The Specials - Rat Race (Official Music Video)

[@willpower9117]

“Daddy’s Jaguar and sacred college scarf’. Genius lyrics sung by a legend. Boy does he look so cool in this video. RIP you kind and gentle man.

[@davewilson9738]

And sadly f*ck all has changed xD

[@angelatulloch-of4ql]

the stuff to day will never be ass good as what we had

[@markynorthy1878]

Yes man he looks absolutely smooth mate 💯that’s a killer suit 💯

[@Chris-Top-HerB]

R I.P Terry Hall, gone but will never be forgotten. This song sent me on my life's path. The lyrics spoke to me at the age of 12, and I stayed well away from the Rat Race and prospered.

[@hiredgunscotty]

we must be close to the same age....this video rocked my world. Totally unlike anything out there at the time and Terry like the total anti rock star hero.

[@TheVerosyv]

born in 1988 and it saved me too I guess

[@lemsip207]

@@hiredgunscotty I am more Terry's age so this is the music of my early twenties rather than teen years.

[@nevadak3424]

You guys are all so young! I’m glad a new generation will get to know them ! It’s timeless!!

[@Chris-Top-HerB]

@nevada k I first witnessed The Specials and the unmistakable voice of disaffected youth, (2 months shy of 12 years old)in 1979 on the 2Tone tour. With Madness and The Selecter on the bill, that gig opened my eyes and mind. Ska'd for life, as they say. I still get goosebumps thinking about that magical night.

[@markwilson2323]

Caught the mood of our country in the eighties!! Terry Hall legend I owe you a massive debt of gratitude!!

[@mu8554]

RIP Terry Hall,you are an absolute legend and one of my all time heroes .Love to you and your family..

[@jesserothbeind950]

Man the Specials were the soundtrack to my youth. RIP Terry Hall!!

[@debra1232]

I was born in Feb '63 - these bands made our youth magical & unforgettable!! Thank you! So many favourite Brit bands of the late '70s & early -80s to mention, They gave us a diamond youth we treasure to date!! ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@TerenceDrew-p7o]

Best music eva😅

[@elaineharvey99]

I was born 1964😮

[@spud912]

Absolutely spot on . This time of our lives we just lived for fun 🎶👍 I was born 61 Great memories of those carefree days So sad they are gone

[@4002corbe]

I was born in ‘69 and this is me ….

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

so talented and fun, I will always love the Specials, best concert ever !

[@lee4318]

RIP Terry, what a legend! Will be missed.

[@pyannaguy4361]

I'm 72 and these guys have been one of my 2 or 3 fav bands since I brought the album home & heard the first few notes of "A Message To You, Rudy." Friends my age kinda said, "Huh?" I liked how they made anger & alienation & sadness fun & danceable. Too many people hate & stereotype Baby Boomers. It wasn't our fault when we were born. Millions of us have known it's all a bullshit racket all our lives & we've plowed through it & "done our time" with help from bands in each decade in the spirit of The Specials!

[@magustacrae]

Im with ya bud 👊

[@cheapdate2334]

The people that hate on baby boomers are self loathing garbage looking to blame anyone for their shortcomings aka the weakest and most fragile generation

[@paul2602]

Amen

[@Hogy58]

dont worry we never blame the whole generation, solidarity

[@neilwhite3421]

Specials were special and us boomers had the best of it .

[@Trifelivin]

Ska lives forever .... no matter race / religion RIP TERRY 🥰 😭😭

[@dlissett821]

Lived in the UK back then, though born in Australia. Still remember discovering Ska with a mate when we went to see the epic Ska movie Dance Craze. Highlight bands The Specials and The (English). I can still remember the tough 80s UK where Ska was attempting to unite a fractured, battered, weary nation. They succeeded, and produced so many strong hopeful anthems, and melodies. As for Terry Hall, his stage performances were stellar. He will be sadly missed. Gone way to soon, but finally at peace.

[@helenk6347]

Well said

[@JohnCoxon-uy6zi]

I can still remember buying this it sounds as good as it did then

[@Northstander]

As relevant today as it was back then...when there are plenty who would seek to divide our society on precisely those grounds...better together!

[@markynorthy1878]

💯agree with you

[@alanlittle3941]

My fave Specials song. RIP Terry Hall..thanks for making my childhood even more enjoyable

[@andyinnes2178]

I was lucky enough to go see the two tone tour back in 1980. The Selector, Madness and the Specials all in one gig. And to top it all, only a couple of hundred people at the gig. Those were the days.

[@irishtino1595]

60 years old and I remember this like it was yesterday, I was in college, loved this album. What a unique sound and sadly short-lived band. I think the Specials were not been given the credit they really deserved. Granted in 1980 there were so many post-punk and "new wave" bands, it's often hard to rank them, but the Specials will rise up as future critics look at this time period. See you all in the FUTURE!

[@andrewellis3326]

there still going now same guys.✌🍻

[@andrewellis3326]

stranglers i havea soft spot as well that deep bass sound is so infectious.as the 2 tone the beat and the selector🤼‍♀️🤼‍♀️🤼‍♀️👍

[@philwright8666]

@@andrewellis3326 3 of the same guys only!

[@rosemarycuthbert4623]

They were absolutely brilliant

[@shayneoneill1506]

The specials where the band that helped bring down Apartheid by making every kid on the planet into an implacable foe of Apartheid and racist govts. I'd say they've definately earned their place in the pantheon of rock and roll heroes.

[@pauledwards499]

Sad, sad night. RIP Terry, true legend. Thanks for the memories ❤💔

[@suze283]

Terry Hall was a legend, their music was so much a product of its time and still so relevant, they don't make them like this anymore. Rest in power Terry Hall, your love and your enthusiasm and your sheer genius is timeless and will live forever. 💙

[@colingeddes2172]

💯 i must admit as 13 year old i absolutely loved this tune, but i was so into the jam at the time circ 1980 i didnt fully appreciate the influence the specials had on society at the time. R i p terry hall. Gone far too soon.❤

[@RafaelSale]

The Specials and Madness were my favorite Ska bands of the early 80s. Their songs were always upbeat and made want to dance.

[@FFM0594]

The Specials, Madness and The Beat. Don't forget The Beat!

[@Nttmf]

Same here! Can’t understand the comment above, the black guy still being angry.

[@njh1811]

Makes me feel 12 years old again, fantastic. RIP Terry.

[@michaelburke7742]

Very big thank you to Terry Hall and The Specials for all the brilliant music.

[@jamesbiggs9936]

RIP Terry Hall. This track always touched me emotionally for reasons I could never properly comprehend. Now it simply emotes as a memory from a lost youth.

[@kennyfrost9366]

Remember listening to the specials whilst locked up in norwich prison in the late 70,s and skanking in the cell.Hard to get a radio in those days.Been a good boy since but have fond memorys of the specials.

[@misteredison2175]

I did my Time and moved on too Brother! We're good men for it!

[@FHIPrincePeter]

I think they dedicated their first tune to you: "message to you Rudy!"

[@themanorSka]

😂😂👍

[@PrAnG2000]

R.I.P. John Bradbury. Over 4 years gone, but never forgotten. Thanks for the music Mr. Funky drummer.

[@kameronnaeole7680]

Hes very underrated

[@syky145]

Thanks mate

[@alexbonham2361]

As a drummer he of my favourites

[@julieeales]

💕💕💕

[@geoffreyjonathanwilson5826]

Absolutely!

[@awwmann8821]

Im 54 now loved these back when i was a teen still relevant today rip j b

[@BzAdt]

Why are old old vids by the Specials suddenly showing up in my feed? Sometimes the internet does do good deeds. Both songs were ones I didn’t know. Great stuff!

[@TBHTV]

Same 😂

[@shadouk6737]

One of my fave Specials tunes. RIP Terry.

[@Perditah1]

RIP Terry you were the voice of a generation, thank you

[@FoolishFlock]

THE SPECIALS WILL FOREVER BE WITH ME!!!... LOVE THEM SO MUCH!! .R.I.P. TO: ALL OF THE SPECIALS MEMBERS THAT HAVE SADLY PASSED-AWAY!!! MAY THEY BE AT PEACE!!! AND!! REST!! GOD-BLESS!!!...

[@roomark2]

Wow 12 days ago And now Terry 😪 RIP

[@misteredison2175]

When I was a young man, I was in a band in the U.S. that opened up for these wonderful guys!

[@campingdelarivierecharente1653]

Gary Pauls

[@mordiga]

his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson.his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson. his name was robert paulson.

[@ColumRogers]

Wow, what an opportunity. What was your band?

[@amigodeisrael6231]

Robert what?

[@kevinpawlett5030]

Nice one mate

[@stefanodeangelis3498]

R.I.P. Terry. Che la terra ti sia lieve. Saluti da un MOD italiano.

[@flaviomancuso6205]

R.I.P. Terry da un Rocker... Rockers rule!

[@kdw712]

this song hasn't aged at all - still sounds fantastic

[@TerenceDrew-p7o]

Brilliant I'm 57 and still stomp on to two tone great music and era we may have been poor but we had great music 😊

[@notlob23]

The lyrics of the specials rang true when I was 14. They speak volumes today and I'm now 51!nothing has changed...only for the worse.

[@reprazenter1968]

Grover Bennington I know exactly what you mean am same age grew up under thatcher was a complete disenfranchised youth and 2 tone gave me hope

[@andrewwaterhouse9671]

The music was excellent the politics were shift.

[@eboydens]

53 and I can only agree

[@stevesims4243]

Well said

[@bruce5799]

At least the music,tv and movies were much,much better than today.

[@wididididididi8693]

I am a high school student in my last year. At first, I couldnt litsen to the lyrics because of how scarily true they were to my situation. "Your working at your leisure, to learn the things you don't need. The promises you make tommorow, will carry no garuntee" Working for the rat race. Your know your wasting your time" More people need to hear this because this message is so damn powerful.

[@MexicanMarine]

The promises you make tomorrow will carry no guarantee: This best line in the song and so true.

[@zosogirl]

Loved these guys I was just leaving school and looking for work YTs .My first boyfriend bought me the vinyl he's sadly long passed away, but I listen to this and think about all our loved ones who are no longer with us..RIP Terry Hall 🙏💯❤️

[@rogertucker1579]

they were good times full of good people and music sadly time claims both but the music and their memories live on,

[@jamesmilne2455]

Schooldays in the late 70's/early 80's were the days of the specials and madness

[@Kitty-t7h]

Im 13 and im so gald my parents introduced me to bands like the specials,madness manowar!Brilliant.My kids will grow up to live these

[@Hellwyck]

If your parents listen to Manowar and Madness, they're good people.

[@deanodeano8604]

Don't know about anyone else, these songs from this era just make me so happy but also quite emotional now (doesn't stop me listening- thank god for KZbin!) Age has crept up & the lyrics now make sense. Brilliant!

[@soapsportsnews5727]

100% Wish I grew up in those days. Proper music! Lyrics hit different too

[@diamonddog4708]

Same here Deano Even just the sound of this band floods me with nostalgia for my youth. It's almost palpable. Happy times

[@Jane-ie1hp]

Terry in those glasses, think my heart just burst out of my chest

[@argusclips1703]

One of my favorite songs from the Specials. Reminds me of great moments and fears of my youth. Saw them live in Hamburg, big fun.

[@kingdodo148]

Nice

[@Tyronepowerful]

One of the best ska bands ever! “SPECIAL”

[@glennreeve9686]

I loved this song.Terry was indeed........ SPECIAL. I am shocked to hear of his passing.

[@scottmeeker9971]

The first time I heard Specials, I was 15 and on top of the world. Thank you for the memories Terry.

[@DekerDeepfake]

He's got the google smart glasses and he see's your whole criminal history and you sir are in the rat race...

[@5boris5]

RIP John - a special drummer in a special band.

[@davidg.9932]

In the 80's we had names for certain types of music... We called this Genre, Two Tone.. English beat, Madness, The Selector.. We hungered for U.K. Ska /Two Tone music.. We were satisfied..

[@pgmurray76]

The piano in this is so well done. I feel this song is perfection. I've met people just like Terry over the decades and they were fine regarding not wanting to be in the rat race.

[@ehvway]

I wish I heard this song when I was working my first job!

[@caneruzal1116]

RIP John Bradbury Still relevant today. Brilliant drummer, RIP JB

[@kjamison5951]

56 and I remember this clearly when it was first released. I was tapping my feet to this as it played, and singing along. Thank you!

[@themanftheworld8439]

1980

[@lupo0144]

From a time you knew what music someone loved just by the way they dressed walking down the street!

[@miaschu8175]

Kinda. I loved a real mix - Duran Duran, The Specials, Madness, The Jam, Soft Cell. You'd never have worked out my taste from my pencil skirt, blouse and stilettos :D

[@tobiex4861]

@@miaschu8175 i love the jam and soft cell too😎

[@darrenowen3338]

You're right Bill. I remember it just like that. I was into Rockabilly music, although I appreciated other sounds like this one. You had to watch carefully where you went!

[@leeroberts8114]

Is me today, Bill. 52yr old guy just going the shops, in MA1 green pilot jacket, Treasure Isle t-shirt, turned up Levi 501's and black Doc shoes..Style never goes out of fashion..KTF

[@daveshaw2342]

@@leeroberts8114 the specials from a time when you had youth culture . Mods, rockers , rockabilly, Ted's, punk, new wave, new romantics, rasta,soul boys, psycho Billy's, ska boys, skins, goths, glam rockers , etc etc where has youth culture gone ?

[@kentborges5114]

MR. HALL, YOU LEFT US TOO SOON...DAMN IT ! R.I.P. TERRY.

[@philwright8653]

This is just brilliant. A timeless classic. One of their best singles.

[@TheSpaniellover]

RIP Terry. 😢

[@diamonddog4708]

Brilliant band, brilliant song, brilliant album, brilliant era. Happy Days, when the UK was a great place to live, Happy Days

[@carldyson9342]

R.I.P Terry wish I could go back to 1979 I was 17 listening to Madness, The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat,Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers loved it

[@dadmamouth]

i know loads of people who say roddy radiation is not that good and overrated but in songs like this, he shows how good he is. amazing band, COVENTRYS FINEST!!

[@michaelhoggarth89]

Mrs H .. This is one of my earliest records I bought ..75p..on a 45.....If I remember correctly... You can NEVER replace Classic songs.. I love you Terry..Goodnight & God Bless

[@arita2006]

What a brilliant song! I left school 40 years ago today - and this was the last single I bought before I left.

[@gillianjames3875]

Cool 👏❤🌹

[@PeteBurns-xv2fz]

My god....how evocative is this music !!!!....i absolutely love the specials.....i can NOT believe so many years have gone by in my life 😪

[@colinpumpernickel2605]

They have a new single out. "Working at home for the rat race."

[@nickprica3127]

nice one

[@colinpumpernickel2605]

@@nickprica3127 cheers nick. It took a month to get a reply. I was rather pleased with my comment.

[@marimbadearco]

Locked Down in a 🐀 Race

[@eggsykingsmans674]

Brill comment! 😂😂

[@mbrady2329]

Working at Home for the Rat Race (with a sneaky side gig, and a pint on the side).

[@venustus129]

Loved these as a kid. Still do. The music was much better back then, punk and ska ! Great memories, 52 now !

[@Robcatist]

Don’t think any other group captured the mood in this country at the time better, looking at this takes me straight back to middle school.

[@honiideslysses12]

What a brief magical moment in pop music history when punk and reggae made a great collaborative effort and produced a mini movement.

[@oludotunjohnshowemimo434]

It was Ska combined with punk to create 2 tone. Bands such as Madness, Selector and The Specials were emerging and thriving.

[@ladyrcursed666]

AGREED

[@proinseasokiellig4388]

@@oludotunjohnshowemimo434 Pedantic much... The Clash-SLF -Slits- PIL-Ruts were taking from Reggae...there is a definite connection

[@rosemarycuthbert4623]

Amazing time. I was at school and loved all of their songs. Bringing black and white musicians together while slagging off materialism and the Tories against the backdrop of Thatcher and the race riots. Brilliant

[@TdT2211]

You did alright Terry. Carry on now. We will see you again. And thank you for the love! 🌹👊✌❤🤝

[@gogoyubari366]

The Specials were special.

[@jonathanhadley2555]

Billy Jack The Specials are still Special;-)

[@buzby303]

Billy Jack Definitely 👍🏼

[@MacaqueStinx]

They were, are, and always will be.

[@kingdodo148]

Still are 😎

[@kingdodo1448]

Yep

[@gotsunshine2]

Introduced in 82. I was never the same. The sound is etched in my soul. When I hear their music ….everything falls away and I am right back there and I feel that vibe. Perfection.

[@GenMaster124]

Terry hall’s music was part of my teenage years…RIP Terry 😢😢

[@alanlittle3941]

1980. THE best times. RIP Terry ❤

[@mikeohagan2206]

the musicians who played the soundtrack of my life are fading away, but i am thankfull as i am glad to have been on this rock at the same time as they were.

[@darrylwiggins4799]

Good night,Terry,your marvelous efforts were not in vain.Especially for a boy in new jersey who first heard you in the radio 40 years ago.

[@notlob23]

RIP Terry. Thanks for the music of my youth. Another fabulous talent gone.😞Xx

[@WarrenCromartie2]

A very 'special' band. Love them. The 2Tone movement was a cultural triumph in the UK.

[@RichieReportsUK_UKCNews]

A superb era in music, which came along at the exact time that I was just getting into music! I still have this track on a 7 inch single!

[@PaulBrennan-b6m]

I am from a different subculture the Specials the No 1 Ska band for me R.I.P Terry Hall respect from a Teddy Boy 🎙️📻🎹🎷🤝🙏

[@notlob23]

Imagine as a 16 year old, Terry Hall invigilating your exam. This generation would achieve the highest results ever. What an inspiration...

[@stephenwride5695]

This makes a 64 year old so nostalgic for such a fantastic time for music but we didn't realize at the time how great it was

[@frannsh5100]

Love the tweaking of the piano strings at the top of this track.. classic..

[@London1064]

Another Gem of a tune. RIP Terry. You have served well.

[@LFOVCF]

RIP John Bradbury

[@space.pirate481]

+LFOVCF and rico rodriguez

[@PetitBerurier29]

+LFOVCF skank in peace!

[@geoffreyjonathanwilson5826]

Absolutely ! RIP Bradders !

[@milesjolly6173]

Wish I could’ve had the Specials playing during my exams lol 😂

[@HegelianMetaphysics]

These guys killed it with every single song and every single cover they did. They were so amazing. They were way before my time but they're like my Beatles, man.

[@stevleb]

56 years old. Trilby hat, tight trousers up my ankles, white socks, Harrington jacket and loafers. Long live those memories! Rip Terry Hall

[@teefrancis6005]

Me too. 56 this year, used to go to school in loafers and Harrington jacket. Terry was my idol. The Specials were my connection to a world that I felt disconnected to. I now live in Ireland, off -grid with 10 acres of land. Pleased to not be part of the Rat Race. RIP Terry.

[@somebody.5402]

It is the likes of the specials that are missing from this present world. Them and other bands helped to bring changes. Terry is greatly missed.

[@nyterpfan]

One of the early MTV classics---(Terry Hall was a great front man--very underrated!!)

[@obssesionbeauty5273]

Published on Jul 14, 2007 Music video by The Specials performing Rat Race

[@yusupmaulana8879]

RIP..sir terry...you are the best......i miss you..from jakarta indonesia

[@reecetravers559]

Rest In peace terry, your an absolute legend! This song is pure childhood for me! Brings me to tears every time! Much love brother x

[@_______________________JUNiOR7]

Rest in peace uncle Terry 💔

[@thebestguru4736]

I'm 50 years old , I saw these and all he two tone bands many times , it was what it was then , stop annalizing and enjoy the good times we all had , xxx

[@Multi1628]

Analyzing. I just stopped & am now enjoying....

[@ludekfierlinger4156]

Annalizing is much better word .lol

[@notlob23]

Was a kid when I bought this on 7" vinyl. Now 57 and a 'fed up' teacher. Not because I hate the job but because the kids are still being taught the world is a 'perfume garden' . All this for performance tables..maths til you're 18 Mr. Ballsack ?🤣 Let's all just be able to ' teach and learn' again and enjoy it. D' you know you're wasting your time...

[@enfieldjohn101]

I love how the keyboardist is playing both the keys and the wires inside the instrument. So clever!

[@jasonleemamanddad]

am 47 years old man r.i.p terry hall legend grow up on this music ska and still do thanks for your music( the specials )ska never gone lives on

[@philwright8653]

Brilliant. One of their best singles. Great lyrics by Roddy.

[@spud912]

I absolutely love this track . Seeing a very young Brad and Terry here it doesn't ring true that they are no longer with us .I'm 63 now and they both died at 62 and 63 respectively This so reminds me of being in my early 20's and going up to Yarmouth for the weekend and hitting the clubs &pubs and hearing this . Happy days which I miss 🎶🎵

[@1989NickyD]

Brilliant drummer, RIP JB

[@MaxineSinclair-r4b]

I remember when that song come out in 1980.I did get one art o level but went on to get six after that having to repeat a year at school.😂😂

[@dixonpinfold2582]

That plucking the piano strings makes a marvellous sound.

[@ClaudiaGonzalezKinkyFloyd]

Sounds like a harpsichord ❤

[@dixonpinfold2582]

@@ClaudiaGonzalezKinkyFloyd Exactly how a harpsichord works, as I understand it: by plucking rather than by being struck. Which is why there's no adjusting its volume. (I've probably said something not quite right there, but that's what I gather.)

[@ACat-pm8kx]

Put this on the jukebox in my local the other night and EVERYONE sang along 😂👍🏼🕴🏼

[@jimmcfarlane5611]

I think 1977 to 1983 was a great period for music

[@jeanklutz7236]

One of the early MTV classics---(Terry Hall was a great front man--very underrated!!) RIP John - a special drummer in a special band.

[@vandrossfan5822]

One of my favourite songs by the Specials, just love it, serious good days back then, ska'd for life.

[@kjamison5951]

A genius band that brought Ska to many people who would have otherwise overlooked this upbeat tone yet downbeat reflection on society expectations. RIP Terry Hall and John Bradbury. Shout out to the other band members throughout the years.

[@mixreggaeton9617]

"I got one university degree, it did nothing for me" - 2016 When I was a young man, I was in a band in the U.S. that opened up for these wonderful guys!