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
Nelson Mandela
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Free, free, free, free, free Nelson Mandela
Free Nelson Mandela
21 years in captivity
Shoes too small to fit his feet
His body abused but his mind is still free
Are you so blind that you cannot see? I saidâ?¦
Free Nelson Mandela
Visited the causes at the AMC
Only one man in a large army
Are you so blind that you cannot see?
Are you so deaf that you cannot hear his plea?
Free Nelson Mandela, I'm begging you
Free Nelson Mandela
21 tears in captivity
Are you so blind that you cannot see?
Are you so deaf that you cannot hear?
Are you so dumb that you cannot speak? I saidâ?¦
Free Nelson Mandela, I'm begging you
Free Nelson Mandela
Free Nelson Mandela, begging you, begging you please
Free Nelson Mandela, you got to, you got to, you got to free, you got to free, you got to free
Free Nelson Mandela
Free Nelson Mandela
Free
Free (I'm telling you, telling you, telling you)
Free (You've got to free, yeah, you've got to free)
Free (Yeah, you've got to free, yeah, you've got to free)
Free (Nelson Mandela)
Free
Free (I'm telling you, telling you, telling you)
Free (Free, yeah, you've got to free him now)
Free (You've got to free him now, you've got to free him)
Free (I'm telling you, telling you, telling you)
Free (You've got to free, yeah, yeah)
Free (You've got to free, yeah, yeah)
Free (I'm telling you, telling you, telling you)
Free (Begging you, begging you please)
Free (I'm telling you, you've got to free, yeah
Free (you've got to free)
The Specials' "Nelson Mandela" is a powerful protest song, demanding the release of the South African anti-apartheid activist and revolutionary who was imprisoned for 27 years. The song begins with the repeated call, "Free Nelson Mandela," which is joined by a chorus chanting, "Free, free, free, free, free Nelson Mandela." The first verse states that Mandela has been in captivity for 21 years and that his shoes are too small, indicating the inhumane and degrading treatment he has been subjected to. Despite this, the song asserts that his mind is still free, underscoring Mandela's unbroken spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Free Nelson Mandela
The song's main message, advocating for the freedom of Mandela from his captivity.
Free, free, free, free, free Nelson Mandela
Emphasizing the urgency of freeing Mandela, who has been imprisoned for too long.
21 years in captivity
Highlighting the unjust length of Mandela's imprisonment.
Shoes too small to fit his feet
Describing the poor conditions Mandela has to live in, including footwear that doesn't fit him.
His body abused but his mind is still free
Despite the physical and emotional abuse he has endured, Mandela's mind remains strong and determined.
Are you so blind that you cannot see? I saidâ?¦
Challenging the listener's awareness of Mandela's situation and the need for his release.
Visited the causes at the AMC
Reference to the American Museum of Natural History's exhibit about apartheid.
Only one man in a large army
Acknowledging Mandela's bravery at the forefront of the anti-apartheid movement.
Are you so deaf that you cannot hear his plea?
Implying the listener's lack of response to Mandela's calls for freedom.
21 tears in captivity
A play on words to emphasize the sadness and injustice of Mandela's long imprisonment.
Are you so dumb that you cannot speak? I saidâ?¦
Questioning why there is not more conversation and action around Mandela's situation.
Free Nelson Mandela, I'm begging you
Pleading for Mandela's release from prison.
Free Nelson Mandela, begging you, begging you please
Repeating the plea for his freedom, emphasizing the importance of the cause.
Free Nelson Mandela, you got to, you got to, you got to free, you got to free, you got to free
Using repetition to reinforce the need for Mandela's release.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JERRY DAMMERS, R DAKAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind