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
What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And who is that girl standing right next to you?
And what is her name and what does she do?
I'm looking at her while I'm talking to you
Her love must be sweeter than candy
Must be stronger than brandy
Why does she like you not me?
Can I buy you a drink?
I'm friendly to your face but behind your back
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
Her love must be sweeter than candy
Must be stronger than brandy
Why does she like you not me?
I agree with what you say, I think that it's true
Your girlfriend has only got one fault, that's you
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
When will we meet again and where will it be?
Why don't you both come over to my house for tea?
I'd rather she came round on her own, yes it's true
Your girlfriend is what I like most about you
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
The Special A.K.A.'s song "What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend" is a sarcastic take on jealousy and envy. The singer's obsession with his friend's girlfriend is evident in his questions about her and his vocalizing of how much he admires her.
The lyrics are filled with irony and double entendres. For instance, when the singer says, "I'm friendly to your face but behind your back," it's a clear indication that he's not really sincere about his feelings for his friend. The singer also mentions that the girlfriend's love must be stronger than brandy and sweeter than candy, which could be interpreted in different ways. It could mean that the girlfriend is incredibly sweet and loving, or it could mean that she's just good at manipulating people.
The song's chorus, "What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true," is repeated several times throughout the song, making it clear that the singer's obsession is real. However, in the final verse, he openly admits that what he really wants is for the girlfriend to come to his house alone. It's revealed that the friend is actually the singer's rival for the girlfriend's affections.
Overall, "What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend" is a clever, tongue-in-cheek song that exposes the darker side of friendship and jealousy.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello and how are you and how do you do?
Greetings, how are you and how is everything?
And who is that girl standing right next to you?
May I ask about the lady who is standing next to you?
And what is her name and what does she do?
May I know her name and her profession?
I'm looking at her while I'm talking to you
While conversing with you, my eyes are drawn towards her.
Her love must be sweeter than candy
Must be stronger than brandy
Why does she like you not me?
Her affection towards you must be incredibly intense, why did she choose you over me?
Can I buy you a drink?
You seem a decent chap
I'm friendly to your face but behind your back
May I offer you a beverage? You seem to be a good person, although I'm secretly not fond of you.
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
The best part about you is your girlfriend, it is an honest statement.
I agree with what you say, I think that it's true
Your girlfriend has only got one fault, that's you
I concur with your opinions, and I believe that your girlfriend's only flaw is being with you.
When will we meet again and where will it be?
Why don't you both come over to my house for tea?
I'd rather she came round on her own, yes it's true
Your girlfriend is what I like most about you
When can we arrange to meet again? Would you two like to come over for tea? To be candid, I'd prefer it if she came alone because I'm attracted to her. Her presence is the best thing about you.
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
The best quality that you possess is your significant other, and it is undeniably true.
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
The unmatched feature that distinguishes you is the person you're in a relationship with, and it is the absolute truth.
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
I reiterate, the incomparable trait that grabs my attention the most about you is your girlfriend, and it remains true.
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
In summary, the attribute that I find most appealing about you is your girlfriend, and it is without a doubt.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JERRY DAMMERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind