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 Gone 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
Rude Boys Outta Jail by The Specials is a song that was included in the British band's album More Specials, which was released in 1980. The song speaks about the emergence of the rude boy movement in Jamaica and how it has spread to the United Kingdom. The lyrics highlight how these young men used to be aggressive and troublesome in the past, but they have learned to obey the rules and have become more composed.
The song's chorus is about the rude boys who have been released from jail or are out on bail. The lyrics encourage people not to judge them based on their past behavior, but to appreciate how they have changed for the better. The first verse of the song talks about how these young men used to be notorious in every town, but now they know how to behave. In the second verse, the lyrics describe how the rude boys have transformed from aggressive, tough men to well-dressed individuals who exude coolness.
Rude Boys Outta Jail is a song that showcases The Specials' admiration for the rude boy movement. The lyrics emphasize how these young men have evolved their fashion style and behavior, turning into symbols of coolness in their communities. The song's upbeat ska rhythm adds to its positive message of transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
Rude boys outta jail!
The group of troublemakers who had been imprisoned are now released
They mess around in every town
They used to cause disturbances wherever they went
But now they've learned the rules
They understand the consequences of their actions and are now following the laws
They used to be rough,
Their behavior was volatile and aggressive in the past
They used to be tough
They were fearless and unafraid to stand up for themselves or their beliefs
But now they're keeping cool
However, they have since adopted a more laid-back and nonchalant attitude
They don't fight, they look just right
They no longer resort to violence as a means of expressing themselves, and have even adopted a more polished appearance
In their tonics and button downs
They now dress in more formal clothing
If you see them around,
If you happen to encounter them
Don't put them down
Do not underestimate or criticize them
They're the coolest guys in town
These individuals are now seen as the most stylish and fashionable people in their community
Rude boys outta jail!
Repeat of the fact that these previously incarcerated individuals are now free
Rude boys out on bail!
They are now out on bond as they await their trial or completion of their sentence
Rude boys outta jail!
A final repetition of their release
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lynval Golding, Neville Egunton Staples, Stephen Graham Panter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind