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
War Crimes
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you hear them crying in the rubble of Beirut?
I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?
the numbers are different, the crime is still the same
From the graves of Belsen where the innocent were burned
To the genocide in Beirut, Israel was nothing learned?
I can still hear people crying, now who takes the blame?
The numbers are different, the crime is still the same
Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot
From the graves of Belsen, to the ruins of Beirut
I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?
The numbers are different, the crime is still the same
The Special A.K.A.'s song "War Crimes" highlights the devastating effects of war, which are often felt most keenly by innocent civilians. The lyrics suggest that bombs and violence are often used as the first resort, rather than the last, when nations have disagreements. The song also notes the cycle of violence and questions the value of violence in bringing lasting peace. The first lines, "Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot," propose that violence is used to quickly and forcefully end conflicts. However, this violence has long-lasting effects and causes tremendous harm to the innocent.
The lyrics, "Can you hear them crying in the rubble of Beirut" and "I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?" point out the suffering of people who are caught in the crossfire. The song also makes the comparison between the genocide in Beirut and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust in Belsen, suggesting that large-scale violence and loss of life are still occurring, even in the modern era. Ultimately, the song is a call for people to question the value of violence and to face the consequences of wartime atrocities, even when they are conducted in the name of justice or national interest.
Line by Line Meaning
Bombs to settle arguments, the order of the boot
Bombing as a solution to resolve conflicts and exert power.
Can you hear them crying in the rubble of Beirut?
Acknowledgement of the innocent victims of the war in Beirut.
I can still see people dying, now who takes the blame?
Questioning the accountability of those responsible for the ongoing violence and destruction.
the numbers are different, the crime is still the same
Highlighting the similarity between various acts of violence and their unacceptable nature regardless of circumstances or context.
From the graves of Belsen where the innocent were burned
Referencing the atrocities committed during the Holocaust at Belsen concentration camp and the loss of innocent lives.
To the genocide in Beirut, Israel was nothing learned?
Criticism of the perpetuation of violence and destruction despite the lessons of past atrocities and the continuing disregard for innocent lives.
From the graves of Belsen, to the ruins of Beirut
Connecting the suffering of different groups of people across different periods of time and locations.
The numbers are different, the crime is still the same
Re-emphasizing the unacceptable and inhumane nature of any act of violence and disregard for human life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JERRY DAMMERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robertmonroejr1315
This song has been going through my head for the past few days.
@yasserressay7755
How sad 40 years went on and thing still the same...😢
@tomlaurence7542
Needs to be shared everywhere , the numbers are different the crime is still the same .
@therealsoulproduct
40 years later and the message still rings true, especially given the situations going on now.
@a.champagne6238
Let's try to get this on top of the streaming charts. BBC refused to play in back in '83.
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸
@devillehall6171
Two wrongs dont make a right ,supporters of Hamas are at the top of the hierarchy of evil right now ....just below is Netanyahu .
@markmclaughlin3896
F@#@ BBC savile harris Inc. They didnt like the Specials...The best band ever 😊
@tungustraho
This song became my private anthem long ago. When I was adolescent it gave me a kick of very strong inner political awarness. In addition to the perfect tune. In the eighties of the 20th century it was impossible to hear that kind of music in my country. The iron curtain was working in Poland. Only one radio presenter once a month gave us the chance to listen to ska, reggae and earlier, punk music which he brought form the UK. The Specials have been a living legend. And here`s to You, the Specials!
@D-777i
I remember hearing the very first playing of this as a teenager on the John Peel show. I'd been waiting for something new from the Specials for a long time and I remember being blown away by this.
@geoffreycoulson2039
Just bought this album( CD) in 2020 ..sorry for being 36 yrs late but it was worth it.