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.

www.thespecials.com

Rude Boys Outa Jail
The Specials Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Rude boy's outta jail
Rude boy's outta jail
Rude boy's out on bail
Rude boy's 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 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 boy's outta jail
Rude boy's outta jail
Rude boy's out on bail
Rude boy's 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

Overall Meaning

The Specials' song "Rude Boys Outa Jail" tells the story of a group of previously rough and tough young men, commonly referred to as "rude boys", who have recently been released from jail. The lyrics describe how, despite their troubled past and reputation, they have learned to follow the rules and are now keeping cool. The song celebrates their newfound sense of composure and style, noting how they dress in tonics and button downs and look just right. The song encourages others to recognize and appreciate the transformation of these once-troubled youth, noting that they are now the coolest guys in town.

The song is representative of the ska and two-tone music scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which were heavily influenced by Jamaican music and culture. The "rude boy" subculture emerged in Jamaica in the 1960s, where young men would dress in sharp, stylish clothing and engage in activities such as dancing, partying, and street fighting. However, the term "rude boy" later developed negative connotations due to involvement in criminal activity.

Overall, the song portrays the transformation of young men who have overcome their troubled pasts and have learned to live by the rules. The lyrics encourage others to acknowledge their positive changes and recognize that they are no longer the rough and tough individuals they once were.

Line by Line Meaning

Rude boy's outta jail
A former troublemaker who was once incarcerated is now free from jail.

Rude boy's out on bail
The individual was temporarily released from prison while their case is ongoing.

They mess around in every town
These individuals caused mischief in various locations.

But now they've learned the rules
The former troublemakers have gained understanding of proper behavior and are complying with expected standards.

They used to be rough, they used to be tough
Prior to their incarceration, these individuals were violent and unruly.

But now they're keeping cool
They are now composed and level-headed, avoiding trouble or danger.

They don't fight, they look just right
They no longer resort to physical altercations and have adopted a more polished appearance.

In their tonics and button downs
They wear tasteful clothing that reflects their newfound sense of decorum.

If you see them around, don't put them down
Don't judge these individuals based on their past, as they have made positive changes.

They're the coolest guys in town
These individuals are now considered trendy and popular despite their past history.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lynval Golding, Neville Egunton Staples, Stephen Graham Panter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind