A Message to You Rudy
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)
Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you
Stop your fooling around (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Else you'll wind up in jail (ah-ah-ah)
Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you
Stop your messing around (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)
Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
The Specials' song "A Message to You Rudy" is a call for attention and change directed towards a young man named Rudy. The song begins with an invitation to stop messing around, think about his future, and straighten himself out, since his actions are creating problems in town. The repetition of these lines emphasises the urgency and the importance of Rudy's need to change his ways. The chorus then reiterates that the message is for Rudy, highlighting the targeted nature of the song's message.
Although the lyrics may appear solemn in message, the upbeat ska rhythm and the repetitiveness of the lines ensure that the song remains energetic and uplifting. The song's use of "ah-ah-ah" adds to its catchiness, a linguistic element that unites listeners and ultimately reinforces the significance of the message.
In essence, the song is an anthem for change that cries out for young people to be mindful of their actions and their impact on society. It sends the message that the future is in their hands, and they should take the responsibility to make positive changes in order to avoid ending up in jail or causing problems in town.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop your messing around (ah-ah-ah)
Cease your trivial actions and behavior (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
It is advisable to consider your long-term plans and goals (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
It's time to behave in a more responsible and respectable way (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)
Your actions are causing issues and trouble in the community (ah-ah-ah)
Rudy
The song is directed at a person named Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
This song is meant to convey a message to Rudy
Stop your fooling around (ah-ah-ah)
Stop playing tricks and jokes (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
It is time to change your ways and start being more mature (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
You need to plan ahead for what's to come (ah-ah-ah)
Else you'll wind up in jail (ah-ah-ah)
Otherwise, you might end up being arrested or imprisoned (ah-ah-ah)
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
The purpose of this song is to communicate a lesson to Paul
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
That message is specifically targeted toward Rudy (the song's subject)
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
The song repeats that it is a message for Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
The song ends by reiterating that the message is intended for Rudy
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert Livingstone Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ichwanrasyid8638
RIP Terry Hall. Very sad to hear this news tonight. You made the world a better place with your lyrics and tunes. Rest easy โค๏ธ
@voice.of.reason
muito triste, outra pessoa com uma doenรงa curta, o que foi que o matou
@cotch40
Was it the jab?
@peaked_aussie
@@cotch40 pancreatic cancer.. who knows if jab related or not. Very sad either way.
@Megafoot2164
RIP Terry , you provided a really great soundtrack for the crazy 80's , late nights, drinking til dawn with friends. This music will live on in our hearts and, be discovered by new generations. ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฏ
@Sid_Vicious-hu6yn
I am gen z. and this music is way better than our generation's
@Megafoot2164
@@Sid_Vicious-hu6yn : Luv the moniker or aka Sid Vicious !
To me , there is a lot going on in the world , no one's singing about it.
Music brings like minded poeple together in spirit. Your generation needs an anthem, if not, there are plenty of them going back to the very beginning of recorded music history.
๐ต๐ต๐ถ๐๐ธ๐น๐ถ๐ต๐ต๐
@Robotsausagemusic
Born in 81 but grew up loving reggae and ska, proud to say you guys brought the sound to the midlands. Massive respect. R.I.P Terry Hall
@darrenbyrne4622
Still such a cool song great to hear it again love it
@Artychoke1000
RIP Terry, you absolute legend! :( x