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
Leave It Out
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's always someone ready to start a fight
What did I do? What did I say?
And did I look at you, the wrong way?
I don't know what's going on
But instead of having fun, you're gonna spoil the night
And don't you tell me it's all good
Leave it leave it leave it out
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
Leave it leave it leave it out
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
Stinking breath, and blood on your hands
Another guilty feeling comes as you wake up
What did you do? What did you say?
And would you act the same the next day?
So don't you tell me that you're sorry
And don't you tell me it's all good
Leave it leave it leave it out
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
Leave it leave it leave it out
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
It ain't safe to go out tonight
There's always someone ready to start a fight
What did I do? What did I say?
And did I look at you, the wrong way?
So don't you tell me that you're sorry
And don't you tell me it's all good
Leave it leave it leave it out
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
Leave it leave it leave it out
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
Leave it leave it leave it out
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
Leave it leave it leave it out
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
The Specials released the song "Leave It Out" in 1981 as a b-side to their single "Ghost Town." The song warns against violence and aggression, highlighting the dangers of getting into fights and the negative consequences that come with it. Throughout the song, the lyrics address the constant threat of violence that exists in society, and the negative impact it can have on an individual's night out.
The opening lines of the song suggest that going out at night can be dangerous and that there is always someone ready to start a fight. The singer is confused, wondering what they could have done wrong to provoke an attack. The chorus repeats the phrase "Leave it out" several times, emphasizing that violence has no place in society and should be avoided at all costs.
The second verse continues to emphasize the negative consequences of violence, with the lyrics describing the guilt and shame that come with causing harm to others. The singer questions whether the person who caused the violence would act the same way if faced with the same situation in the future. The final repetition of the chorus drives home the message that violence should be avoided and not glorified.
Overall, "Leave It Out" is a powerful message against violence and aggression in society. The song highlights the negative impact that violence can have on individuals and communities, and encourages listeners to avoid confrontations and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Line by Line Meaning
It ain't safe to walk out tonight
The world is a dangerous place and it's not advisable to leave your home at night.
There's always someone ready to start a fight
People are always looking for trouble and are prepared to fight at the slightest provocation.
What did I do? What did I say?
The singer is unsure of what they did wrong to provoke someone to start a fight with them.
And did I look at you, the wrong way?
The singer is considering if they made a mistake by looking at someone in a way that could have been perceived as rude or offensive.
I don't know what's going on
The singer is confused and doesn't understand why there is so much hostility and violence around them.
But instead of having fun, you're gonna spoil the night
The singer is lamenting how violence ruins what would have been a fun night out.
So don't you tell me that you're sorry
The singer is not interested in apologies from the person who started the fight.
And don't you tell me it's all good
The singer does not believe that everything is okay, despite the perpetrator's attempts to make amends.
Leave it leave it leave it out
The singer urges the perpetrator and anyone else looking to start trouble to leave the situation and not engage in violence.
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
The singer implies that anyone who comes looking for trouble will inevitably face repercussions or negative consequences.
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
The singer questions why people feel the need to act tough or aggressive because they are part of a group, implying that this behavior is cowardly.
Stinking breath, and blood on your hands
The singer describes the perpetrator as having bad breath and blood on their hands, suggesting they are disgusting and violent.
Another guilty feeling comes as you wake up
The perpetrator is likely to feel guilty and regretful when they wake up the next day after their violent behavior.
And would you act the same the next day?
The singer questions if the perpetrator would engage in the same violent behavior again if given the chance.
It ain't safe to go out tonight
The world is a dangerous place at all times, day or night.
So don't you tell me that you're sorry
The singer reiterates that apologies from the perpetrator are meaningless and not accepted.
And don't you tell me it's all good
The singer does not believe that everything is okay and that the violence can be easily brushed off.
Leave it leave it leave it out
The singer once again urges anyone looking for trouble to leave the situation and not engage in violence.
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
The singer repeats the warning that anyone looking for trouble will inevitably face negative consequences.
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
The singer reiterates their previous criticism of people who only act aggressively because they are part of a group.
Leave it leave it leave it out
The singer's final admonition to avoid violence and leave the situation.
If you're coming in for trouble then you know you're going out
The final warning that troublemakers will face negative consequences.
What's the point of acting big just because there's a crowd
The final question, asking why people feel the need to act aggressively because they are part of a group.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBERT LLOYD, PETER BYRCHMORE, HOWARD JENNER, MARIA SMITH, RON COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind