Version
The Specials Lyrics

@tomstrawbridge6319

ah I see I have found a man of culture

@psypnkdosr

Well put sir!

@purplemonkey6178

This track never ages.... it's as brilliant today as it was 40 years ago. One of the greatest songs ever to come out of this country. RIP Terry Hall

@Zootsuit1

Just like today, nothing left, people have lost themselves,now it's plastic barbies and Kens and everyones the same , no identity with them, just plain Jane's and twee

@mrmister769

​@@Zootsuit1 i like you. I wish i could just get shot into space and away from all this pretentious bullshit we have to put up with

@michaelphelpsaccidentalson127

i dont like it at all.... and i am from the world war so i know my history

@michaelphelpsaccidentalson127

102 years old today actually
put some respect on phelpy baby

@purplemonkey6178

@@michaelphelpsaccidentalson127 what the moose are you talking about 🤨

@markweigel3301

One Of The Greatest Songs Of One Of The Greatest Bands Of All Time

@johnrider5701

The fact I'm Listening to this in 2022 and the lyrics are still relevant is a bloody tragedy. Bless you Terry Hall you were a hero of my generation and beyond....

@cressida123

Thinking the same

@bellestarr6484

Right as rain, mate

@Brett_is_Veng

i think they are even more relevant than they have been in 25 years. This song has such atmosphere, something you just don't get from current music for some reason

@bobrew461

We should be looking at old songs like this and laughing; "Things are much better now. What a joke!" But actually, they are WORSE! At least back then you could go to a pub/club with your dole/pocket money and buy a beer and chill. Now, you need a mortgage to do it. Very few cheap places around now to blow-off steam. That's not good!

@tomthornton6259

​@@bobrew461 agreed! Too much tax on alcohol in the UK, and very questionable if it's actually benefited anyone... Other than the polititians pockets!

@remchaill9898

This plays in my head every time a waiter asks me if I'd like to hear the specials.

@michaelmansour6520

F*cking hilarious!!! ;-] AWESOME!!

@perryhutcheson5236

👊

@twowolveshighfiving

👽👽👽👽

@mpbarr538

That's funny.

@peteroneill5426

H'on FA&H

@Nostalgic-Lady

Always makes my hair stand on end - back then and now - superbly stirring.

@seahorselady1

Still gives me chills 42 years later and so relevant even now. RIP Terry Hall.

@PhilR0gers

Looking at most town centres nowadays, it's never been more relevant.

@MrKevC

I was going to say the exact thing myself

@WonderfulWorldofAwesomeness

I sing this song to myself while walking past all of the shut down shops in downtown San Francisco. It’s timeless and universal.

@SgtPepper69

RIP Terry Hall,your music and lyrics will live forever 🙏❤
#TheMusicOfMyYouth 🎶

@rollomaughfling380

Terry didn't write these lyrics.

@NINJATABI

It's so hard to believe this song is 40 years old, it's incredibly timeless

@jordanvalencia9597

most Ska Songs are timeless like from Madness songs as well.

@te9591

Yeah, it's way ahead of it's time.

@markjlovelady4831

I remember 81 moving to Coventry when this song was out. Too much fighting in Coventry.
Great place to be a student.

@COOLKIDFIN

Relavent at the moment aye. Through generations still poetic and profound

@bobrew461

@@te9591
I'm guessing you were not around in '81.

@thomasrounds3337

Literally the only good thing I ever got from MTV. RIP Terry. Thank you for opening my ears 40 years ago

@sarahwelty9223

Timeless classic which doesn't age. It sounds just as good now as it did when it was first released. It's a genuine masterpiece!

@Tombro1856

100% for sure.

@eightiesmusic1984

RIP Terry Hall. He was a good soul who leaves a tremendous legacy of music that will be forever revered. Ghost Town made a powerful statement about urban decay, racism and poverty in the UK at the same time as the riots of 1981. Very sad news of his passing. May he rest in peace.

@abcasurname1544

Very well said. And thank you Terry.

@clairewilson524

I remember hearing this, and thinking of Toxteth burning during the riots. So fitting back then. And how little we have moved on today, still that unrest brewing just below the middle-class veneer of hopes.

@jimmyking2844

RIP terry hall my music another one gone

@eightiesmusic1984

@@clairewilson524 Thatcher destroyed society and the price is still being paid today- that is her legacy. Labour capitulated by accepting the neoliberal settlement under Thatcher, betraying working people as a result. The riots of 2011 were dismissed by many as consumerist, opportunistic greed instead of having a more fundamental cause rooted in poverty, lack of opportunity and racism. While there will have been some opportunism, in a society that is so unequal and unfair, it is no wonder it happened. The only surprise is that it did not happen sooner or since 2011. That is not to justify it, but it is about cause and effect. Britain is unstable beneath the apparent calm. Lack of trust in institutions, austerity hollowing out services, even wider inequality ( most unequal country in Europe apart from Bulgaria) and the trashing of 'democracy' by the Tories, has left the UK on its knees. It is a society and economy spinning out of control. The warnings were sounded when Ghost Town pulsated through the land.

@clairewilson524

@@eightiesmusic1984 I totally agree with most of what you say. I hate Thatcher to this day, and Ghost Town reminds me of the hopelessness of our city as jobs disappeared and managed decay took over.
The riots I'm talking about where around the country and included Toxteth in 1981. Houses broken into and furniture piled onto the streets then set ablaze. Police No Go Areas, and rage, neither have disappeared, we just allowed ourselves to be manipulated by the press and the rightwing successive governments.

@kroberts2252

Heartbroken to learn of Terry Hall’s passing. You helped change the world and give a voice to so many people. Your legacy will live forever. RIP.

@graphiteandglitter

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾😢😢😢😢

@erikaadams1827

Me too was a huge fan saw them in concert in the 80s 😪

@triacatz7139

way too young to have died RIP

@icanseeformiles9387

Thank you for saying exactly what I wanted to say. Saw them several years ago and they were still incredible. Terrible loss.

@K._Oss

I’ve been residing in Tulsa Oklahoma for the past three years. Playing this in my car while driving through the frozen-in-Time neighborhoods & condemned relics of Americana combined with urban madness that inspired SE Hinton to write The Outsiders is more chilling than you think.

@Matthew-qk1xi

Yeah that book meant everything to me as my neighborhood was as "greaser" as it gets. Now I'm 53 and i can't escape that feeling.

@omegajrz1269

Is this song known in the US?

@km6xu

Yes, @@omegajrz1269, it was quite popular here at the time, but I believe that most of my fellow Yankees did not really understand it.

@omegajrz1269

@@km6xu Because there are many English bands that went under the radar

@user-dw1io5wq6c

How's this not the top comment!!??

@rustypadhraigdiarmuidseano3192

2024. Still a legend of a song. Thanks Coventry ❤

@emmasphere7654

One of the most hard hitting social commentary lyrics of all time, written by a genuinely talented musician. Rest easy Terry Hall, you'll be missed by many.

@paulmcdonough1093

it was i was 9 when this came out in Liverpool ,i seen the effects of a inner city life

@hoover728

Jerry Dammers wrote it though, like most of their songs. (Terry only has one writing credit for the first 2 albums.)

@barryedwards1433

Bang on statement.

@marthagilbert3459

This should be known by many others.

@michaelconnell7808

Great song, very well sung by Terry but was written by Jerry Dammers.

@bibivanderzee6759

RIP terry hall. He was a genius. They were all quite quite extraordinary. This is still breath taking.

@thinghammer

The unintentional Seinfeld reference...

@susanpeters5392

RIP TERRY ....FROM ENGLAND...I'm now 62 a part of my youth ..never to be forgotten x

@sumairahussain3255

I heard this a few weeks ago being played live in Oxford Street. It sounded absolutely amazing! Brought all my childhood back to me. The 80's were magic.

@BrendaDrumm

Coventry born and bred it is now a and a shite hole I'm now a foreigner it's terrible

@jtb1245

Big changes everywhere … Even in Ireland … class song 💥🌟💥

@EternamDoov

'80s *

@marcellespencer124

Native English and west Indian rules. Old school 🇬🇧🇯🇲🇯🇲🇬🇧

@ericberns9334

RIP Terry Hall. I’m just gutted. The Specials were a band that just reached across generations. From my junior year in high school, to a girl I dated in the nineties, to a woman I loved for twenty years, and to my oldest child...we all connected over this amazing band.

@annaritaranalli1791

Pretty original song for the eightys

@annaritaranalli1791

Thanks for sharing

@BillybobSpangleberry

Listening to this at the Winchester, waiting for this all to blow over...

@elijahhighberg1409

LOL drink a pink for me bud

@voltronik9141

*Winks

@malcomwhite5426

hows ed going

@michaellappin3843

got my pint, got my pig snacks, what else do you need?

@jimmorrison2657

@WonkaaVision You might wanna lay off the internet for a while, mate.

@cosmicstargazer10

Moody, deliciously eerie & still relevant. So many ghost towns.

@SunofYork

unemployment at all time lows..

@ianyoung645

I always remember they're from Coventry, which has so much history. They're an amazing addition.

@ajarnbrian4

RIP Terry Hall. This song remains a British masterpiece.

@danycharlish4878

A world masterpiece

@unakennelly

And it's Ireland's national anthem. 😉

@nodarkthings

RIP Terry Hall. Responsible for some of the tunes of my 80s youth. Brings back those days so vividly

@crd560

What a masterpiece. Just a brilliant song.

@bga9388

This track is timeless, scary and spot on.
Every time I hear it, the greatness of this band grows on me.

@CHUTNEX

Even after 40 years still such a haunting and relevant song.

@COOLKIDFIN

Big vibe

@corroded67

40 years? . My god!

@aranyos1056

It's so relevant now 40 years later as the new world order try to destroy our lives

@edharris2395

@@aranyos1056 I've recently turned 30-.. I'm lucky enough to remember a bit of life before 9/11. and I guess I'm lucky because I can just about remember what half the world's maniacs were trying to tear down, I feel sorry for my younger siblings that were born later- all they've known is.. terrorists trying to kill them, Russians launching chemical attacks on british soil, unelected bureaucrats offshore trying to control their futures ..Goldman sach profiting from misery - mass migration.. conservatives .. I mean I tear up a bit... I tear up a bt at the thought of people my age going into hospital with illnesses they shouldnt get till sixty while those in their 90s are still fighting to live longer and control more wealth.. Its truly mad..

@ultanbeare

This World will not be a ghost town because Ghost town will be played forever .. absolute classic what a incredible man Terry Hall.. rest in Peace

Condolences to your band mates your family.. and your many fans around the World 🌎 .. legend

@JulieWallis1963

Beautifully put.

@Lloydie38

True.

@Glyyee

Im 15 now and got into ska just a few months ago but my life is changed. I didnt know Terry when he was alive, but his music and his genre have completely changed me as a person and ill never forget him

@seantaundry5520

Fantastic song from a fantastic band 👌

@grahambradley2158

Timeless classic. RIP Terry Hall.

@caligulapontifex5759

This hits hard. Terry's music was a large part of my youth. RIP.

@jenniferjuniper97

The Specials hit it on the head with this tune. Timeless. Play.Rewind.Repeat.

@derekreynolds2681

The best song to come out of my home town Coventry UK The Specials :)

@OnlyGoodMusic_

Classic No. 1

@bigdav47

Even an old heavy rocker like me can appreciate just how immense this was! RIP Terry Hall.

@paulmccarthy6545

You're right man

@mrmister769

Music legend 👍👍🎶🎶

@declan1278

I'm the very same old now bit was a rocker but loved this tune

@danpeatey

Good music is heavy

@goldleader2804

Just discovered this song. I’ll never forget it either. An absolute masterpiece.

@penguinuprighter6231

Welcome to 1980

@patrickgilgun9751

Absolute Madness!! Lol love it 😜

@patrickgilgun9751

@@penguinuprighter6231 Again... lol.

@carlyrennae3963

Lucky you imagine you could have never heard the awesomeness of the Specials better late than ever my friend!!

@Gizmo_69

discover more at the playlist against algorithms channel..... We are the reason the music wave was started. Come hang out leave the mainstream by itself to rot.

@gloomcircus

I’m a child of the 90s so obviously didn’t experience this in it’s hey day but my Mum is so passionate about The Specials and all things 80s since she was a teen then. This song has stuck with me. It’s just as good each time you listen to it, as it was the first time you heard it.

It’s such a masterpiece. One of the best things you could ever hope to hear in life

@charismagold819

She wanted u to know cool music 😜

@tishcortez3716

God, such a great song / video / band.

@MrDarrenhannaford1

RIP Terry. Remember hearing this on radio 1 back in the day and it blew my mind and the words are so true especially in today's world.
Will miss you Terry Hall

@garyclarke4840

RIP Terry hall ,,legend and thanks for all the brilliant songs,,you will allways be remembered in your songs ❤️

@kevinblanchard9064

There is a phrase that has been tossed around way too much and it's generational talent. There are some who deserve that title and there are some who don't, Terry Hall is one of those artists who deserves that title. Rest in peace Terry, your Legend will never die not as long as we're still here to play your music and to tell your stories

@final_mile_music9713

💯

@SteefPip

Few songs capture the energy and despair of their time and place quite as well as this song does.

@AS-cw9no

They were brilliant. The soundtrack of my youth. RIP Terry!

@mynamejosh5536

A hauntingly beautiful sophisticated timeless masterpiece.

@michaelharris4651

Epic masterpiece love the specials !

@MsJp467

yes same here so fab

@carmencaamano9434

Hola josh!!!you use hyperboles too much

@paulgreen5305

Always

@xxx...pyxidis

Love this so much. RIP Terry.

@the_negative_optimist9904

This song really scratches every itch in my brain in the most unbelievable way possible

@iainpark150

One of the most culturally significant songs in British music history. Genius.

@bingsinatra5283

Iain Park Amen to that, the only other at this level is God Save The Queen by The Pistols.

@iainpark150

Agreed. That period from 1976 to 1982. When you left school with nothing to hope for only the dole queue. The country was on its knees. But out of this desperation came the energy of youth channeled into the greatest music. The kids today are still as great as we were but if they have everything what's there to protest about what's there to fight for. To seek being a part of something. Identity has become a twitter feed. Glad I was a kid then and not now. That's why there's no great music made, just mediocrity.

@bingsinatra5283

Iain Park Absolutely.

@Fa55akk

Iain Park i like too see that you agree with me, I'm 16. hand on heart id rather live and experience then than now: I enjoy everything about this era.

@leonbrown210

Absolutely! Brilliant music with a simple but innovative tune which gets right into your head and under your skin. The lyrics are an incisive commentary on inner city Britain in 1981. By coincidence it went to Number 1 in July 1981 in the same week as Brixton, Toxteth, Moss Side, Glasgow were ablaze. This is social commentary of the highest order; as relevant to the 2010s and this era of austerity as they were to Thatcher's recession-scarred Britain.

@slabbacon6846

One of the most unique songs I've ever heard. Still fresh in 2019.

@gkmcjose4494

SlabBacon yessirrr

@spaghetti2471

Yes, most definitely. I absolutely love this song.

@johnwick-vo7ig

Its depressing dated shit,only The Jam sound as good today!

@bryano6850

😎🕴🏁

@g13flat

And as relevant.

@drowsypanther

This was my favorite video back in the day, RIP Terry

@j.c.6812

RIP Terry. You made some very good music.

@sallyann16

This song still sends shivers down my spine. Nothing sums up the despair of that era than this track.

@tonypuccio154

That’s for sure 💯

@mufccharliemufcglazersout

The tories were in government then same thing today nothing has changed

@dids3384

@@mufccharliemufcglazersout People stay bootlicking though even though the Tories have always been awful for the working class…

@KarlHamilton

...and also this era.

@spaceghost1480

@@mufccharliemufcglazersoutYup because other mainstream political parties have always made things better 🤦🏾

@Scrapper.

Rest in Peace, Terry. Legend forever.

@KennyEvansUK

This track is scorched into my soul. Love the groove and everything about it.

@PeterMonaghan-sk1fj

This is what it is like now in this era a ghost town no one around anymore

@tonemiester2022

I'm in a state of shock - Terry Hall dead at 63. No age at all. His music formed a major part of my adolescence. RIP

@phantomechelon3628

Rest in peace Terry Hall. The Specials were an iconic 80s band...no-one else looked or sounded quite like them. Instantly recognisable when their songs came on the radio.

@LightLife4

Terry Hall, an amazing frontman and Ghost Town was an incredible track which really reflected the times. It showed the truths that many didn't want to hear. RIP Terry Hall you'll be missed

@tensaichigo2

This is such a banger. It'll always remind me of older brother, who introduce me to it, when we used to take late night drives through empty roads like these, listening to good music. Good times. Still miss you Marc.

@jasontimothywells9895

This oldy is so relevant for these days we are megerly surviving and existing in , beings back the good days of my youth . All my mates are dead now and I am a loner . Cheers to you mate and sorry for your loss

@tensaichigo2

@@jasontimothywells9895 Thank you mate. I really appreciate that. Cheers to you too.

@patrickgilgun9751

Keep on keeping on! YOLO

@KJ-of6lf

One of the coolest sounding songs ever.

@Abijah12411

This is good...reminds me of when I would go see The Crazy 8's in Portland Oregon back in the late 1980's😎

@henriettacoyle7257

Love these brothers but I love the way the taller brother doesn’t need to move from the spot and dances amazing

@Brizeagle

RIP Terry. Your music will forever live on. 🙏🕶

@jubear1493

RIP Terry. One of THE best things to EVER come out of Coventry, bar none!! Would be fitting for this song to be charting again, not only due to the god awful circumstances of the loss of Terry, but the state of the UK at the moment to be fair.

@rebel1281

This song is just so unique and always puts me in a trance. I am sad to know that Terry Hall has passed away, and I just found out reading the comments. I fell in love with them recently in October when my uncle played this while we carved pumpkins. He was still alive that month…then he went. RIP Terry Hall, you’ll always be a legend. ❤

@renatacantore3684

This video reinforces how Awesome this song is. 2023
Long live WLIR FM !!!💖🤸‍♂️♥️🇺🇸😎

@jackiemcdonald5400

Ghost Town is a musical masterpiece. Lost for words at the loss of a beautiful human being and a phenomenal musical talent. RIP Terry Hall.

@feefyefoefum

I was a fresh-faced 19 when this hit the charts, I'm 60 now. It puts things into perspective how old these songs are, but they were great days for alternative/independent music. So long Terry, thanks for the tunes.

@slimytoad1447

You're so right,a unique sound still iconic. Rest in peace Terry x

@apollocobain8363

Me too and I still have a thin black tie

@davidkoplitz1969

❤

@gordonsinton3635

What a beautiful sound I was young when this song came out and have loved it ever since

@semilife

Great track. This was a commentary about what was happening at the time, social deprivation, grim landscape we were faced with. Probably as relevant today as was back in the 80s. RIP Terry Hall, one of a kind, gone too soon.

@buzzindrones

Growing up in 70's & 80's Britain The Specials defined the era ! what a legend we sadly lost today -RIP Terry Hall ,God needed a divine voice up there !

@zantelion1052

RIP Terry Hall, this song will always have a special place in my heart and soul!!

@Trippydip

Who’s listening to this right now?!?!?!?!

@stephenm8725

me

@joerendell4133

Me too!

@queeniepatra7418

Floored.
Didn't see this one coming.
Maximum respect to my Scar Soldier Terry. Shout Out to Rankin Roger also.

Too Much Too Young.
When you definitely feel that you are - Too Nice To Talk To.

@rodneyhinchliffe8710

Rest in power Terry Hall!
Your music more relevant now than 40 years ago.

@PatrickCanney

Who’s listening to this during the Coronavirus outbreak?

@va_rio845

@Patrick Currently mood here in Rome

@so9205

Right on the money son. Along with Talking Heads Life During Wartime

@felipepanos1648

@@va_rio845 Thessaloniki 15/3/2020 first saturday of bans.

@levonbenitez2069

Yes!

@grumpofitzgerald4350

Walked around the empty streets blaring this on a speaker

@Judey_Toons

This is THE Halloween song of Covid 2020.

@alancruz9607

Ayy lmao

@lillasander1703

😂😂

@marccmariani8907

Yes you understand fast , it's perfect if yoù are enof patient

@franciscopastenevaldes4657

se sabe

@Jas_girliegames

True

@Megafoot2164

RIP Terry, you were a poster boy for being a survivor and turning tragedy into triumph. Condolences to his family, friends, band mates and fans around the world, of which, i am one. Love from Canada 🕯🕯🕯🕯😢

@leechiappa8177

Utter classic Terry hall was a class act and very good songwriter very underrated , just have a peek at his back catalogue very diverse musically and culturally great musician and songwriter and a very gracious and accommodating human being ,,,
Sadly missed but his music and work will live on always thru classics like this ……………rip

@samuelblades3993

RIP Terry Hall your music was an inspiration for many 😢

@gracebrown9583

I have to study this song as part of my GCSE drama, and let me tell you, I have never been more excited to do work

@mozart7074

Good luck

@katrinanevin2452

Good luck 👍

@JM-wt7rh

Topical!

@xandermoore

Is it your stimulus??

@dwhitman3092

Voodoo Reggae.

@loopy4laughs

i was born in the 80s bt my cousin got me into Ska in my teens. I don't think we'll see music like this again because social mobility has been stopped. Feels like the end of an era and very sad. Incredible music, incredible songwriting and voice, RIP Terry Hall.

@thejudderman8265

One of the best songs ever produced.

@markharrison734

I grew up on one of the toughest South Birmingham council estates I remmeber the riots in Birmingham and Hillfields in Coventry very closely this so answers to that time. It’s timeless brilliant thank you Terry Hall and the guys

@geoffreyjonathanwilson9932

The riots of Spring and Summer '81 !
This song will definitely stand the test of time forever 😊

@BLACULA-Skeewoah

As an irishman, I'm proud of my national anthem

@lucasdarlington4030

The specials are from Coventry?

@mantymusic9109

@@lucasdarlington4030 it’s a father ted reference

@ferdinand4026

real

@kieranwhite6647

The Spin Master!

@marcellespencer124

West Indians and English whites together 🇯🇲🇬🇧🙏🏿

@strangewayfaringstranger

Still one of the coolest videos ever. And that car is awesome. This song feels relevant today.

@EarthPoets

Jerry's words + Terry's delivery = Sublime! Sorry to see you go Terry and hope that wherever I end up, you'll be there gigging. Chapeau 🎩

@moohican

I second that emotion

@janbrown2901

Loved this band..Terry Hall was a talented artist and a good person..he suffered greatly in his youth and still managed to overcome his problems. R.I.P ❤️

@marthagilbert3459

I love this song.

@SuperbonyTheCat

@benjaminpmusic

Such great talent, such a great band and such a sad loss… thank you for the music x

@armor-ofgod

Love it! Timeless

@RayMelville

October 2023 and this is still the best Halloween song out there

@ellenkousoula743

It's nearly December 2023 and I'm still listening to it and I bet I'm going to be still listening to it after 2025

@Artychoke1000

God, cant believe it, RIP Terry! The forever iconic sound of my youth and challenges faced! :(

@brendandonnelly5879

I'm 50 and this still gives me goosebumps.
Literally. 👍

@stevenwatson3963

me too Brendan

@salamanrina

And a Dead Kennedys fan

@charlierobinson5150

Ur not 50

@onfoenemgrave

Ur not 50

@rjy8960

A fellow DK fan :)

@matthewjames206

Certified fresh 100% 🍻

@alassinsane1588

As a teen I grew up listening to ska, reggae & punk from this era. I've always especially loved this track. Idk why it reminds me of the Falkland war & those who didn't get back to they're home town.

@YorkshireTheatreNewsletter

Terry Hall mattered at a time when pop music mattered. And this is one of the greatest pop records of all time.

@Gazman011969

This just never gets old. 80's excellence by one of the most Legendary bands to ever exist, and that is a hill I will gladly die on. It just does not get any better than this.

@barthyb

How lucky are we to have The Specials 😊

@kathytaylor5611

I love them