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
The Life and Times
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Staring down the barrel of a man with no real opinions
But with charm oozing from every pore
Just watch him glide across the floor
Does he turn left, will he turn right?
Checks himself in the mirror at least a thousand times a day
It's where truth collides with fiction
He stands before him, the last remaining Gin King of England
But looking like a million dollars (Wow)
The emperor has got new clothes
He stands accused of being socially inept
Some say rude, aloof, devoid of any real truth
He lives in a world of self-doubt, self-pity, self-loathing, self-harm
The voices inside his head are playing Chinese whispers
As all around him play hide-and-seek
But don't ask him to put a smile on that face or to cheer up
Don't tell him it might never happen, because you know what?
It probably already did
Maybe show him some understanding
Give him time, let him breathe, let him live, yeah
The emperor has got new clothes
Guess what?
The world ended yesterday
Today is just an action replay
And Hell is wherever Heaven is not
So here I stand, the well informed optimist
Who refuses to turn on, tune in, and drop out
I refuse to lose control
I refuse to let it wash all over me
I refuse to succumb to what your vision of happy should look like
Because it certainly doesn't look like you
And when the sign says stop, that's when I'll go
Like a clean, mean, medicated, fighting machine
Who's all dressed up and ready to disco
The emperor has got new clothes
"The Life and Times" by The Specials is a song lyrically dedicated to the exploration of the inner workings of a character who appears to be a narcissistic, self-centered individual who has found fame and fortune. The song is divided into two parts, with the first part describing the character's flamboyant nature, his insecurities, and the persona he presents to the world. The second part talks about the world he lives in and how it has ended, leaving behind a world of chaos and uncertainty. The song is also a commentary on society's obsession with image and status, and how it ultimately affects our mental well-being.
The opening lines of the song immediately set the tone for the character that the song is about. The singer describes it as "hate at first sight" when they first encountered the character, indicating that he is not someone who is easy to get along with. Despite this, the character exudes a certain charm and charisma that draws people towards him. He is described as someone who is constantly checking himself in the mirror and who is always preoccupied with his image. He is referred to as "the last remaining Gin King of England," which alludes to his wealth and status. However, underneath this persona lies a socially awkward, insecure individual who is plagued by self-doubt and self-loathing. The song ends on a positive note, encouraging people to be compassionate and understanding towards those who may be struggling with their mental health.
One notable aspect of the song is its use of irony and satire to make a point about the cult of personality and how it can affect our mental health. The character is presented as someone who enjoys the trappings of success but is ultimately unfulfilled and unhappy. The line "the world ended yesterday" is a metaphor for the character's internal struggle, which is made worse by the pressure to maintain his public image. The song's overall message is one of empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to look beyond appearances and to be more compassionate towards those who may be struggling.
Line by Line Meaning
The truth is it was hate at first sight
From the moment he saw the man, he felt an intense hatred for him.
Staring down the barrel of a man with no real opinions
Looking directly at a man who doesn't have strong beliefs or convictions.
But with charm oozing from every pore
However, this man has a very attractive and persuasive personality.
Just watch him glide across the floor
Observe how he moves with a smooth and effortless gracefulness.
Does he turn left, will he turn right?
Uncertainty about what direction he will take.
Checks himself in the mirror at least a thousand times a day
He looks at himself obsessively and constantly.
It's where truth collides with fiction
It is a place where what is real and what is imaginary come together in a way that is difficult to distinguish.
He stands before him, the last remaining Gin King of England
There is a man who is standing in front of him who is the last person who is still producing gin in England.
Fearless, ruthless, cheerless, clueless
This man is completely without fear, without mercy, without joy, and without knowledge.
But looking like a million dollars (Wow)
Even though he has these negative qualities, he appears to be very wealthy and successful.
The emperor has got new clothes
This phrase means that someone is pretending to be more than he really is, or that he is wearing a new outfit or playing a new role.
He stands accused of being socially inept
He is being blamed for lacking social skills and for not interacting well with others.
Some say rude, aloof, devoid of any real truth
Others describe his behavior as impolite, distant, and without any basis in fact.
He lives in a world of self-doubt, self-pity, self-loathing, self-harm
He exists in a mental state of doubting himself, feeling sorry for himself, hating himself, and hurting himself.
The voices inside his head are playing Chinese whispers
The internal dialogue of his mind is conflicting and confusing, like a game of telephone where the original message gets distorted.
As all around him play hide-and-seek
While everyone else is avoiding him or pretending not to notice him.
But don't ask him to put a smile on that face or to cheer up
Don't expect him to look happy or to change his mood just because you ask him to.
Don't tell him it might never happen, because you know what?
Don't say that something might never occur, because in reality, it probably already did.
Maybe show him some understanding
Perhaps, it would be better to demonstrate empathy for him.
Give him time, let him breathe, let him live, yeah
Allow him to have space and freedom to deal with his issues and emotions.
Guess what?
Asking a rhetorical question that implies something surprising is about to be said.
The world ended yesterday
An attention-grabbing statement that implies that something catastrophic has occurred.
Today is just an action replay
Today is a repeat or recap of what happened yesterday.
And Hell is wherever Heaven is not
An implication that wherever there is no paradise or joy, there is suffering and misery.
So here I stand, the well informed optimist
Presenting oneself as someone who is knowledgeable and positive.
Who refuses to turn on, tune in, and drop out
Choosing to not simply conform to societal norms or participate in drug culture.
I refuse to lose control
A declaration of one's unwillingness to surrender power or autonomy.
I refuse to let it wash all over me
Refusing to let negative things affect one's emotions too deeply.
I refuse to succumb to what your vision of happy should look like
Refusing to conform to someone else's idea of what happiness or success should be.
Because it certainly doesn't look like you
Rejecting the idea that someone else's vision of happiness would be suitable for oneself.
And when the sign says stop, that's when I'll go
Moving against the flow of traffic and doing something differently than what is expected by others.
Like a clean, mean, medicated, fighting machine
Referring to oneself as strong, focused, and unimpaired.
Who's all dressed up and ready to disco
Saying that one is well-prepared and dressed for a good time or for success in their next endeavor.
The emperor has got new clothes
A repetition of the phrase from earlier in the song, indicating that people are still pretending to be something they are not.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Horace Panter, Lynval Golding, Nikolaj Torp Larsen, Terry Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind