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
Nite Klub
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What am I doing here?
Watching the girls go by, spending money on
Sleep all day
It's the only way
I'm a parasite
I creep about at night
(Nite klub) is this the in place to be?
(Nite klub) what am I doing here?
(Nite klub) watching the girls go by, spending money on
Hey, hey, I don't work
'Cause I don't have to
I don't have to work
There's no, no work to do
(Nite klub) I'm a member of the nite klub, oh, oh
(Nite klub) a fully paid-up member of the nite klub
I won't dance in a club like this
All the girls are slags
And the beer tastes just like piss
I'm a parasite (nite klub)
I creep about at night (nite klub)
Yes, I'm a member of the Nite Klub
A fully paid-up member of the Nite Klub
(Nite klub) is this the in place to be?
(Nite klub) what am I doing here?
(Nite klub) watching the girls go by, spending money on beer
The Specials' "Nite Klub" is a song that reflects the attitudes and behaviors of young people who in the 1970s eschewed the traditional 9-to-5 workday in search of a more carefree existence. The central figure in the song is a self-proclaimed "parasite" who has little interest in working a regular job and instead spends his nights attending the titular night club. He watches the girls go by, spending money on beer, and generally behaves in a way that could be described as hedonistic. The singer is a member of the Nite Klub, having fully paid his dues to the club that represents his way of life.
The lyrics of the song are filled with cynicism and a strong sense of alienation from the rest of society. The singer doesn't see himself as belonging to the mainstream culture of working adults, but instead identifies with a subculture of young people who prioritize pleasure and leisure over career advancement. The song is a reflection of the growing apathy and disillusionment that many young people felt during the 1970s, when economic instability and political unrest made it difficult for many to envision a prosperous future.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this the in place to be?
Questioning the appeal of the current location.
What am I doing here?
Expressing confusion about being in this place.
Watching the girls go by, spending money on
Indicating that the singer is at the location to observe the opposite sex and spending their money there.
Sleep all day
Describing the artist's laziness and tendency to rest during the day.
It's the only way
Asserting that sleeping during the day is the only option for the artist.
I'm a parasite
Describing the singer as someone who feeds off others without contributing.
I creep about at night
Detailing the singer's nocturnal habits.
(Nite klub) is this the in place to be?
Repeating the initial question to emphasize its importance within the context of the song.
(Nite klub) what am I doing here?
Reiterating the confusion about the current location.
(Nite klub) watching the girls go by, spending money on
Continuing the idea that the artist is at the location to observe the opposite sex and spend money there.
Hey, hey, I don't work
Stating that the singer does not have a job.
'Cause I don't have to
Asserting that there is no obligation to work.
There's no, no work to do
Claiming that there are no opportunities for work.
(Nite klub) I'm a member of the nite klub, oh, oh
Celebrating the singer's membership to the titular club.
(Nite klub) a fully paid-up member of the nite klub
Repeating and emphasizing the singer's membership in the club.
I won't dance in a club like this
Refusing to participate in the dancing that occurs at the club.
All the girls are slags
Insulting the female patrons of the club.
And the beer tastes just like piss
Equating the taste of the beer to urine.
(Nite klub) is this the in place to be?
Repeating the question again to emphasize the unsatisfactory nature of the location.
(Nite klub) what am I doing here?
Reiterating the confusion about being at the club.
(Nite klub) watching the girls go by, spending money on beer
Ending the song on a repetition of the initial idea that the artist is at the club to observe women and spend money on alcohol.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jerry Dammers, John Edward Bradbury, Lynval Golding, Neville Egunton Staples, Roderick James Byers, Stephen Graham Panter, Terry Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kevin O'Sullivan
Lost this Album on a mad one in Drogadah.. Cheers gyppo.. Hope you and the Scammers still there?
The Specials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen