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
Jezebel
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If ever a devil was born
Without a pair of horns
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If ever an angel fell
Jezebel, it was you
If ever a pair of eyes
Promised me paradise
Deceiving me, grieving me
Leaving me blue
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If ever a devil's plan
Was made to torment man
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
Could be better had I never known
A lover such as you
Forsaking dreams and all
For the siren call of your arms
Like a demon, love possessed me
You upset me constantly
What evil star is mine
That my fate's design should be
If ever a pair of eyes
Promised me paradise
Deceiving, believing, believing you
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If ever a devil was born
Without a pair of horns
It was you, night and day, every way
Jezebel, Jezebel, Jezebel
The song "Jezebel" by The Specials is a song about a woman named Jezebel who is depicted both as an angel and a devil. The song's lyrics suggest that Jezebel's beauty and charm have a hypnotic and seductive power over men, leading them astray and causing them to forsake their dreams and desires. The lyrics describe the singer's feelings of betrayal and deception as they fall victim to Jezebel's charms, comparing their relationship to one between a devil and a tormented man. The chorus repeatedly declares, "It was you, Jezebel, it was you," emphasizing the power and responsibility that the titular character holds in the song's narrative.
The lyrics use a lot of biblical imagery, referencing both angels and devils in context of the character of Jezebel. This association with biblical concepts serves to further emphasize the idea that Jezebel is a powerful and influential figure in the song's story. The use of the name Jezebel itself has a history in mythology and literature as a symbol of promiscuity and seduction. Overall, the song is a cautionary tale of the dangers of falling under the spell of someone with a wicked nature, represented by the character of Jezebel.
Line by Line Meaning
If ever a devil was born
Without a pair of horns
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If someone without the distinguishing feature of horns can be called a devil, it would be you, Jezebel, because you are wicked and deceitful.
If ever an angel fell
Jezebel, it was you
Jezebel, it was you
If an angel who was once good turned bad, it would be you, Jezebel, because you are manipulative and bring destruction to those who love you.
If ever a pair of eyes
Promised me paradise
Deceiving me, grieving me
Leaving me blue
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If ever someone's eyes made false promises of happiness and caused me pain, it was yours, Jezebel, as you have lied to me and caused me distress.
If ever a devil's plan
Was made to torment man
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If ever a plan was made by the devil to hurt people, it would be you, Jezebel, because you enjoy causing pain and misery to those around you.
Could be better had I never known
A lover such as you
Forsaking dreams and all
For the siren call of your arms
Life would have been better if I had never met you, my love, because I gave up everything for you and now realize the harm you bring.
Like a demon, love possessed me
You upset me constantly
What evil star is mine
That my fate's design should be
Love for you has possessed me like a demon and you constantly agitate me, making me feel cursed and wondering what I did to deserve this.
If ever a pair of eyes
Promised me paradise
Deceiving, believing, believing you
It was you, Jezebel, it was you
If ever someone's eyes made false promises of happiness and caused me to believe them, it was yours, Jezebel, as you have lied to me and caused me to trust in vain.
If ever a devil was born
Without a pair of horns
It was you, night and day, every way
Jezebel, Jezebel, Jezebel
You, Jezebel, are like a devil without horns and your presence and deception permeate every aspect of my life day and night.
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.