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
Doesn't Make It Alright
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It doesn't mean that you're no good
Just because there's a reason
It doesn't mean it's understood
It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
Some people think they're really clever
To smash your head against the wall
Then they say "You got it my way"
They really think they know it all
It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright
Just because you're a black boy
Just because you're a white
It doesn't mean you've got to hate him
It doesn't mean you've got to fight
It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright
Just because you're nobody
The lyrics to The Specials' song "Doesn't Make It Alright" critique the prevalent idea in society that just because someone is lower on the social ladder or society's hierarchy, they are lesser human beings. The song fights back against this belief and puts forth the idea that just because someone is nobody, it does not mean they are no good. The first line of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, arguing that humanity should not be categorized and judged based on social status.
The song's chorus, "It doesn't make it alright," is a powerful statement that highlights the idea that just because there is a reason for something, it is not necessarily justified. The second verse of the song points out the ignorance of people who think they are clever because they can exert power over others. The lyrics point out that these people often use the excuse that the person they are hurting had it coming or asked for it. However, the song argues that this excuse is the worst one in the world and does not justify the wrong that has been done.
The final verse of the song takes on the issue of race and the divisions that society often creates. The lyrics argue that just because someone is a different race or ethnic background does not provide a reason for hatred or fighting. In fact, the song suggests that these differences should be celebrated rather than used as reasons for discrimination or violence. Overall, the song is a powerful critique of societal attitudes that seek to oppress and divide people based on arbitrary categories.
Line by Line Meaning
Just because you're nobody
Just because you feel worthless or unimportant to others, it doesn't mean you don't have value as an individual.
It doesn't mean that you're no good
One's worth is not determined by other people's perceptions or treatment of them.
Just because there's a reason
There might be an explanation or justification for something, but it doesn't automatically make it acceptable or right.
It doesn't mean it's understood
Understanding and acceptance are two separate things; just because something is explained doesn't mean everyone will agree with or condone it.
It doesn't make it alright
Regardless of the reasons behind certain actions or behaviors, they can still be harmful, unjust, or morally wrong.
It's the worst excuse in the world
Using justification to excuse wrongful behavior or attitudes is the weakest, most flawed argument one can make.
And it, it doesn't make it alright
Reiterating the fact that offering an explanation does not absolve someone or something of its negative impact or consequences.
Some people think they're really clever
Some individuals believe they are intelligent or witty for exerting power, control, or aggression over others.
To smash your head against the wall
To use physical, verbal, or emotional abuse to hurt or dominate another person.
Then they say 'You got it my way'
After harming someone, the perpetrator may try to convince the victim that they deserved it or that the abuser had the right to act that way.
They really think they know it all
Aggressors often have a superiority complex, where they believe they are always correct or justified in their actions.
Just because you're a black boy
Racism and prejudice exist, but that does not give anyone the right to discriminate or oppress someone based on their skin color.
Just because you're a white
White individuals do not have inherent superiority or the right to privilege in society, nor should they feel entitled to discriminate against others.
It doesn't mean you've got to hate him
One's race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other identity markers should not dictate one's personal feelings or attitudes toward others.
It doesn't mean you've got to fight
People from different backgrounds or with different beliefs can coexist peacefully and respectfully, without resorting to violence or hatred.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Goldberg, Jerry Dammers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DESPICABLE PERSON
Just because you're nobody
It doesn't mean that you're no good
Just because there's a reason
It doesn't mean it's understood
It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright
Some people think they're really clever
To smash your head against the wall
Then they say "you got it my way"
They really think they know it all
It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright
Just because you're a black boy
Just because you're a white
It doesn't mean you've got to hate him
It doesn't mean you've got to fight
It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright
Just because you're nobody
Gerard
i love you too, i do.
and somehow ...
typing it all
you fellt it all
it heals for a while
wanna write a new song?
one that makes it . . . alright ...
there's only somuch negative without something positive
peace bro
The Specials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
Kay Van Cooten
My favourite song by The Specials.
RIP Terry Hall.🕯💔🕊
Thank you for your contribution to the music of my era
fkore kore
My favourite one too, this one is truly special
'Just because you're nobody
it doesn't mean that you are no good'
that big phrase with his phrasing is a powerful and tender love message itself, like a gospel kind of "you are not alone". Also the mood and the melodies.. a perfect song, a present to the history of humanity . RIP Terry. Peace to everybody 🖖
Kay Van Cooten
Well expressed. 👍🏽❤️🎶
Darren Macey
'Enjoy yourself it's later than you think', RIP Terry Hall, a true working-class hero.
al clarkey
I remember saving up my pocket money to buy this album. I still love it. Just listened to it again, for the first time in years after clicking this link. Thanks.
Andy Carroll
In tears listening this morning. Rip Terry and thanks for the message and the memories
mpeer3
This album is my life-long favorite, every song of it!!
Meg Peace
Rest easy Terry 🖤 you may be gone but you’ll be opening the minds and hearts of people forever with these amazing tunes you left behind.
Tim Talbot
Whilst the music goes on so does terry