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
Enjoy Yourself
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Hello, I'm Terry, and I'm going to enjoy myself first
It's good to be wise when you're young
'Cause you can only be young but the once
So glad and live life longer than you've ever done
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Never right, yes I know
Get wisdom, knowledge and understanding
These three, were given free by the maker
Go to school, learn the rules, don't be no faker
It's not wise for you to be a foot stool
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
The song "Enjoy Yourself" by The Specials is a timeless classic that implores the listener to live in the moment and appreciate life to the fullest. The lyrics suggest that life is short, and one should not waste it on frivolous endeavors but instead should take the time to enjoy and cherish every moment. The song opens with the line "Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think," which serves as a sort of warning to the listener: time flies, so make the most of it. The second line "Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink" reinforces this message, encouraging the listener to enjoy life while they are still young and full of energy.
In the second verse, the singer takes the mic and introduces himself, proclaiming that he is going to enjoy himself first. He advises the listener to be wise with their youth and to have lots of fun. The third verse is a bit more serious, as the singer suggests that one should seek knowledge and understanding to avoid being taken advantage of. They advise the listener to go to school, learn the rules, and not be a "faker" or "foot stool." The song ends with the chorus repeated twice, hammering home the idea that life should be enjoyed and appreciated.
Line by Line Meaning
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Take pleasure in life, because time passes faster than you realize and you might miss out.
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
Enjoy yourself while you're still young and healthy.
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Time flies by so fast, you might miss out on life's fun if you don't enjoy it while you can.
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
The song implores us to take life less seriously and find joy in the present moment.
Hello, I'm Terry, and I'm going to enjoy myself first
The song introduces Terry, who plans to take his own advice and enjoy life first.
It's good to be wise when you're young
Being wise can help you make better choices and set yourself up for a good life ahead.
'Cause you can only be young but the once
Youth is fleeting and it's important to take advantage of this time before it's gone.
Enjoy yourself and have lots of fun
This line is a repeat of the song's main theme and urges us to enjoy life while we can.
So glad and live life longer than you've ever done
Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment to ensure that you have no regrets and a long, happy life.
Never right, yes I know
The song suggests that no one is perfect and that we all make mistakes.
Get wisdom, knowledge and understanding
These qualities can help us make better choices and live our lives to the fullest.
These three, were given free by the maker
The song implies that these qualities are innate and within us all.
Go to school, learn the rules, don't be no faker
Education is important and we should strive to be ourselves, not fake or phony.
It's not wise for you to be a foot stool
Don't let others walk all over you; stand up for yourself and live life on your own terms.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave
Written by: GERMAINE WILLIAMS, TYRONE GREGORY FYFFE, WALTER MURPHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Leo6655321
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Hello, I'm Terry, and I'm going to enjoy myself first
It's good to be wise when you're young
'cause you can only be young but the once
Enjoy yourself and have lots of fun
So glad and live life longer than you've ever done
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Never right, yes I know
Get wisdom, knowledge and understanding
These three, were given free by the maker
Go to school, learn the rules, don't be no faker
It's not wise for you to be a foot stool
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink
The years go by, as quickly as you wink
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think
The Specials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
Mark Wade
These lyrics are so true. I'm 62 & had bowel cancer diagnosis this year. Had major surgery & now having chemo. Life is for living. Enjoy yourself because it IS later than you think. RIP Terry.
William Orange
Absolutely spot on my mate. Last year diagnosed with Cancer of the larynx. Had a full Laryngectomy and Radiotherapy. Stay Safe. Stay Strong. Enjoy Yourself. It's later than you think. Sleep Easy Terry.
Mick Martin
Hopefully, with modern health care and science, you will be cured
Best of luck
Barry Montgomery
I hope your chemo treatment went well and you have recovered from your serious bowel cancer. Stay healthy sir.
Mr White
All the best from up the road 🏴🇬🇧😎
David Hamilton
RIP Terry, you are a legend that vocalised everything that was and is wrong with toryism. Sad indictment on the UK that your music is still relevant today.
You did your part, your family and friends have my sympathy and can be rightly proud of you.
bigholty
I'm laid in bed 22 Dec , feeling like crap listening to this.. Tears in my eyes , I just can't believe Terry has gone. The specials were my childhood they were my adulthood , I've listened to them and my ska collection nearly everyday since 1979 when I was blown away by Gangsters.... been into 2 tone ever since.. It's a way of life.. Now a huge piece is missing.... Damn this cold making me sob
RIP Terry .. Thanks for the music its kept me on the straight n narrow..
slint69
I've been listening to this since I was 10.
Still one of the Greatest Tunes Ever...
Anthony De Los Santos
I took this song to heart after being diagnosed with cancer at age 30. 30 damn. Chemo worked and been enjoying myself since.
RIP Terry...