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
Gangsters
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why must you record my phone calls?
Are you planning a bootleg LP?
Said you've been threatened by gangsters
Now it's you that's threatening me
Can't fight corruption with con tricks
And I dread, dread to think what the future will bring
When we're living in gangster time
Don't call me scar face
Can't interrupt while I'm talking
Or they'll confiscate all your guitars
And Catch-22 says if I sing the truth
They won't make me an overnight star
Don't offer us legal protection
They use the law to commit crime
I dread to think what the future will bring
When we're living in real gangster time
Bernie Rhodes knows don't argue
The lyrics to The Specials' song Gangsters are a critique of the music industry and the corruption that exists within it. The song is directed towards music producers who exploit and take advantage of artists for their own financial gain. The line "Bernie Rhodes knows don't argue" is a reference to a music producer named Bernie Rhodes who was notorious for being difficult to work with and having a confrontational attitude towards artists.
The opening lines of the song, "Why must you record my phone calls? Are you planning a bootleg LP?" express the frustration of artists who are constantly being monitored and controlled by their producers. The mention of "gangsters" in the second verse refers to the corrupt individuals who use their power and influence to intimidate and threaten artists into complying with their demands.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that it is impossible to fight against corruption using dishonest tactics; "Can't fight corruption with con tricks, they use the law to commit crime." This line emphasizes the need for honesty, integrity and justice within the music industry. The song ends on a powerful note, "I dread to think what the future will bring when we're living in real gangster time," suggesting that if the current pattern of corruption continues, it will ultimately lead to dire consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Bernie Rhodes knows don't argue
Bernie Rhodes, the band's manager, is someone not to be questioned or argued with.
Why must you record my phone calls?
Why do you feel the need to invade my privacy and record my phone conversations?
Are you planning a bootleg LP?
Do you intend to make and sell unauthorized recordings of our music?
Said you've been threatened by gangsters
You claim that you've been threatened by underworld figures.
Now it's you that's threatening me
But now you're the one who is making threats toward me.
Can't fight corruption with con tricks
We can't combat corruption and criminal acts by resorting to deceitful practices ourselves.
They use the law to commit crime
In fact, those engaging in criminal behavior often abuse legal channels to carry out their misdeeds.
And I dread, dread to think what the future will bring
I'm deeply worried about the direction our society is headed, and the consequences of continued criminal activity and corruption.
When we're living in gangster time
It seems as though we're entering a period where organized crime and illicit activities will become increasingly prevalent.
Don't call me scar face
I don't appreciate being likened to the infamous gangster character Tony Montana from the film Scarface.
Can't interrupt while I'm talking
Please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking.
Or they'll confiscate all your guitars
The authorities may seize all of our musical instruments if we don't follow their rules and regulations.
And Catch-22 says if I sing the truth
I find myself in a paradoxical situation where, if I speak out and tell the truth, I may face backlash or punishment from those in power.
They won't make me an overnight star
I won't become an overnight sensation just by doing what the powers-that-be expect of me, but nor will I compromise my principles.
Don't offer us legal protection
We don't need your legal protection or assistance, as it too often goes hand-in-hand with criminal activity.
I dread to think what the future will bring
Again, I'm deeply concerned about what the future holds for us.
When we're living in real gangster time
I fear that we'll be facing extremely challenging times when organized crime and corrupt forces are in the ascendency.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jerry Dammers, John Bradbury, Lynval Golding, Neville Staples, Roderick Byers, Stephen Panter, Terry Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chenzenzo
Rest easy Terry! The specials changed my life.
I've been a mod since I was a little kid and this one hurts like hell.
Thank you for the glorious legacy of music you with us.
❤️❤️❤️❤️🕴🏿🕴🏻🕴🏾🕴🏻🕴🏽🕴️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@julieeales
So incredibly sad we've lost another specials legend ,Hope you meet up with Bradders up there ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@davidchilds1443
Well said. Terrible loss of a super talent 💔
@kimberleylucey9533
Yes this one is a real tough one
@Brighid45
Well said.
@toddmichaeljohnson7139
I feel your pain right now. The Specials had a huge influence on my teenage mind. ❤️
@ichwanrasyid8638
RIP Terry Hall. Very sad to hear this news tonight. You made the world a better place with your lyrics and tunes. Rest easy ❤️
@FFM0594
They weren't his lyrics or tunes, they were Jerry Dammers.
@kevinodell4129
@@FFM0594 a lot of the first album were cover versions
@susaninhacouto
I will adoro you