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
Take It Easy
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No need to worry
Take it easy, take it easy , take it easy
No need to worry
No slippin', no slidin', no bumpin', no [Incomprehensible]
I ride into town
If you fall from the race, it's no disgrace
Take your time, take it easy, take your time
No need to worry
Take it easy, take it easy , take it easy
No need to worry
For the road is rough
And don't you, don't you, ever get stuck
But take your time, take it easy, take your time
No need to worry, yeah, no, no, no, no, no
Take it easy, take it easy , take it easy
No need to worry
Take your time, take your time, take your time
No need to worry
For the road is rough
And don't you, don't you, ever get stuck
Take your time, take it easy, take you time
No need to worry
(No matter worry yourself)
Take your time, take it easy, take your time
No need to worry
(No matter worry yourself)
Take your time, take it easy
No need to worry
(No matter worry yourself)
The lyrics of The Specials' song "Take It Easy" convey a message of encouragement and reassurance, urging the listener to slow down and not let the pressures of life overwhelm them. The repetition of "take your time" emphasizes the importance of patience and reminds us that there is no need to rush or fret. The phrase "no need to worry" further reinforces this sentiment, suggesting that instead of stressing about the obstacles and challenges we face, it is better to adopt a relaxed and composed mindset.
The verses of the song allude to the difficulties and uncertainties of life. The line "If you fall from the race, it's no disgrace, just pick yourself from off the ground" encourages resilience in the face of setbacks and emphasizes the value of perseverance. The lyrics acknowledge that the road may be rough, but they remind us not to get stuck or paralyzed by fear. Instead, the song advises us to take our time, to move forward at a steady pace, and to trust that everything will work out in due course.
Overall, "Take It Easy" is a reassuring anthem that reminds us to embrace a laid-back attitude, to trust in our own abilities, and to approach life's challenges with a calm and patient mindset.
Line by Line Meaning
Take your time, take your time, take your time
Don't rush, slow down, pace yourself
No need to worry
There's no reason to stress or be anxious
Take it easy, take it easy, take it easy
Relax, don't make things harder than they need to be
No slippin', no slidin', no bumpin', no [Incomprehensible]
Don't lose your grip, stay steady and avoid unnecessary obstacles
I ride into town
I face challenges with confidence and determination
If you fall from the race, it's no disgrace
If you stumble or fail, it's not a source of shame
Just pick yourself from off the ground
Get back up and keep going, don't let setbacks hold you back
For the road is rough
The journey ahead may be difficult or challenging
And don't you, don't you, ever get stuck
Don't allow yourself to become trapped or stagnant
No matter worry yourself
Don't be concerned or burdened by unnecessary worries
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Fintage House Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Taylor, Stephen Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind