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
Your Wondering Now
The Specials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't come in
You can't come in!
You're wondering now
What to do
Now you know this is the end
You're wondering how
For the way you did behave
Curtain has fallen
Now you're on your own
I won't return
Forever you will wait
You're wondering now
What to do
Now you know this is the end
Curtain has fallen
Now you're on your own
I won't return
Forever you will wait
You're wondering now
What to do
Now you know this is the end
You're wondering how
You will pay
For the way you did behave
You're wondering now
What to do
Now you know this is the end
You're wondering now
What to do
Now you know this is the end
The lyrics to The Specials and Fun Boy Three's song "Your Wondering Now" speak to the end of a relationship and the feelings of uncertainty and regret that come with it. The opening lines "Is everybody happy? You can't come in" set the stage for a sense of exclusion and rejection, while the repeated refrain "You're wondering now, what to do" expresses the confusion and sense of being lost that often accompanies the end of a relationship.
The song's overall tone is melancholy, with the repeated lines "Now you know this is the end" emphasizing the finality of the situation. The lines "You will pay, for the way you did behave" suggest a sense of responsibility and remorse for past actions. The repetition of the closing lines "You're wondering now, what to do / Now you know this is the end" drive home the sense of uncertainty and resignation.
In summary, "Your Wondering Now" conveys the emotional complexities and turbulence of a relationship ending, from the initial rejection to the subsequent feelings of confusion, regret, and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Is everybody happy?
Are all the people around you content and satisfied?
You can't come in
You are not allowed entry or admission at this present moment.
You're wondering now
You are currently feeling unsure and curious.
What to do
You are unsure of how to proceed or act in this situation.
Now you know this is the end
You have come to the realization that this is the conclusion or finale of this scenario.
You're wondering how
You are questioning the method or means by which you will have to deal with the consequences of your actions.
You will pay
There will be a certain cost or penalty that must be paid for the behavior you have exhibited.
For the way you did behave
The actions or conduct you have engaged in have led to this situation and the subsequent repercussions.
Curtain has fallen
The performance or act has come to an end.
Now you're on your own
You are now in a position where you must rely solely on yourself to navigate this situation.
I won't return
The person you are addressing will not be coming back or returning to help you.
Forever you will wait
You will remain in this state of uncertainty and waiting for an indefinite period of time.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Clement Dodd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thespecials
More music from The Specials: https://TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen
@tanilorn
R.i.p
@lifesabowlofcherries
God bless
@atoz3570
Yes
@raysnhell89
RIP Terry thank you for everything you gave the ska world and beyond see you on the other side 🏁❤️🏁
@oughtonoughton2634
Im still wondering why you have left us xxx Terry thank you for giving us great joy with your music and personality xx us fans will always love you xx Jane x
@ellajjkeld
I loved this album,still do.Rest in peace Terry Hall,long live ska
@Janeybjournals
Can’t believe how sad I am about this news. I spent so many hours listening to this album as a spotty teenager and I’ve loved it all my life
@jmcdsoze
RIP Terry. I still at 55 years, still wear a Fred Perry Cardigan. Proper music that brought people of any colour together. No more to be said. xxx
@CIMAmotor
There's a lot of cheap Fred Perry clothes on M and M direct.