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
Blank Expression
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seven o'clock and the roads are blocked
So I walk downtown
There's no-one around
I walk in a bar and immediately
I sense danger
You look at me girl, as if I was some kind of a
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
Expression on your face?
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
Expression on your face?
The streets are dark, and there's no
One about
I wander home and all the
The lights are out, I keep wondering
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
Expression on your face?
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
Expression on your face?
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
Expression on your face?
Where did you get that blank
Expression on your face?
Where did you get that blank
Expression on your face?
Where did you get that blank
Expression on your face...
The Specials' song "Blank Expression" is a poignant reflection on loneliness and isolation in a crowded city. The song's opening lines paint a wintery scene of snow falling and blocked roads, creating a sense of desolation and uncertainty. The singer decides to venture out to downtown, hoping to find some company, but instead finds himself in a bar full of people yet still feeling alone.
He notices a girl giving him a blank stare, as if he were a total stranger, which emphasizes the emptiness and disconnection he feels. As the night goes on, the streets become even darker and the singer is left to wander home with all the lights out, feeling lost and helpless.
The repeated chorus of "Where did you get that blank expression on your face?" creates a haunting echo that emphasizes the singer's sense of alienation and highlights the disconnect between individuals in a big city. The song's overall tone is one of sadness and desperation, as it portrays the emptiness and isolation that can result from living in a bustling, crowded environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Snow is falling all around
The weather is bad and snowy, making it hard to navigate the roads.
Seven o'clock and the roads are blocked
The time is 7:00 pm, and the roads are inaccessible due to the snowstorm.
So I walk downtown
Despite the harsh weather and roadblocks, the singer makes his way to the city center.
There's no-one around
The downtown area is strangely deserted and empty.
I walk in a bar and immediately
Upon entering a bar, the artist senses danger or trouble.
I sense danger
The singer detects a feeling of danger or risk in his surroundings.
You look at me girl, as if I was some kind of a
A woman in the bar looks at the singer with suspicion or mistrust.
A total stranger
The artist believes the woman is treating him like he is completely unfamiliar to her.
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
The artist asks the woman where she obtained her emotionless facial expression.
Expression on your face?
He is confused and questioning the lack of emotions on her face.
The streets are dark, and there's no
As the singer walks home, the streets are dimly lit and empty.
One about
There is nobody around in the area he is walking.
I wander home and all the
The singer head back to his house, still bothered by the woman's expression.
The lights are out, I keep wondering
Upon arriving home, the singer notices the darkness and continues to ponder the woman's face.
(Where) where did you get that blank (blank)
The singer again questions the woman's emotionless facial expression, unable to shake it from his mind.
Expression on your face?
He is still trying to understand why the woman had such a blank expression on her face.
Where did you get that blank
The artist is asking where this expression came from and is puzzled by it.
Expression on your face?
He is unable to let go of the woman's expression and is still searching for an explanation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jerry Dammers, John Bradbury, Lynval Golding, Neville Staples, Roderick Byers, Stephen Panter, Terry Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Specials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
Caroline Judge
They don't get enough praise, well done specials and thank you 4 d music,
nige massey
Looking forward to seeing the best two tone band ever again in Newcastle this year,,
inserter400
The greatest band of all time !
Vj Avzone
Great !
The Specials were just GREAT 👍🏼
Denise Kirwan
Went to see them last year 25 December 2021 at the troxy limehouse it was great love this group for years an there still going strong got to see them again worth it Denise callis
Armani-Chan
My family is planning on going to a specials show one day, hope to see you whenever that happens!
BorkumRiff
Still great ……
Juan MO
This tune was sampled for Massive Attack's Eurochild from their Protection album.
Shlock-source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protection_(Massive_Attack_album)#Track_listing
Barry Catchpole
The good old days none ov the shit that's around now