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
Alcohol
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You feel like you've been here before
You tremble and you start to sweat
The symptoms of withdrawal
Alcohol
Why do you do it?
Why do you keep beating me?
But you cause some untold misery
Heroin
Why do you do it?
I don't like what I've seen
You promise someone a real good time
And then you take them from their family
You tremble and you start to sweat
You don't want to withdraw
And when your flesh begins to crawl
You'd rather not be here at all
Alcohol
How do you do it?
Please don't do it to me
You give some people a real good time
But you cause some untold misery
Alcohol
Why do you do it?
You ain't gonna do it to me
You give some people a real good time
And you cause some untold misery
The lyrics of The Specials' song "Alcohol" tell a story of addiction to both alcohol and heroin. The opening lines of the song create an eerie atmosphere as they describe an icy wind blowing through a door. The singer feels like they've been in this situation before, hinting at the cyclical nature of addiction. The lines "you tremble and you start to sweat, the symptoms of withdrawal" highlight the physical and emotional toll that addiction takes on the human body.
The lyrics then shift to an address to alcohol and heroin, with the repeated line "why do you do it?" conveying a sense of desperation and despair. The singer acknowledges that both substances can give some people a good time, but they also cause untold misery. The lines "you promise someone a real good time, and then you take them from their family" highlight the destructive nature of heroin addiction and the toll it takes not only on the user but also their loved ones. The repeated line "please don't do it to me" creates a sense of pleading and helplessness, emphasizing the powerlessness of the addicted individual before their substance of choice.
Overall, the lyrics of "Alcohol" are a poignant commentary on addiction and its devastating effects. The song illustrates the cyclical nature of addiction, the physical and emotional toll it takes, and the destructive impact it can have on individuals and their families.
Line by Line Meaning
An icy wind blows through the door
The feelings of discomfort and pain associated with alcohol and drug addiction are like an icy wind that one cannot escape.
You feel like you've been here before
The cycle of addiction and withdrawal can feel never-ending, and one may feel trapped in a constant cycle of pain and suffering.
You tremble and you start to sweat
The physical symptoms of withdrawal can be overwhelming and frightening, making one feel like they are losing control of their body and mind.
The symptoms of withdrawal
Withdrawal from alcohol and drugs is a painful and difficult process that can cause physical and emotional distress.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can cause immense pleasure and pain to those who consume it regularly.
Why do you do it?
The singer is questioning their own motivations for drinking and engaging in addictive behavior, wondering why they continue to cause harm to themselves and others.
Why do you keep beating me?
Alcohol and drugs can be all-consuming and overwhelming, causing one to feel like they are constantly in a battle with their addiction.
You give some people a real good time
While addiction can cause immense pain and suffering, it can also provide temporary relief and pleasure to those who engage in it.
But you cause some untold misery
Addiction can have far-reaching consequences that are often not fully understood or acknowledged, causing immense pain and suffering for those affected.
Heroin
Heroin is another highly addictive substance that can have devastating consequences for those who use it regularly.
I don't like what I've seen
The singer has witnessed firsthand the effects of addiction and is deeply disturbed by the pain and suffering that it causes.
You promise someone a real good time
Like alcohol, heroin can provide temporary pleasure and relief to those who use it, making it an attractive but dangerous substance.
And then you take them from their family
Addiction can cause those who are struggling with it to become isolated from their loved ones, causing immense pain and heartache for all involved.
You don't want to withdraw
The fear and pain associated with withdrawal can be so overwhelming that one may feel like they cannot stop using, even if they want to.
And when your flesh begins to crawl
Withdrawal from alcohol and drugs can cause physical sensations that feel unbearable, like one's skin is literally crawling with discomfort.
You'd rather not be here at all
The pain and fear associated with withdrawal can be so overwhelming that one may wish they could simply cease to exist rather than endure it.
How do you do it?
The artist is questioning how alcohol can have such a powerful hold over them, causing them to engage in behavior that is harmful and self-destructive.
Please don't do it to me
The singer is pleading with alcohol not to cause them further pain and suffering, acknowledging the power that it has over them.
You ain't gonna do it to me
The singer is asserting their own agency and control over their addiction, refusing to allow alcohol to continue to rule their life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JERRY DAMMERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dick C. Normous
An icy wind blows through the door
You feel like you've been here before
You tremble and you start to sweat
The symptoms of withdrawal
Alcohol
Why do you do it?
Why do you keep beating me?
You give some people a real good time
But you cause some untold misery
Heroin
Why do you do it?
I don't like what I've seen
You promise someone a real good time
And then you take them from their family
You tremble and you start to sweat
You don't want to withdraw
And when your flesh begins to crawl
You'd rather not be here at all
Alcohol
How do you do it?
Please don't do it to me
You give some people a real good time
But you cause some untold misery
Alcohol
Why do you do it?
You ain't gonna do it to me
You give some people a real good time
And you cause some untold misery
Stu Magoo
Probably my favourite track from In The Studio album. Love the instrument arrangement and the atmospheric mood it creates. One of Jerry's finest.
Jose almir de Lira Almir
The Specials uma das bandas mais originais q ja existiu, bons músicos,bons arranjos, melodías únicas boa de mais essa banda....
crunkaholic81
Ever since i got into ska and learned of the specials I love the original lineup but as i get older the specials aka are growing on me Jerry dammers was a genius in his own right cheer from the usa hope the reunion tour went well. Biggups
Johnny A
well said , but the Specials were never Ska , they were 2 tone
Renzo Pinto
Wells said!!
OpenMindsThinkAlike
Such a jazzy haunting tune...anyone who's been through DTs will feel this in the depths of their soul!
Alonda Thomas
Whoa--never heard this one by them before. I'd better brush up on some Special AKA songs,then.
Jose almir de Lira Almir
Melodia fantástica gosto muito dessa banda....
Griffin Clark
Rhoda Dakar is a fantastic singer. She gives this song pain & life.
Anthony Langford
This song needs to be longer, an hour should do it.