The Specials - Nelson Mandela (Official Music Video)

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Lyrics:
Free Nelson Mandela
Free, Free, Free, Nelson Mandela
Free Nelson Mandela
Twenty-one years in captivity
His shoes too small to fit his feet
His body abused but his mind is still free
Are you so blind that you cannot see
I say Free Nelson Mandela
I'm begging you
Free Nelson Mandela
He pleaded the causes of the ANC
Only one man in a large army
Are you so blind that you cannot see
Are you so deaf that you cannot hear his plea
Free Nelson Mandela
I'm begging you Free Nelson Mandela
Twenty-one years in captivity
Are you so blind that you cannot see
Are you so deaf that you cannot hear
Are you so dumb that you cannot speak
I say Free Nelson Mandela
I'm begging you
Oh free Nelson Mandela, free
Nelson Mandela I'm begging you
begging you Please free Nelson Mandela
free Nelson Mandela
I'm telling you, you've got to free Nelson Mandela

[@thespecials]

More music from The Specials: TheSpecials.lnk.to/Listen

[@stefanodamico9990]

Fantastic

[@beahafkenscheid8421]

Who are the specials to interfere?

[@nealdewar9167]

Your countries effed up

[@owenyounger5315]

This was the night of Nelson Mandela released from prison

[@jahrahui]

its not your guys song the band is called special a.k.a

[@kassistwisted]

I lived in the US when this song came out. It was the catalyst for me to learn about Nelson Mandela and what they weren't teaching us in school. British music of that time educated me about world politics and social justice. Thank you, The Specials. Thank you for participating in my education.

[@Telstar62a]

"Biko" by Peter Gabriel fits in along the same lines

[@dyantebrinke6477]

I had the same with rap music. Rap artist Paris made me start reading about Malcolm X and eventually I read everything I could find concerning that subject.....and eventually kept on reading books. LONG LIVE MUSICIANS hehe

[@thorium3737]

Great. You are an idiot

[@Macca-rb5ok]

This stuff wasn't being taught in British schools either. The Specials - and other bands - were clued up and well read about the wider world.

[@amywilliford6537]

Same!

[@JohnCox-ut3cv]

I am old enough to remember when this first came out. Back then it seemed impossible that South Africa would be free of apartheid.

[@paultreadaway102]

Yes messed up or missed the best or greatest part South Africa did in the 70s and 80s entertainment wise who knows.Just lots to refer from this song and others making it up over the years Worldwise

[@NormAppleton]

I'm old enough to have the 12", wake up on a Sunday afternoon, grab a beer and see the Headlines of the day in the paper. Tyson knocked out! Mandela Freed! I went home after guzzling my beer. Would not talk to my girl until the record was on full blast, then I told her as it played. It was a good day.

[@guytihema3398]

This song used to make me Cry, 45 year's later, it still Does 😢😢

[@wraymaxwell2656]

When I met Nelson Mandela on his visit to Canada when I was in 5th grade, this was the song they played at the Skydome and meeting him face to face and shaking his hand as a little 12yr old boy was the most historical moment in my life. R.I.P to a legendary man this world has been blessed to have. I will forever honor my short moment with him and I will forever remember this song over 2 decades later.

[@wraymaxwell2656]

@@xanderlane4620 Yes, he truly was indeed

[@wraymaxwell2656]

@@xanderlane4620 I feel completely blessed and honored to have been in his presence for the rest of my life

[@yellowbellylover]

"No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion. People Learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite" Nelson Mandela. 1918-2013

[@laurarodrigues3495]

Abigail P g

[@nick260682]

Abigail P I agree with that until the religion comes into it. Colour of your skin or background doesn’t say anything about your character, but religion informs the way people behave, therefore it is fair game for criticism and even hatred in some instances.

[@caza00caza]

What a quote. If only this was the first lesson in school

[@rosemarycuthbert4623]

A brilliant man. So proud of Glasgow honouring him. Amazing. This song is high up there on my list.

[@roydagger]

While people have the inate sensation of fear; racism and prejudice will never die.

[@Alplily]

I played this song on my very first college radio show in early 1985. Who knew the impact it would have and that Mandela would be president in ten years... he truly embodied greatness. In every sense of the word.

[@dubfishone]

In Denver as I was growing up, there was a radio station punk rock show that played this song at the opening every time! Love it!

[@ralphwhitaker8761]

one of the happiest civil rights song i have ever heard, every body was dancing, when you hear it you cant be mad about the injustice, you just grab a drink dance smile, laugh as it end you would fall asleep, wake up hoping things would get better, why do we have to be so evil towards each other just because of color, but those who hate and mad are not mad at God those are the same people who goes to church every Sunday, at least now he is at peace, as a black man he lives in me always in my heart i cant thank him enough for the sacrifices he made, Thank you Mr Mandela and thank you to the specials for making that song

[@ditshegomphaka9249]

This song still gives me chills

[@cathysmithson4275]

me too, in a good way

[@patriceoneill5930]

The day this song came out, I was working at a TV station in San Francisco, and five of us jammed into an editing room and danced like crazy. It was such a liberating expression of the apartheid resistance movement.

[@jessran70]

I was 15 and in city center of Liverpool skipped school to raise money for Nelson Mandela. Good times.

[@jacevalentine198]

+Crude Birth Rate really... wow

[@smilertoo]

He was actually advocating terrorism before he was jailed.

[@xereeto]

+smilertoo "terrorism" against the evil apartheid regime was justified, frankly

[@simonyip5978]

I wonder how much actually of the money went towards his benefit? I bet most was siphoned off by snides in the UK and in South Africa. PS I'm not criticising your own actions, just those of the people who pulled the strings.

[@Clusters3rdStrikeArc]

Fuck Mandela, horrible example of a person, not to mention a lifelong criminal.

[@robertplumb9782]

One Of The Greatest Songs of ALL TIME

[@specificallyopened]

RIP nelson Mandela. You will forever be missed.

[@You-Toober]

@JoshHop If so, it's because the white supremacists / separatists made him do it.

[@mystic6258]

RIP

[@joshuaedwards8907]

What an absolute LEGEND, R.I.P to one of the worlds greatest, Nelson Mandela.....

[@danielbrian7317]

You mean the genocidal, communist war criminal? Fuck that guy.

[@WolfsH0ok]

he turned out to be a tyrant along with winnie but its a catchy tune

[@AdamLeeGuitarist]

Rest in eternal peace, Nelson Mandela! Few people can make an impression upon humanity and history, in quite the way you did in your 95 years! You are free, and we love you!

[@richardduplessis1090]

@Adam Lee and may he remember the scores of innocent people who were the dead and injured of the bombings that he planned.

[@durgadiva]

Adam Lee Also Rest In Peace Claudia Fontaine, who is singing backing vocals with the Afrodisiacs on this song.

[@MrWeAllAreOne]

he was an absolute cunt.

[@kevinpuktheduck5354]

We sure do Nelson

[@mambasneak3929]

@@paytonr8153 were is the evidence

[@CarlosRuiz-cr9uo]

I learned about this song in my history class and wow, I knew Nelson Mandela was important but i didn’t know what made him so important

[@Francesdevine]

When your feeling a bit down or crap, I hope this uplifts you. It's just a lovely thing

[@nick260682]

frances devine *you’re As in: “that’s ok, you don’t have to thank me for correcting you - you’re welcome”.

[@bababooeygamingreal7042]

@@nick260682 You don't have to correct him. Because when he commented it was 2 years ago.

[@nick260682]

_Erik_ 1_2_3_ Public service mate. No need to thank me.

[@bababooeygamingreal7042]

@@nick260682 u what m8?!😂

[@nick260682]

_Erik_ 1_2_3_ Just helping people out wherever possible.

[@theworldisavampire3346]

I've always loved the Specials. Lucky enough to see them several times back in the day.

[@RFYP]

When I was a freshman in college at the University of Iowa this song was in heavy rotation on the college radio station KRUI. That was 1984 mind you, and he was still in prison. A true example of the best of humanity

[@AdrianDeVore]

I was a high school senior in 1984 and it was in heavy rotation on WNYU-FM (New York University).

[@wellychef]

Rest in peace Nelson, true legend, gentleman and all round hero! We will never forget you!

[@1computernew]

All these years later I still love this song and this video.

[@wafldread2770]

Always will love The Specials... So proud of them as a fellow midlander... 😁

[@ziweiyuan]

R.I. P. to one of the great humanitarians and freedom fighters of our time.

[@shesonit]

Rest peacefully, Nelson Mandela! The world needs more like you.

[@debra1232]

The Brits ruled the '80s...still loving it all 40-yrs later 4/10/21 ... I was one blessed teenager to have been born in '63 - I wouldn't change a thing!

[@desmondhull5778]

Me too Debra.

[@Violeta_Villacorta]

Celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela. This is one of my favorite songs in the 80's and Nelson Mandela is the hero of my teens. Live on Mandela!

[@SonicHoosier]

I've always admired this man. Struggle with grace and poise. RIP sir.

[@ladyt3579]

NELSON MANDELA - born a free man, died a free man!

[@zappp1963]

I had no clue, then I found this in the record bin in 84' or 5'. I learned the truth, and stood for the man. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela.

[@MrLightning59]

I'm crying, because at last he is really free now. RIP.

[@ymc273]

No more jails, no more, bars, no more wars, no more pain,no more suffering. Thank you for your life, your gift of courage forgiveness and strength and love. Rest now for you are truly FREE.x

[@brianreid515]

The song that brought so many to the Anti Apartheid Movement. Still gets my hair standing up, a true freedom fighter

[@joeredtree]

"freedom" from what exactly? not being able to forcefully destroy white people and society? free to brutally murder white farmer families?

[@olivercuenca4109]

not shadowbanned yet He's not Robert Mugabe. Nobody purged any white farmers in South Africa.

[@joeredtree]

mandela removed the kommandos, who were a security force specifically to protect white farmers. now, it's "racist" to even protest the murder of white farmers here. horrific murders. babies boiled alive, eyes taken out with pliers, etc. but we're told it's "normal crime"

[@olivercuenca4109]

not shadowbanned yet So a militia designed to protect only a select faction in a society is your idea of freedom is it? And what are the rest of society supposed to do, survive on their own? That's before we get into the fact that most of these so called "police" were little more than state sponsored terrorists during the Apartheid era.

[@Jc-ul9ff]

not shadowbanned yet so freedom to you is 80%of the population immediately being less than second class citizens because of the colour of their skin.

[@IvyCottageIndustries]

Glad to have rediscovered this. Crying is allowed.

[@SiouxieSioux]

I cried. My daughter thinks I'm odd. Lol.

[@Mrbrbusby]

Tears have welled up. “Somehow, somewhere along, someone must have thought it cool to bring back Jim Crow.” - HRH Prince Harry. I thank God that this was my generation when racism wasn’t cool. #BLM 🇬🇧

[@kayedramallama]

Am crying.

[@decochick]

This song changed my life while growing up in the 80's. RIP- Mr Mandela.

[@Saranon]

A light has gone out in the world tonight. RIP Nelson Mandela. Free, at last.

[@xpat73]

And now 40 years after this song the ANC is robbing the country blind. 5 million in cash just found at the SA PM's ranch. What a world.

[@treestevens5641]

It's Nelson Mandela International Day so I hope some folks find this song from looking him up.

[@johnPaul-qn3dg]

This song is playing in my head all day, At the time of this songs release I never expected it to happen, I just thought he will be another activist who dies in prison.. Well I was wrong Nelson Mandela - 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' RIP

[@jankk]

I wept when he was released, when apartheid ended, and when he was elected president- tears of joy! Right beat might, for once. Gives me hope that anything is possible.

[@arvstephenson1107]

A great live session. And yes that is me in the red jeans and floppy handkerchief hanging out of my back pocket.

[@johnwallach6505]

You, my brother Anthony?

[@ribonucleic]

If he could have been freed by someone writing a great enough song about it, this would have done it.

[@Bootleglizard]

Nelson Mandela is the biggest G

[@dahliaswasfi]

Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela.

[@dave474c]

He lived in peace too.

[@dahliaswasfi]

dave474c Amen. :)

[@joeredtree]

good riddance to bad rubbish.

[@michaelheeheejackson7255]

Oh just another ugly bald fat man

[@Mister_M_YT]

+Dahlia S Wasfi R.I.P

[@TheOFFICIALdaan]

RIP nelson, people will be listening to this for ages to come.

[@EJulieWilliams]

Dear Field Marshal - it's the same with our dear departed Mr. Reagan - give it a few years, and all the people remember is a fuzzy, romantic glow of nostalgia.

[@oughtonoughton2634]

Terry RIP DEAR CHAP , I HAVE ADORED YOU AND YOUR SPECIALS for a life time ,,You have given us great music ,, my heartis so sad you have passed xx lol Jane xx

[@jeroenbroks7462]

There is nobody in this world I respect more than Nelson Mandela. A great loss not only for South Africa but for the world. Today I say goodbye to one of the greatest men who ever walked this Earth. Rest well, Nelson. You shall not be forgotten.

[@kaydenpat]

RIP Mandela! A true hero has passed today.

[@YungQueef]

This song is so important in 2023, literally timeless.

[@nicktaramusic]

R.I.P. and what a great song

[@toolate9494]

Stan Campbell's vocals on this are perfect.

[@BraceillerProductions]

Nelson Mandela....You are now free!

[@munashethondhlana464]

Free the man

[@thebobsful]

PLEASE re-release this for Christmas no.1, such a good tune x RIP Mandela x

[@RetroReminiscing]

Superb song..loved it back then and still do now..and love what its all about and for !

[@Codbeaster1000]

RIP John, you will be missed.

[@richardharrop9482]

I remember this song by The Specials, produced by Elvis Costello. It was released in 1984. A joy to listen to then, and still a joy to listen to now 34 years later! Nelson Mandela was freed and forever rests in eternal peace.

[@TylerHarris333]

Your finally FREE Mr Mandela - RIP your where an inspiration to so many. We played this song at my wedding & my wife & I danced bare footed in celebration.... great memories from then & when it was released in the 80's

[@rippi37]

Wow...that sounds like my kinda wedding !!! Awesome !!!!!!!! Many many more years of happiness and health to you and your wife xxx

[@rajanslee]

This is the first video I liked on KZbin. This is the one which got me to make a KZbin account ten years ago, and I'm proud of that fact.

[@angelamaildin7976]

Beautiful song of tribute. Beautiful memories come along with this song as well...

[@MrCoreyvandal]

Loved this song and its meaning,pity the ANC never understood this and became as corrupt as those before them.

[@maurogiannini4094]

he was one of those men who truly changed the world and made history

[@powerglory736]

no he didn't change anything actually

[@patricksullivan7854]

My 11 year old son has just been taught about this today. He corrected me on time served. '27 not 21 Daddy' . Well now.

[@ThePottsy1993]

God rest the mans soul, peace.RIP Nelson.x

[@greglee91]

RIP Nelson Mandela, one of the most inspirational people to ever have lived

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

He and Winnie and necklacing isn't a good memory

[@anthonyhamm6875]

One of the greatest people in the history of our world has passed on. Farewell Nelson Mandela. The strength of your character, the power of your soul and the light of your love will be forever felt on this material plane of existence. You Mr. Mandela were truly one of the best of us.

[@goldenweather]

The greatest political song of the 20th Century

[@mattyleonard1291]

Preach!

[@joshuaedwards8907]

You damn right there.....👉👉👉

[@Dirk-van-den-Berg]

Not quite. Remember Eddie Grant with his 'Gimme hope Johanna'? Was in Netherlands a bigger hit than this one.

[@matthewchambers6820]

Biko as well

[@stephenjones5380]

Yes!

[@emmi483]

Nelson Mandela died today 4 years ago, RIP. x

[@MJC240373]

A truly insperational iconic human being. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela

[@raynemichelle2996]

It's because of this song, Nelson Mandela was freed. They called this the Mandela Effect.

[@tobo7321]

They put this on in our school and we all cried

[@farraswijaya9267]

RIP nelson mandela..thank you for what you did fighting against apartheid...

[@SighrisSargon]

May Nelson Mandela always be remembered.

[@jbgren]

he'll be !!

[@JeffGannon]

Rest in peace. Brave soul.

[@Margejo7]

R.I.P. to the iconic Claudia Fontaine, ubiquitous British 80's singer, who sang in the chorus on the protest classic, "Free Nelson Mandela". She was part of the duo Afrodiziak with Caron Wheeler (Soul II Soul), as well as backing Elvis Costello in "Everyday I Write the Book", Pink Floyd, Dusty Springfield, Marilyn, etc.

[@fabianocgrj]

RIP Nelson Mandela

[@Gewoonsami]

Is anyone watching this in 2019? I like this song!

[@jeffpan74]

Yes... best 80's

[@jeffpan74]

Yes..best 80's

[@Namaskaat]

Right now before that beers!!!

[@roberttrombetta6566]

Yes

[@leemurray2035]

Absolutely!

[@rachelbarkaoui8736]

My favourite song back in the day ❤️

[@jonathanrogers1248]

Great song for a great man. RIP Nelson Mandela It's a disgrace that Cameron paid tribute to him, when he was a student he called him a terrorist.

[@aiccu]

Yes, it seems that he has changed his words not his mind though. Shame on him and Maggie T.

[@shanksreds352]

Two years ago, I saw this video in my classroom with my friends and even my teacher dancing. That moment is one of my happiest and I can look back on it and smile. Yesterday, the same teacher showed it to us again, and since only a handful of my old class were in this one, I remembered that day and felt like a child again. An hour ago, I found out he died. I will always remember that day, the man and the dream he achieved. "Nelson Mandela has been freed..."

[@pyrogian]

id like say something but no words can do justice this gr8 man live forever in my heart

[@Danesha-kr1yh]

A different world brought me here!!!

[@davutb4612]

This song convinced me that humans can be united in peace again without hatred towards each other.

[@Billy_-sl8lu]

Except Russia

[@johnroach9026]

@@Billy_-sl8lu The Russian people are not at fault, like Apartheid, Russia lacks the right leadership to truly prosper along with the rest of humanity

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

Unless you are aware of Mandela's necklacing...

[@Red7Eric]

R.I.P. Mr. Mandela.

[@anthonyburch8150]

His spirit lives on

[@paulbullock1057]

Never far from my heart Mr Mandela... you guide my spirit Mr Steve Biko 🙏

[@culeyid]

R.I.P. Nelson Mandela. Greatest man to have lived. LEGEND!!

[@imnothereactually]

Make this christmas no.1, the best tribute to a great man

[@summernulty62]

ye they actually should

[@keatesy8436]

Great lyrics and tune. Love the specials

[@trinawilson5604]

RIP, LOVE YOU

[@brokenlibrary2591]

Well, he is TRUELY free now.

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

I don't think he would agree with you; he's not free unless everyone is.

[@owenyounger5315]

I was in a night club when the dj showed on the screen the release of Nelson Mandela as it was late on at night and the specials were playing by the dj afterwards

[@EdwardLing-rs2rp]

If you visit Robben Island this song is played on the ferry on the way over.

[@momoney39401]

When this song came out years ago is when I found out who Mandela was and to see him free from prison and then all day I watched him sworn in as President. We watched all day, my Grandmother, Mother and I. What an impact on the world

[@ru8ic]

R.I.P Nelson Mandela An amazing man that inspired many people

[@BrooklynBounce]

Such a great song and really thought 80s kids about a wonderful man. Rip Nelson Mandela

[@vandolmatzis8146]

we miss you Madiba

[@robto]

RIP. Nelson Mandela. Your work is now complete, you are now finally a free man :)

[@MozziFbFd]

No, It will never be complete, since we don't have equality, even in South Africa. They are still so much poors

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

How is it complete?

[@robto]

RayasNegroOvejas It is complete in a sense he finally brought down Apartheid and bring reconciliation in South Africa. Of course much is to be done when it comes to income inequality and corruption, but this is a job for another person(s). He made is part.

[@aiccu]

RayasNegroOvejas His work is done, he is not with us any longer. You are here, your job is not done. Haven't you heard about this phrase? "As long as you are here your work continues." Nelson Mandela did a lot more than the most people do during their entire lives. He did more than it was humanely possible to do. He needed rest and at last he has a break. I only wish we had more Nelson Mandelas in this world. Politicians nowadays do nothing remarkable. What's gonna happen to us, only heaven knows.

[@macabredemon4763]

R.I.P Nelson Mandela you were and will always be a true inspiration to many around the world you will be missed deeply

[@ruthdixon7807]

that rarest of political records - one that is as joyous as it is earnest.

[@ScruffyTubbles]

The backing vocals are brilliant on this.

[@rogercantwell3622]

Caron Wheeler (later in Soul II Soul) is one of the singers

[@ouledavidepyanu3385]

Those who do not believe that Mandela struggled for a just cause do not want to see justice for all and are up in arms blaming what the whole of humanity has appreciated and put in record of human history.

[@jarellspradley6070]

95yrs of leading and inspiring. He has done all he physically could may he now rest in eternal peace.

[@mummyd1990]

Classic tune,love the specials.