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
We Sell Hope
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could be a beautiful place to live in
Make sure you're seen and heard
And give the things worth giving
White is black, black is white
Right is wrong, wrong is right
If night is day, then day is night
Could be a beautiful place to live in
Looked all around the world
We've gotta take care of each other
Do what you need to do
Without making others suffer
Up is down, open is closed
'Round and 'round and 'round we go
Moving fast, feeling slow
Looked all around the world
We've gotta take care of each other
White is black, black is white
Right is wrong, wrong is right
If night is day, then day is night
Looked all around the world
Could be a beautiful place to live in
Up is down, open is closed
'Round and 'round and 'round we go
Moving fast, feeling slow
Looked all around the world
We've gotta take care of each other
"We Sell Hope" by The Specials is a song that reflects on the complexities of the world we live in and the need for empathy and consideration towards one another. The lyrics emphasize the idea of contrast and confusion, suggesting that things are not always what they seem. The lines "White is black, black is white, Right is wrong, wrong is right" convey a sense of moral ambiguity, highlighting the blurred boundaries between right and wrong in society.
The song also urges listeners to be proactive in their care for others. The line "We've gotta take care of each other" emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and compassion. It encourages individuals to look beyond themselves and prioritize the well-being of others, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness.
Through its use of contrasting imagery and the repetition of the phrase "Looked all around the world, could be a beautiful place to live in," the song suggests that despite the confusion and turmoil, there is still potential for a better world. It serves as a call to action, reminding listeners that it is within our power to create a more harmonious and compassionate society.
Line by Line Meaning
Looked all around the world
Explored every corner of the world
Could be a beautiful place to live in
Has the potential to be a wonderful place for everyone to dwell in
Make sure you're seen and heard
Ensure that your presence and voice are acknowledged
And give the things worth giving
Offer valuable contributions and gifts to others
White is black, black is white
The distinction between right and wrong is blurred
Right is wrong, wrong is right
The moral compass is twisted and inverted
If night is day, then day is night
The natural order and perception of time is distorted
Looked all around the world
Explored every corner of the world
Could be a beautiful place to live in
Has the potential to be a wonderful place for everyone to dwell in
We've gotta take care of each other
We must prioritize looking after one another
Do what you need to do
Fulfill your obligations and responsibilities
Without making others suffer
Ensure that your actions do not cause harm to others
Up is down, open is closed
Conventional notions are inverted and contradicted
'Round and 'round and 'round we go
Caught in a never-ending cycle
Moving fast, feeling slow
Despite the fast pace of life, one feels a sense of sluggishness
Looked all around the world
Explored every corner of the world
We've gotta take care of each other
We must prioritize looking after one another
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Horace Panter, Lynval Golding, Nikolaj Larsen, Terry Hall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind