Chillichap's World: Is the Specials Version of - 'A Message to You Rudy' the Best SKA Two-tone Song Ever? Includes Lyrics

Hello!

I like my music, but I love Two-tone. This was popular music in the UK in the late 70's and early 80's. The music was a fusion of Jamaican SKA, Rocksteady, Reggae, Punk Rock, and New Wave music. It was fresh and lively and when people got up to dance, whether performers or fans, legs and arms went everywhere (they still do-I have my own dance called 'The Plonk' AKA the Funky Chicken).


The Original Version

Get ready for a shock-The Specials didn't write this song. It was one Dandy Livingstone, in 1967.  Apparently, the song took him 10 minutes to write and he had a cold at the time of singing! You can listen to this version on YouTube - just copy and paste this link into your search engine bar:-

https://youtu.be/7BwNgQ51hSI?si=xhrHyhZEBCvxkqtW

He later called upon legendary Tombomist Rico Rodriguez (who also appears in the Specials version) to add to the melody and a tenor saxophonist called Pepsi to also contribute.

The Specials Version

I can't begin to tell you how awesome The Specials' version of  'A Message to You Rudy' is, but I'll try. It starts off with a really simple tune on a harmonica that kind of drags you in. Then comes the drums, swiftly followed by the trombone and that's it-you're hooked. Your legs start moving involuntarily, your head starts bobbing like you're dodging bullets and you're playing an imaginary trombone with your lips (well, I am). The song is great to listen to, but if you watch the video, it's the icing on the musical cake. The Specials version of this song brings it alive in my opinion, with a more lively beat and a better trombone solo. The original song is still great and lots of pleasure can be gained from listening to Dany Livingstone's pearly tones-and of course he's in touch with the Jamaican vibe at the time. Fun fact - this record was produced by Elvis Costello

What's the Song About?

What or who is Rudy you may ask? A Rudy is a Rude Boy, originating in Jamaican street culture in the 60's, and describes a youth who's always up to no good. The song warns the individual to change their ways and think of the future to avoid going to jail. I'm not sure this message had its intended effect as the term rude boy was used an awful lot when I was growing up in the 70's and early 80's and seemed a term of endearment for anyone wearing a Fred Perry t-shirt or Harrington jacket.

Lyrics
Stop your messing around;Better think of your future,Time to straighten right out,Creating problems in town.
Rudy,A message to you, Rudy.A message to you.
Stop your fooling around,Time to straighten right out.Better think of your futureElse you'll wind up in jail.
Rudy,A message to you you, Rudy,A message to you.
Stop your messing around,Better think of your future.Time to straighten right out,Creating problems in town.
Rudy,A message to you, Rudy.A message to you, Rudy.A message to you, Rudy.A message to you, Rudy.A message to you, Rudy.A message to you, Rudy.A message to you, Rudy.

Conclusion

Personally, I think that the Specials' version of 'A Message to You Rudy' is the Best SKA Two-tone song ever and I never get tired of it.  R.I.P Terry Hall-what an utter legend. Your legacy will last forever. I'll probably cover him in a biography at some point if I think I can do him justice.


Thanks for reading, Goodbye, goodbye (see what I did there?)

Matt AKA Chillichap

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