The Specials (also known as The Special AKA) is an English “2 Tone” ska rev… Read Full Bio ↴The Specials (also known as The Special AKA) is an English “2 Tone” ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a danceable ska beat with punk’s energy, underpinned by an informed political and social stance.

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.

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Rasta call you
The Specials Lyrics

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I cannot even find a place
I cannot even find a trace
Where I can call you
Where I can be with you
I cannot find that happiness
I cannot find my common-sense
So I can call you
So I can be with you

And I know that you are everywhere
But I just can't see you anywhere
And I know that you are everywhere
But I just can't see you anywhere

I cannot keep up with anything
Two separate lives I hold within
And if I want you
I've got to be so true
Better not waste it all away
Better find anything to say
Till I can call you
Till I can be with you

And I know that you are everywhere
But I just can't see you anywhere
And I know that you are everywhere
But I just can't see you anywhere

Alone is the place that I remember
Searching for your number

And I called you, my Heavenly Father
And I reached you... high

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Specials' song "Rasta call you" convey a sense of longing and searching for a connection with someone or something. The singer expresses their inability to find a place or trace of this presence they seek. They yearn to call this entity and be with them, but they feel a lack of happiness and common sense in their pursuit.

The lyrics also suggest that this presence is omnipresent, existing everywhere, yet the singer struggles to see it anywhere. They acknowledge the presence's existence but cannot perceive it in their own reality. This creates a sense of frustration and confusion.

The singer feels torn between two separate lives, unable to keep up with anything. They understand that if they want to connect with this presence, they must be true to themselves and not waste the opportunity. They strive to find something meaningful to say, eagerly awaiting the day they can finally call and be with the figure they seek.

The lines "Alone is the place that I remember, searching for your number, and I called you, my Heavenly Father, and I reached you... high" hint at the possibility that the singer may be searching for a spiritual connection. They remember being alone, desperately searching for a way to connect with a higher power. They called out to their Heavenly Father and felt they reached a higher state, perhaps through prayer or meditation.

Rasta call youThe Specials Lyrics

Rasta call you
The Specials Lyrics