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
No Big Deal
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got to know when to talk, when to shout
You've got to know when to laugh, when to cry
You've got to know when to stay, when to fly
It's no big deal
To say how you feel
Talk about it
You've got to know what is real, what is fake
You've got to know when to give, when to take
It's no big deal
To say how you feel
Talk about it
Talk about it now
Won't you talk to me for ever?
Won't you make me understand?
Say it loud, don't hesitate
Just say your piece, communicate
When you're dead it's way to late
It's way to late
Talk about it
It's way to late
You've got to think for yourself, work it out
You've got to know when to talk, when to shout
You've got to know when to fight, when to run
If they can't solve it then you reload your gun
It's no big deal
To say how you feel
Talk about it
Talk about it now
Talk about it
Talk about it
Talk about it
Talk about it
The Specials's song, "No Big Deal," encourages people to speak their thoughts and feelings. The lyrics express the importance of being confident in your own feelings and beliefs, and expressing them honestly. The band reinforces the idea that people should embrace their individuality and take control of their lives by making decisions and contemplating their choices. The song advises people to differentiate between the real and the fake and encourages them to stand up for themselves.
The lyrics, "Talk about it. Talk about it now," convey a sense of urgency, encouraging people not to procrastinate on important matters, but to resolve conflicts and issues as soon as possible. The chorus repeats, "It's no big deal to say how you feel," emphasizing that being honest and open with oneself and others is not a big deal, but a crucial aspect of personal growth.
Overall, "No Big Deal" is a song that reminds people to think critically, assert themselves when necessary, and communicate their feelings honestly. It encourages individuals to speak up and fight for what they believe in, rather than bottling things up and letting things go unresolved.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got to think for yourself, work it out
It's essential to use your own judgment and put effort into figuring things out.
You've got to know when to talk, when to shout
You need to be able to gauge when it's appropriate to speak up assertively.
You've got to know when to laugh, when to cry
You should be able to discern times when happiness is appropriate and others when showing emotion is important.
You've got to know when to stay, when to fly
It's essential to make decisions regarding your situation and when it's necessary to leave it behind.
It's no big deal
It's not a difficult task
To say how you feel
To express your emotions honestly
Talk about it
Initiate a conversation with another person
Talk about it now
Immediately dive into the discussion at hand
You've got to know what is real, what is fake
It's essential to be able to distinguish what is genuine and what is not.
You've got to know when to give, when to take
You should be able to assess situations and figure out how you need to act in them.
Won't you talk to me for ever?
It would be appreciated if you could communicate with me continuously.
Won't you make me understand?
It would be appreciated if you could help me understand.
Say it loud, don't hesitate
Be assertive when communicating.
Just say your piece, communicate
Share your viewpoint with others and have discussions.
When you're dead it's way too late
If you don't take action now, it will be pointless when you're gone.
Talk about it
Start communicating
It's way too late
It's already too late to take action.
You've got to know when to fight, when to run
It's crucial to differentiate between when confrontation is justified and when it's best to avoid it.
If they can't solve it then you reload your gun
If no one else can solve an issue, then it's up to you to take action.
Talk about it
Initiate a conversation with another person.
Talk about it
It's necessary to start discussing things.
Talk about it
Communicate with someone.
Talk about it
Have a conversation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERRY, CANNELL, GOLDING, STEBBING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind