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
Rude Boy's Out Of Jail
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rude boys outta jail!
Rude boys out on bail!
Rude boys outta jail!
They mess around in every town
But now they've learned the rules
They used to be rough,
But now they're keeping cool
They don't fight, they look just right
In their tonics and button downs
If you see them around,
Don't put them down
They're the coolest guys in town
Rude boys outta jail!
Rude boys outta jail!
Rude boys out on bail!
Rude boys outta jail!
They mess around in every town
But now they've learned the rules
They used to be rough,
They used to be tough
But now they're keeping their cool
The song Rude Boys Outta Jail was released by The Specials and Fun Boy Three in 1982. The song depicts the story of previously incarcerated young men - the 'rude boys' - who had once been violent and non-compliant but after being released from jail, they had learned to follow the rules and have become more composed and refined. The song commends these individuals for turning over a new leaf and adapting to society, despite the many difficulties they may have faced, and displays a sense of respect and admiration for them.
The lyrics highlight that the 'rude boys' used to be tough and violent, but now they have learned the rules and have become more sophisticated. They now dress well, avoiding the stereotypical rough and tough look that was once associated with them. The last two lines of the lyrics - 'If you see them around, Don't put them down, They're the coolest guys in town' - highlight that they are no longer to be feared and judged, but rather admired for their transformation. Their ability to change and be accepted in society makes them even more 'cool' and desirable than before.
Line by Line Meaning
Rude boys outta jail!
The rude boys have been released from jail
Rude boys out on bail!
The rude boys are now out of jail and awaiting trial
They mess around in every town
The rude boys caused trouble wherever they went
But now they've learned the rules
The rude boys have been taught how to behave and follow the law
They used to be rough,
The rude boys were previously violent and aggressive
They used to be tough
The rude boys were previously physically strong and intimidating
But now they're keeping cool
The rude boys are now calm and collected
They don't fight, they look just right
The rude boys no longer resort to violence and have adopted a more polished appearance
In their tonics and button downs
They wear smarter clothes such as suits and button-down shirts
If you see them around,
If you encounter them in public
Don't put them down
Don't belittle or insult them
They're the coolest guys in town
They are now the most fashionable and stylish men in the area
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lynval Golding, Neville Egunton Staples, Stephen Graham Panter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@YosefEl75
Travel well Terry 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
@gaiannunya8432
"...but now they're keepin' cool." thanks for sharing this vinyl gem!
@TheTibmeister
40 years since 2 Tone Records folks.
@harveysmith100
The influence lives on so strongly.
@StemfourMusic
cheers for posting...good to hear the original again
@Multi1628
A & B sides - love the Specials - thank you for posting this! Happy Mardi Gras!! ****DAVE♫♫♫♫DJ****
@grubblesnert
I like this one even more than the L.P. version..... Thank you for post!
@ebonykaleidoscope
A really joyous song.
@jorgerolandin
Best memories
@valery-magicofthephoenix5261
just love