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
Do The Dog
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
National Front and Natty dreads
Mods, rockers, hippies and skinheads
Keep on fighting 'till you're dead
Who am I to say?
Who am I to say?
Am I just a hypocrite, another piece of your bullshit?
The hand of the man that feeds it?
Do the dog (do the dog)
Do the dog (not the donkey)
Do the dog (don't be a jerk)
Do the dog (watch who you work for)
Do the-do the-do the-do the dog
Everybody's doing the dog
Take your F.A. aggravation
Fight it out on New Street Station
Master-racial masturbation
Causes National Front frustration
Who am I to say?
To the IRA
To the UDA
Soldier boy from the UK
Am I just a hypocrite, another piece of your bullshit
Am I the dog that bit
The hand of the man that feeds it?
Do the dog (do the dog)
Do the dog (not the donkey)
Do the dog (don't be a jerk)
Do the dog (watch who you work for)
Do the-do the-do the-do the dog
Do the-do the-do the-do the dog
Do the-do the-do the-do the dog
Everybody's doing the dog
The lyrics of The Specials's song 'Do the Dog' carry a strong message against violence and racism, urging people from all walks of life to keep fighting against their oppressors, but also questioning their own role and responsibility in society. The song starts with a list of different groups of people who are often at odds with each other - punks, teds, National Front, Natty dreads, mods, rockers, hippies and skinheads. Despite their differences, the song encourages them to unite and keep fighting for their rights, until they meet their demise ('keep on fighting 'till you're dead'). However, the following lines suggest that this call for rebellion might be futile or misguided ('Who am I to say? Am I just a hypocrite, another piece of your bullshit?'), and that in fact, the oppressed might be unknowingly serving their oppressors ('Am I the dog that bit the hand of the man that feeds it?').
The second verse takes a more specific aim at the issue of racism, particularly in the UK context of the 1970s, when the song was written. The lyrics mock the white supremacist group National Front ('Master-racial masturbation/Causes National Front frustration') and suggest that their ideology is nothing but an excuse for violence ('Take your F.A. aggravation/Fight it out on New Street Station'). The singer also addresses the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), two paramilitary groups that were active during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The final lines of the song reiterate the chorus, reminding listeners to 'do the dog', a dance step that became associated with the ska music scene of the time.
Overall, 'Do the Dog' is a song that uses a catchy tune and upbeat rhythm to convey a serious message about social justice and personal integrity. While it is unclear whether the song is advocating for direct action or simply questioning the status quo, its playful tone and clever wordplay make it a memorable addition to The Specials's discography.
Line by Line Meaning
All you punks and all you teds
The song is calling out various groups of people, including punks and teds.
National Front and Natty dreads
The song also mentions the National Front and Natty dreads, both of which have extreme beliefs.
Mods, rockers, hippies and skinheads
The song continues to list out groups of people, including mods, rockers, hippies, and skinheads.
Keep on fighting 'till you're dead
The song tells these groups of people to keep fighting for their beliefs, even if it means risking their lives.
Who am I to say?
The singer questions their authority to speak on these matters.
Am I just a hypocrite, another piece of your bullshit?
The singer questions whether they are a hypocrite and simply part of the system that's causing problems.
Am I the dog that bit
The singer questions whether they are the one causing harm.
The hand of the man that feeds it?
The singer questions whether they are doing the dirty work for someone else.
Do the dog (do the dog)
The song repeats the chorus, telling people to 'do the dog.'
Do the dog (not the donkey)
The singer tells people to 'do the dog' instead of following blindly like a donkey.
Do the dog (don't be a jerk)
The singer tells people to 'do the dog' without being a jerk about it.
Do the dog (watch who you work for)
The singer advises people to 'do the dog' while being careful about whose interests they are serving.
Do the-do the-do the-do the dog
The chorus repeats multiple times, encouraging people to 'do the dog.'
Take your F.A. aggravation
The song calls out the Football Association for causing problems.
Fight it out on New Street Station
The song suggests that people should take their grievances to a public place.
Master-racial masturbation
The song criticizes people who indulge in masterracialism.
Causes National Front frustration
The song implies that the National Front is frustrated by people who refuse to follow their beliefs.
To the IRA
The singer questions whether they have the authority to speak to the Irish Republican Army.
To the UDA
The singer questions whether they have the authority to speak to the Ulster Defence Association.
Soldier boy from the UK
The song addresses someone who is likely a young soldier from the United Kingdom.
Do the-do the-do the-do the dog
The chorus repeats again, encouraging people to 'do the dog.'
Everybody's doing the dog
The song continues to encourage everyone to 'do the dog.'
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Rufus Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Specials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
mikael garletti
Do the Dog)
mvrick1
So punk!