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
King Of Kings
The Specials Lyrics
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Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
Take your time, beware, for he's right on top.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
Don't rush it, man, you will surely lose it
I am going to burn your skin like a blazing fire.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
Take your time, beware, for he's right on top.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
I want you to know who's the king of the ska.
The king of the ska is right here on top.
So take your time, take time for the king is back.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
Take your time, beware, for he's right on top.
The king is back, right here, and he's right on top.
Take your time, take time for the king is back.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
Take your time, beware, for he's right on top.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
I want you to know who's the king of the ska.
The king of the ska is right here on top.
So take your time, take time for the king is back.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
Take your time, beware, for he's right on top.
The king is back, right here, and he's right on top.
The lyrics to The Specials and Friends' "King of Ska" are an declaration of the return of the "King of Ska," urging listeners to take their time and not rush because the king is back and they don't want to miss a moment of it. The repetition of "take your time" emphasizes this message, while the warning to "beware" indicates that the king is a force to be reckoned with.
The lyrics also boast that the singer is the true king of ska, as indicated by the line, "I want you to know who's the king of the ska / The king of the ska is right here on top." This could be seen as a tribute to the late Prince Buster, who was widely regarded as the "King of Ska," but it also asserts the singer's own dominance in the genre.
The final repetition of "the king is back, right here, and he's right on top" drives home the message that the return of the king is a significant event that should not be missed. Overall, the song serves as a statement of confidence and pride in the singer's abilities and a call to enjoy the music of the "King of Ska."
Line by Line Meaning
Take your time, take time for the king is back,
Don't rush things, take your time to appreciate that the king of ska has returned.
Take your time, you've got to know that the king is back.
It's important to understand and recognize that the king of ska is back in action.
Take your time, beware, for he's right on top.
Watch out, because the king of ska is at his best and on top of his game.
Don't rush it, man, you will surely lose it
If you rush things, you'll definitely end up losing out.
I am going to burn your skin like a blazing fire.
I'm going to be so good that it will be like a fiery sensation.
I want you to know who's the king of the ska.
It's important that you know who's the supreme leader in this genre of music.
The king of the ska is right here on top.
The rightful ruler of ska music is currently at the top of his game and in complete control.
The king is back, right here, and he's right on top.
The king is back and as powerful as ever, ready to dominate and rule once again.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DERRICK MORGAN, KEITH FINCH, RICHARD DRURY, DRURY, FINCH, DERRICK SEYMOUR MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind