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
Dawning Of A New Era
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is the dawning of a new era
I met a girl from area three
She told me that she worked in a chicken factory
This is the dawning of a new era
By two o'clock we were Brahms & Liszt
Had to walk her home through area six
Sticks and stones may break my bones
In area six they throw bottles and bricks and kicks
This is the dawning of a new era
I climbed the stairs to the fourteenth floor
The key won't fit the door
This is the dawning of a new era
She said she had a beautiful flat
We had to sleep on the mat
This is the dawning of a new era
Woke up and thought "This ain't exactly heaven"
Oh shit, this is area seven
This is the dawning of a new era
This is the dawning of a new era
This is the dawning of a new era
This is so boring, it's a new era
The song "Dawning of a New Era" by The Specials is a reflection on the changing times in England. The lyrics portray the confusion and uncertainty associated with this new era. The singer meets a girl from a different area code who works in a chicken factory, highlighting the mixing of classes and opportunities that are now available. However, when they walk home, they encounter danger in area six, exemplifying the danger and chaos that still exist in some areas despite progress being made.
As they reach the girl's flat, they find it is not what was expected. They have to sleep on the mat, highlighting the difficulties and struggles that still exist for many people despite the progress being made. The final realization that they are in area seven, which is not a desirable location, solidifies the idea that while there may be progress, it is not uniform and that there is still much work to do.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the dawning of a new era
It's the beginning of a different and fresh time
This is the dawning of a new era
It's the start of a new time period
I met a girl from area three
I encountered a woman from the third neighborhood
She told me that she worked in a chicken factory
She said she had a job in a place that processes chickens
By two o'clock we were Brahms & Liszt
We were very drunk by 2 am
Had to walk her home through area six
I had to accompany her through the sixth neighborhood
Sticks and stones may break my bones
Physical objects can harm me
In area six they throw bottles and bricks and kicks
People in the sixth neighborhood throw objects, including kicks
I climbed the stairs to the fourteenth floor
I ascended the stairs to the 14th level of a building
The key won't fit the door
The key I have doesn't open the door
She said she had a beautiful flat
She indicated that she had a lovely apartment
We had to sleep on the mat
We had to sleep on the floor covering
Woke up and thought "This ain't exactly heaven"
I awakened and realized that the situation wasn't ideal
Oh shit, this is area seven
I exclaimed that we were in the seventh neighborhood
This is so boring, it's a new era
This is incredibly tedious; it's a distinct time period
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JERRY DAMMERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thespecials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
@johnbentley8259
RIP Terry x
@lhunt480
The year my son was born so I have even more reasons to enjoy the Specials! 😁
@harryhopkins8851
"dawning of a new era"you,they weren't kidding,god bless Mr dammers.
@angelpatton3851
Happy New Year 2022 everybody!!! It's the dawning of a NEW ERA 💃🕺💃🕺💃😎❤️
@buzby303
Special were definitely Special 👍🏻
@FoolishFlock
love that fuckin' bassline!!!!!..... <3
@terencemanceau1365
SKA IS NOT DEAD !!
@peterfenwick2540
Fantastic!!
@tompanoname3579
Love this new uploads!