene and that they should not overlook their abilities. The next verse goes on to describe how the ska scene had been dominated by males for a long time and how women were not as skilled in skanking, but they were still passionate about it. The chorus makes it clear that these women are not going to back down and are ready to prove themselves as even "ruder" than the men if they have to.
The lyrics of "Ruder Than You" are a rallying cry for female empowerment in a male-dominated music scene. The song encourages women to stand up for themselves and to fight for their right to belong in the music world. The Bodysnatchers were known for their feminist ideals and this song is a perfect example of their commitment to using music as a tool to promote equality and empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey I want to tell you about something that we rudegirls can do just as well as you
We want to let you know that we, as rudegirls, are just as capable as rudeboys.
They forget about us up to now, but take care boys, we may well show you how
People have overlooked and forgotten about us in the past, but they better be careful because we may just prove ourselves
Long time now it is men only scene, we didn't skank so well but we were keen
It has been a while since women have been involved in this scene, and although we may not have been as experienced as men, we were still eager to participate
Now rudeboys don't have it their own way
Rudeboys can no longer assume that they have complete control over this scene
Hey listen we have something to say!
We have something important to communicate!
Rudegirls...you better watch out
Anyone who underestimates or dismisses rudegirls should be cautious
Rudegirls...now there's more of us about
There are now more rudegirls present, so be prepared
Rudegirls...
We, as rudegirls, are making our presence known
We're ruder than you!
We are more abrasive and brash than the rudeboys
We don't want to fight
We are not interested in instigating violence
We don't need no tests
We do not have to prove ourselves to anyone
Cuz it doesn't matter who is the best
It is not a competition to see who is superior
So, you rudies, make sure you're out there
Rudeboys, make sure you continue to be present
These good sounds we were glad to share
We are happy to share these great tunes with everyone
That is all we really want to do
Our main goal is simply to enjoy the music and have fun
That's the BodySnatchers, we play for you!
We are the BodySnatchers and we are here to perform for you all!
Writer(s): Jane Summers, Miranda Ann Joyce, Gary Mayall, Penny Elizabeth Leyton, Rhoda Dakar, Stella Barker, Nikki Summers, Sarah Jane Owen
Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.