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
Why?
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did you really want to kill me
Tell me why
Tell me why
Tell me why
Why do we have to fight
Why must we fight
I know I am black
You know you are white
I'm proud of my black skin
And you are proud of your white
Why did you try to hurt me
Did you really kill me
Tell me why
Tell me why
Tell me why
We don't need no british movement
Nor the Ku Klux Klan
Nor the national front
Make me a angry man
I just wanna live in peace
Why can't you be the same
Why should I live in fear?
You'll follow like sheep in a wolf's clothes
You too scared to make a speech
Do you really like
Without a thousand police
Protecting your rights
Protecting under your views
Inside the fights
But you will protect me
From you in the night
Why did you try to hurt me
Tell me why
Tell me why
Tell me why
Did you really kill me
Tell me why
Tell me why
Tell me why
You'll follow like sheep in a wolf's clothes
The Specials' song "Why?" is a powerful and poignant commentary on racial violence and systemic racism. The song starts off with the singer asking why someone would want to hurt or kill them. The lyrics are emotional and angry, showing the pain and confusion that come with experiencing violence and prejudice.
The song addresses the broader issue of racism and division in society, questioning why we have to fight and why groups like the British movement, Ku Klux Klan, and national front exist. The singer is proud of their black skin and calls for peace and equality, asking why others can't be the same. The line "You'll follow like sheep in a wolf's clothes" is particularly striking, suggesting that those who perpetrate violence and discrimination are actually being controlled by a larger force or system.
Overall, "Why?" is a powerful message against racism and calls for unity and understanding instead.
Line by Line Meaning
Why did you try to hurt me
Asking the aggressor the reason behind attempting to harm the singer
Did you really want to kill me
Questioning the true intentions of the aggressor
Tell me why
Requesting an explanation for the aggressor's actions
Why do we have to fight
Questioning the need for violence and conflict
Why must we fight
Expressing frustration with the cycle of violence
I have to defend myself from crack last night
Referring to previous violent encounters and the need for self-defense
I know I am black
Acknowledging the singer's racial identity
You know you are white
Acknowledging the aggressor's racial identity
I'm proud of my black skin
Asserting pride in one's racial identity
And you are proud of your white
Acknowledging that both parties have a sense of pride in their respective racial identities
We don't need no british movement
Rejecting the influence and ideology of far-right organizations
Nor the Ku Klux Klan
Specifically calling out the notorious white supremacist group
Nor the national front
Referring to a right-wing political party in the UK
Make me a angry man
Expressing frustration and anger towards these groups and their beliefs
I just wanna live in peace
Desiring a peaceful existence without conflict or violence
Why can't you be the same
Questioning why the aggressor(s) cannot share the same desire for peace
Why should I live in fear?
Asking why the artist should be forced to live in fear of violence and harm
You'll follow like sheep in a wolf's clothes
Accusing the aggressor(s) of blindly following dangerous ideologies
You too scared to make a speech
Highlighting the cowardice of those who hide behind anonymity or refuse to express their beliefs openly
Do you really like
Questioning whether the aggressor(s) truly enjoy causing harm and conflict
Without a thousand police
Suggesting that without the threat of consequence, the aggressor(s) may not feel as confident in their actions
Protecting your rights
Acknowledging the role of law enforcement in protecting individual rights and freedoms
Protecting under your views
Highlighting the importance of protection for all beliefs and ideologies, even those that differ from one's own
Inside the fights
Referencing the prevalence of conflict and violence
But you will protect me
Asserting the singer's right to safety and protection
From you in the night
Suggesting that the true threat of violence may come from those who are supposed to provide safety and protection
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD, EDWARD FLETCHER, SYLVIA ROBINSON, MELVIN GLOVER, CLIFTON CHASE, SHARI WATSON, MARIE WRIGHT, MARIO WINANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
we need saving
I am absolutely gutted. I live in America now. But I was born and bred in smethwick and I followed the specials up till the very end, to be quite honest, Terry Hall was an absolute icon. My thoughts with his family. Thank you, for all the wonderful memories, you brought us hope when we were kids living in Thatcher's britain.
cider man
Well said my friend all the best in the states and 👍
Jason Wallace
@Simon Taylor greatest prime minister haha that's like saying Bush was the greatest president .
Jason Wallace
@Joey Mcfloey the Specials were your band ? Why what instrument did you play ?
we need saving
@Diane Perry I hear you..😥
we need saving
@MidLifeBiker I think you're forgetting about all the molesters that was in her party, have you forgotten about that?
David Kavanagh
Without getting to deep. But at the same time, he was one hell of a man to pull through what happened to him aged 13 and still be a top bloke. Singer/song writer/ proformer/ father/husband/ friend. And an all round gentleman. RESPECT. R.I.P. TERRY HALL.
Rico Rico
I just read up on what happened to him. That's terrible. I'm sure he had some horrible days dealing with that but like you say he still managed to leave a very positive mark on the world
rack punch
I've a feeling that he didn't get the full recognition that he deserved during his lifetime and that he will be appreciated for his lyrics and songwriting skills more now he's with us no longer. RIP Terry.
Jolkrae Remeark
Unfortunately, you don't know what you have until it's gone.