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
A Little Bit Me
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Girl don't you walk out
We've got things to say
Talked out, let's have it talked out
Things will be okay
Girl
I don't want to find
And you're a little bit right
I said girl
You know that it's true
It's a little bit me, (a little bit me)
And it's a little bit you... too
Don't know... just what I said wrong
But girl I apologize
Don't go... here's where you belong
So wipe the tears from your eyes
Girl
I don't want to find
That I'm a little bit wrong
And you're a little bit right
I said girl
You know that it's true
It's a little bit me
And it's a little bit you... too
Oh girl
I don't want to find
I'm a little bit wrong
And you're a little bit right
I said girl
You know that it's true
It's a little bit me
And it's a little bit you... to
It's a little bit me
It's a little bit you
Girl don't go
no no no no no
Girl don't go
no no no no no
Hey girl
The Specials' song "A Little Bit Me a Little Bit You" follows a heart-to-heart conversation between two lovers who have had a disagreement. The opening lines implore the girl not to leave, emphasizing that they need to work things out and talk things through instead of giving up on their relationship. The singer admits that he may have been mistaken and asks for forgiveness, and implores the girl to stay with him. Throughout the song, the singer repeats the refrain, "It's a little bit me, and it's a little bit you too," perhaps indicating a shared responsibility for the situation at hand. The lyrics ultimately express the persistence and hope for reconciliation in the relationship, despite its current struggles.
One noteworthy feature of the song is its upbeat, almost cheerful sound, which belies the seriousness of its lyrics. The song also showcases The Specials' unique blend of ska, punk, and reggae influences, marrying a bouncy rhythm with a socially conscious message. The song has been described as a classic example of the Two-Tone sound style that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK.
Line by Line Meaning
Walk out,
Please don't leave me yet.
Girl don't you walk out
I beg of you not to go.
We've got things to say
Let's talk about what's bothering us.
Talked out, let's have it talked out
Let's talk until we come to an understanding.
Things will be okay
We can resolve our issues and everything will be alright.
Girl
Addressing the person he is speaking to.
I don't want to find
I would rather not discover.
That I'm a little bit wrong
That I am partially at fault.
And you're a little bit right
And you have a valid point as well.
It's a little bit me, (a little bit me)
I acknowledge that I play a role in this situation.
And it's a little bit you... too
But I also believe you are partly responsible.
Don't know... just what I said wrong
I am not sure what I have done to upset you.
But girl I apologize
I am sorry for any pain or hurt that I may have caused.
Don't go... here's where you belong
Please stay here with me, this is where you are meant to be.
So wipe the tears from your eyes
Please don't cry anymore, let's work through this together.
Oh girl
Addressing her again with affection.
It's a little bit me
I am accepting some responsibility for what has happened.
And it's a little bit you... to
But I also see that some of this falls on you as well.
Girl don't go
This is a plea for her to stay.
no no no no no
Emphasis on his plea for her not to leave.
Hey girl
Addressing her once again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Neil Diamond
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ieronimo18
This is a great version of one of Neil Diamond's best songs!
Mary Abood
love this version!
Doug G
ditto ;-)
Doug G
Me too, but try to find it online! Scarce!
jamesocon1
You know by the first riff that this is a Neil Diamond song!!!
Flamethatburns
This would have been great in a ska format, with way more horns, and more cowbell!
Ray D. Lopez
Yes, the Specials had a moderate smash hit thanks to their reggae/rap-inflenced emphasis track, the Neil Diamond-scripted single cut of a Little Bit Me, a Little But You that was first recorded circa 1966 from the Monkees, in fact. Cheers to that, folks!
hifijohn
love a good neild diamond song
bojack40
And of course Neil Diamond penned Red Red Wine was also given the reggae style and propelled to greater heights by UB40
Lynn Coutee
Wish they had this song on Amazon Music ☹️