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
I Want to Go Home
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes, I want to go home
Lord oh, I want to go home
If you see my mother
Two sisters and brother, yeah
Tell them I want to come home
Is better off dyin', yeah
Lord, I want to come home
I want to go home
Yeah, I want to go home
Oh, I want to go home
I want to go home
Yes, I want to go home
Lord oh, I want to go home
This life I'm livin'
I'm better off dyin', yeah
Lord oh, I want to go home
I want to go home
Please, let me go home
Oh, I want to go home
Want to go home
Please, let me go home, yeah
The Specials’ “I Want To Go Home” is a song about longing for the comforts of home and family. The singer expresses a deep desire to return to his hometown and be with his mother, two sisters, and brother. He believes that the life he is living is not worth living and that he would be better off dead if he cannot go back home. The repetition of “I want to go home” in the chorus shows the importance of this desire to the singer.
The lyrics portray a deep sense of homesickness, which is a universal emotion that almost everyone has experienced at some point in their life. This song can be interpreted as a commentary on the difficulties of living away from home or as an anthem for those who are longing to return to their roots. The singer is expressing a sentiment that almost anyone can relate to.
Overall, “I Want To Go Home” is a powerful and emotive song that showcases The Specials’ ability to connect with their audience through deeply personal and relatable lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to go home
The singer has a strong desire to return to their place of origin
Yes, I want to go home
The singer reaffirms their longing to return home
Lord oh, I want to go home
The singer prays to a higher power for assistance in being able to return home
If you see my mother
The artist is reaching out to someone who may come in contact with their family
Two sisters and brother, yeah
The artist wants their message to be passed on to specific family members
Tell them I want to come home
The singer wants their family to know their strong desire to return home
This life I'm livin'
The singer is currently in a state of existence that is unfavorable to them
Is better off dyin', yeah
The artist would prefer death to their current situation
Lord, I want to come home
The artist seeks help from a higher power to aid in their ability to return home
Please, let me go home
The artist makes a plea for assistance in being able to return home
Want to go home
The singer restates their longing to go home
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.