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
Running Away
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You only see the monkey not the man in me
But now I'm back, and that's a fact
Gonna show the next generation where I'm at
What I mean is to say
The way that I was is the same as I am today
Now if you're white, or if you're black
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
I was lost, but now I'm found
Some might even say that I've been around
With the crowd I would move
Mr. sophisticated just can't lose
Now in the style that I was dressed
I was the steady reason no-one could test
Yeah I was smart and I was cool
No matter how hard they tried I was no-ones fool
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
Did you hear what I say?
Now did you hear what I say?
When you look, what do you see?
You only see the monkey not the man in me
But now I'm back, and that's a fact
Gonna show the next generation where I'm at
What I mean is to say
The way that I was is the same as I am today
And if you're white, or if you're black
Remember you can't get the monkey off your back
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're running from the monkey man
The song "Running Away" by The Specials and Fun Boy Three delves into the theme of identity and how society often sees people from marginalized groups. The lyrics open with a question - "When you look, what do you see?" which is immediately followed by the statement, "You only see the monkey not the man in me." The monkey referred to here is a symbol for how society unfairly stereotypes and reduces individuals based on their race or ethnicity. With the line "But now I'm back, and that's a fact," the singer reveals an intention to reclaim their identity and showcase their true self to the world.
The next set of lyrics emphasizes that the singer has not changed, despite society's perceptions or expectations. They say, "What I mean is to say / The way that I was is the same as I am today." The lines "Now if you're white, or if you're black / Remember you can't get the monkey off your back" assert that regardless of one's race, the weight of societal stereotypes and expectations remains equally heavy. The chorus repeats twice, with the singer addressing someone who is running away from the "monkey man," indicating a desire to escape society's oppressive constructs.
In summary, "Running Away" is a powerful song that speaks to the experience of many individuals who feel reduced or judged unfairly by society based on their race or ethnicity. It encourages people not to be ashamed of their identity and suggests that the way to combat oppressive constructs is by embracing one's true self.
Line by Line Meaning
When you look, what do you see?
You only see my physical appearance, not my true identity
You only see the monkey not the man in me
You judge me based on my appearance and not my character
But now I'm back, and that's a fact
I'm back and ready to prove myself
Gonna show the next generation where I'm at
I'll lead by example and show them my worth
What I mean is to say
To clarify my point
The way that I was is the same as I am today
My true self hasn't changed, only my appearance
Now if you're white, or if you're black
No matter your race
Remember you can't get the monkey off your back
You can't escape your past actions
And now you're running and you're running and you're running away
You're trying to escape the consequences of your actions
You're running from the monkey man
You're avoiding your mistakes
I was lost, but now I'm found
I've rediscovered my true self
Some might even say that I've been around
I've experienced a lot in my life
With the crowd I would move
I used to conform to societal expectations
Mr. sophisticated just can't lose
I exuded confidence and charm
Now in the style that I was dressed
In the clothing that I wore
I was the steady reason no-one could test
I was unwavering and couldn't be challenged
Yeah I was smart and I was cool
I had a sharp intellect and was stylish
No matter how hard they tried I was no-ones fool
No one could deceive or manipulate me
Did you hear what I say?
Are you listening to me?
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ROBERT GABRIEL COOK, JACK COOK, NICK MILLS, GRAHAM SMITH, COLIN STRATON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind