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
Concrete Jungle
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know if I'll be alright
Everyone wants to hurt me
Baby, danger in the city
I have to carry a knife
Because there's people threatening my life
I can't dress just the way I want
(Concrete jungle) animals are after me
(Concrete jungle) it ain't safe on the streets
(Concrete jungle) glad I got my mates with me
I won't fight for a cause
I don't want to change the law
Leave me alone, just leave me alone
I want to get out on my own
I'm walking home tonight
I only walk where there's lots of lights
In the alleys and the doorways
Some throw a bottle right in your face
(Concrete jungle) animals are after me
(Concrete jungle) it ain't safe on the streets
(Concrete jungle) glad I got my mates with me
I'm going out tonight
I only walk where there's lots of lights
In the alleys and the doorways
A broken bottle straight at your face
I won't fight for a cause
I don't want to change the law
Leave me alone, just leave me alone
I want to get out on my own
(Concrete jungle) animals are after me
(Concrete jungle) it ain't safe on the streets
(Concrete jungle) glad I got my mates with me
The Specials’ “Concrete Jungle” sheds light on the hostile realities of living in the city. The singer expresses his fear of going out, citing the danger that people bring, the unpredictable nature of the city when walking alone at night, and the constant threat of violence from the “national front,” a British far-right political party. Due to this constant danger, he feels the need to carry a knife and only walks in well-lit areas. The chorus emphasizes how the city can feel like a savage, cruel jungle where humans can easily behave like animals; a place where only a good group of friends can offer a sense of security. The singer doesn’t want to fight for a cause or change the law, he just wants to be left alone to live his life.
“Concrete Jungle” speaks of the anxiety and the effects of the environment on the human psyche, a common theme in The Specials’ music. The song is a testament to how the band gave voice to urban youth, allowing them to vent their frustrations and voice their political opinions. Ultimately, the song serves to showcase the dangers of social division and the common enemy it creates between different groups within society.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going out tonight
I'm leaving my place tonight
I don't know if I'll be alright
I'm uncertain if I'll be safe
Everyone wants to hurt me
I feel like I'm in danger from everyone around me
Baby, danger in the city
I sense a great deal of danger around me, especially in the city
I have to carry a knife
I carry a knife for protection
Because there's people threatening my life
I've been threatened by people and fear for my safety
I can't dress just the way I want
I have to dress a certain way to avoid being targeted
I'm being chased by the national front
I'm being pursued by a far-right organization
(Concrete jungle) animals are after me
I feel like I'm being hunted in a human-made environment filled with dangers
(Concrete jungle) it ain't safe on the streets
I don't feel safe walking on the streets
(Concrete jungle) glad I got my mates with me
I'm grateful that I have my friends to protect me
I won't fight for a cause
I'm not interested in fighting for any particular cause
I don't want to change the law
I don't have an interest in changing the current laws
Leave me alone, just leave me alone
I want to be left alone and not bothered
I want to get out on my own
I want to be independent and not rely on anyone else
I'm walking home tonight
I'm headed back to my place tonight
I only walk where there's lots of lights
I only go where it's well-lit to feel safer
In the alleys and the doorways
I'm cautious around the alleys and doorways
Some throw a bottle right in your face
Some people will throw objects at you for no reason
(Concrete jungle) animals are after me
I feel hunted in this dangerous environment
(Concrete jungle) it ain't safe on the streets
I still don't feel safe walking on the streets
(Concrete jungle) glad I got my mates with me
I'm still thankful to have my friends by my side
I'm going out tonight
I'm going out again tonight
I only walk where there's lots of lights
As before, I only go where it's well-lit to feel safer
In the alleys and the doorways
I'm still cautious around the alleys and doorways
A broken bottle straight at your face
Someone threw a broken bottle at me, barely missing my face
I won't fight for a cause
I'm still not interested in fighting for causes
I don't want to change the law
I'm still not interested in changing laws
Leave me alone, just leave me alone
My desire to be left alone has only grown
I want to get out on my own
My desire for independence has only grown
(Concrete jungle) animals are after me
Despite everything, I still feel hunted
(Concrete jungle) it ain't safe on the streets
I still don't feel safe walking on the streets
(Concrete jungle) glad I got my mates with me
But I'm always grateful to have my friends with me for protection
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Roderick James Byers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sallyredgrave1036
Instead access super high way
Controlled media medium
Covent drafted parents
War Falkland 🇫🇰
Speaks in tounges
Awful horrid era
Dying promise lost
Family bonds hurt
For from earth
We trust one
Home a travel ling
Space time orbit
Planer travlers abused
Fascim
@thespecials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
@nottmuk22
Cheers for the upload..My album went many moves ago. (about 40 years ago)
@sallyredgrave1036
Instead access super high way
Controlled media medium
Covent drafted parents
War Falkland 🇫🇰
Speaks in tounges
Awful horrid era
Dying promise lost
Family bonds hurt
For from earth
We trust one
Home a travel ling
Space time orbit
Planer travlers abused
Fascim
@JohnInDaHouse2015
Terry Hall RIP we love your legacy in music and your stories told. Blessings, to your fans and Condolences to Terry Hall family , fans and close friends .
@v.a.993
What?????????? OMG.
@JohnInDaHouse2015
yeah i have this album in a pristine state only played a few times in 1979
@JohnInDaHouse2015
@V. A. Terence Edward Hall (19 March 1959 – 18 December 2022) was a British musician and the lead singer of the Specials, and formerly of Fun Boy Thre
@DrawTheThinLine
I hear you brother….a big influence on generation X. Class of 84🕊🇬🇧
@lesleywarnock228
RIP Terry Hall
The voice of a disenchanted generation. We will miss you 😪
Thank you xx
@grosbec1698
In the 80's, I was poor, I was helpless, I had no girlfriend, I had a cheap car that would break down every now and then, but f..k I damn miss those days because music was great and friends were great