The Specials - What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend (Official Music Video)

Music video by The Special AKA performing What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend
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Lyrics:
Hello and how are you and how do you do?
And who is that girl standing right next to you?
And what is her name and what does she do?
I'm looking at her while I'm talking to you
Her love must be sweeter than candy
Must be stronger than brandy
Why does she like you not me?
Can I buy you a drink?
You seem a decent chap
I'm friendly to your face but behind your back
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
Her love must be sweeter than candy
Must be stronger than brandy
Why does she like you not me?
I agree with what you say, I think that it's true
Your girlfriend has only got one fault, that's you
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
When will we meet again and where will it be?
Why don't you both come over to my house for tea?
I'd rather she came round on her own, yes it's true
Your girlfriend is what I like most about you
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
What I like most about you is your girlfriend, it's true
#TheSpecials #ChrysalisRecords

[@Digscomics]

I hate it when I go out to the black sweater club in my sailor outfit, just looking for a quick drink, and then an alien lands and tries to steal my girlfriend. Still, that's Shoreditch for you.

[@Digscomics]

Steviemtothec You're not very good at trolling.

[@Steviemtothec]

Digscomics its not really trolling is it.....i can only imagine that you read tabloid newspapers for you to come to that conclusion.

[@Digscomics]

Steviemtothec Look, Steve, I don't know why you're doing this. It was a drunken one-night stand, I told you at the time that I wasn't looking for a relationship, and yet you keep pulling passive-aggressive shit like this in what I can only assume is the hope of shaming me into getting back together with you. It's not going to happen. Move on.

[@Steviemtothec]

Digscomics yawn...poor effort lad.

[@Digscomics]

Steviemtothec That's not what you said at the time.

[@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan]

Everyone in this video is totally in command of their style and attitude.

[@johnnyblade6088]

@Who Cares That sounds about right.

[@powertothepeople3820]

Dont forget the dancing that's in sync to the beat ha

[@toiletpaper5770]

@Who Cares ...bummer

[@45anon45]

Singer seems to have styled himself on Ian Brady.

[@JamBadguy]

nah im in more command

[@deantunkara1567]

Kathryn Hardy (the girlfriend in the video) was a sight to behold.

[@adinocc2042]

Yup!

[@SmartCookie2022]

What else was she in? I must admit I'm unfamiliar with her work.

[@rickdee7179]

The girl's haircut was the coolest 80's style. Loved it then, and love it now!

[@bburns]

Same here - I first saw it in high school 1986!

[@chad_8110]

It's the 1920's bob haircut that was popular with the flappers.

[@billsinclair6515]

as someone said, this is the Special AKA. including Rhoda Dakar from the Bodysnatchers, I played in a band (Thisr2Tone) with her and nik walsh supporting the Proclaimers many moons ago, she's still got it baby

[@dirtworksbmxofficial3453]

Toothless bite. Total genius. Maybe the best annotated song of all time. The brass sets the simplicity afire. If you are reading this and listening, and you want to make magic… this is the template 👊😎❤️❤️❤️😉

[@michellebabicz2143]

Just can’t get why Jerry Dammers is so underrated. Everything he does is iconic. Plus his humour is legendary. Love you, mate!

[@davidbone2046]

This song is creepy!

[@Valeria-wf4bd]

I don't know, cause he was an ugly band partner? That causes the band got separated..

[@SpyguyStudios]

His name is too close to Jeffrey Dahmer's

[@3leggedsharkkickssurferinballs]

@@SpyguyStudios That made me laugh as I was thinking the same thing. Pretty sure Jerry would be more fun to hang out with, though.

[@F4GRAPHICS]

I think it's cos they're still 'The Specials' and this is definitely a different vibe. If it had just been an altogether different namesake band, people wouldn't have been a bit taken aback I imagine when this came out, having been used to the Specials previous discography. I agree though this is brilliant in its own right.

[@phillipprosser8308]

I left school in 81 and never fully appreciated the amazing contribution the specials made to 70's and 80's music. In later years, I so wish I had embraced them as the music legend they truly are!

[@lincbond442]

The girlfriend in this video is absolutely stunning. Her mannerisms and attitude channel the perfect hot 80's chick.

[@JRStephens5005]

Yep. She's smoking hot.

[@adinocc2042]

She's awesome!

[@crashvelvet]

I have been looking for this video since it aired, like ONCE, literally, on MTV back in 1984. I have thought of this video ever since. It was amazing to me then, and I see, today, why. Thank you so very much for uploading this video - I didn't think it could be found! I love you!

[@ceecoursian]

crashvelvet I think I saw it one on 120 minutes and then never again

[@michaelearthling]

glad your life goal could be achieved with the invention of youtube crashvelvet. 👍

[@crashvelvet]

@@michaelearthling It was so obscure, in the coolest of ways. Moody, brilliant. It was there, and then it was gone. In the late 90s, I saw these guys in a small bar by the beach in San Diego. I actually flirted w/them. Don't know what I said as I was on autopilot. Wow. Another Life Goal = ✔

[@stumagoo2395]

Dammers always made his videos entertaining with his artistry and humour. He also made the Rat Race video amusing by dressing up as a female music teacher with hair in a bun and then capped it all off by smiling at the camera with that famous toothless grin. Legend.

[@andrewbeale2585]

RIP Terry Hall, gone at just 63, truly unbelievable and terrible news. I saw him after The Specials reunited in 2009, at the Hammersmith Apollo. He stood stock still in the middle of the stage, while the crowd went wild. Just brilliant. Also saw Jerry Dammers alone supporting Madness at Wembley, what a shame he couldn't work it out with the rest of the the Specials and with his old mate Terry Hall, I am sure he regrets this now. This song is one of their underrated ones, and completely brilliant.

[@paulwalsh8959]

Don't think Mr Hall was involved with The Specials here

[@astonishingpatchedits]

@@paulwalsh8959He had left by then.

[@mikefiftynine]

Jerry Dammers is singing the song.

[@astonishingpatchedits]

@@mikefiftynine He sure is.

[@johnozed]

Jerry wanted the Specials to do new material, the rest of the band were content being an oldies act.

[@geekpie100]

I don't have words to describe how good this is.

[@DD-ev2dt]

Such a great jazz feel to this ..... SPECIAL AKA "What I like most about you (Is your girlfriend) classic The genius that is Jerry Dammers 😎✌️👍.

[@johnnyjabsco1999]

Jerry Dammers. So cool. Legend.

[@nevetsgnil1962]

This is an excellent track from the mind of the great Jerry dammers. I saw him with the spatial aka orchestra support madness at O2 arena London they were incredible.

[@Martsapso21]

I first watched this as a kid so I couldn't really appreciate the epicness of the whole thing. Pure brilliance!

[@chrisackerley1842]

God, how I miss the 80's!

[@rackpunch3872]

@@chrisackerley1842 I watched 1984 Top Of The Pops yesterday - Paul McCartney in his naff stage, Neil from The Young Ones, Chaka Khan doing some disco shit.... There was a lot of dross too.

[@Littlemouse884]

The Sailor boy looks like an incredibly handsome model. I wonder where he is now in 2024 ?. Be interesting to have an update with all the actors in this vidio

[@Tommorows-Dream]

Apparently hes a teacher now!

[@Littlemouse884]

@@Tommorows-Dream cheers

[@Littlemouse884]

​@Tommorows-Dream i know you're joking 😆

[@subscriberightnoworillfindyou]

@@Littlemouse884it’s true he teaches dt at cornelius vermuyden

[@samlearmonth818]

apparently this was originally supposed to be the guide vocal that one of the actual singers was to rerecord but couldn't actually nail it and they decided his vocal actually worked better. When you listen to the rest of the album it's very serious and quite heavy themes... it's almost as if all the humour has been condensed into this one track

[@bongobohemia72]

JohnShipley, guitar, has become a good friend and rehearses around the corner from me. After a long spell in hospital he is in the best health of his life and very focussed. I was in a band with him recently till splitting due to other members being dicks. John was great! He is still on the rock n roll, moaning about royalties and attending clubs. Bless the talented, old loveable rogue.Long may you blitz the awesome wisdom mate!

[@kingelvis1977d]

For Mike( on what would have been his 58th birthday ) a real favourite of his . Miss you my friend . Nobody else will ever get the jokes we had with this song . Damn !

[@SOFAJEDI]

So glad I've rediscovered this gem. Classic song with great humour.

[@MunkiZee]

Perhaps it's time to revisit again

[@patkelly8309]

@@MunkiZee Again and again and again

[@suehiggins1488]

I've been binge watching stuff by the Specials, and I don't think I'd ever seen this! I love everything about it. The dance moves at 1:56!!

[@StuJWarby]

The dancers were a group of lads from Manchester (and recording artists in their own right) called The Jazz Defektors.

[@glengamble526]

That literally has to be the prettiest man I have ever seen. And no, I don’t mean Dammers.

[@gregbennett9166]

This song's relevance will not depart us, It is a classic I love it and should not leave our collective memory

[@London1064]

Blimey, just been transported back to the early eighties. 👍👍👍

[@YTFee1]

love the horns in this track

[@andydinsdale]

Yes, they are great!!!

[@john-danson3113]

What a re-discovery. It's no wonder Dammers got the Ivor Novello award. You just cannot wear this out. A good book lying dormant in a library crypt for too long.

[@michaelwilson6483]

There's no set time for a library book in a crypt to be left unread, if its meant to be reread then it will get read again

[@TheNcc1701xyz]

at around the 2:00 minute mark, Jerry starts channelling Chico Marx's style of playing piano and Harpo Marx's mannerisms! sooo cool

[@oughtonoughton2634]

RIP Terry , you will always be so special to us your fans , ive adored you since your beginning xx RIP XX YOU arr much too young to pass away xx Jane 💙💙

[@bastiendidier6329]

Just discovered ans loved it immediatly ! Didnt Know that song altough I’m a Specials’ fan for 30 years now 😮

[@marymac2113]

One of the best songs and videos to come out of the 80s

[@davidm113]

oh my days I was looking for this tune for 40 years

[@erikvanern6178]

R.I.P. TERRY HALL!!!

[@bradspringer2372]

I can't stop watching this. Pure gold.

[@throwachair]

every day, it's top !

[@karlonio]

i think between us both we must have all the views. i've watched this so many times at this stage i feel a little obsessed!

[@youalreadyknow5039]

Been into SKA since the mid 80’s. Love this band...So, in answer to you question... Yeah buddy... still listening to them in 2020...!!!!!!!!!! Rude boys and Rude girls...SKANK TILL YA RANK AND BOP TILL YA DROP.... Keep SKA alive....

[@Princesswarrior123]

Blown away by dis fantastic tune, and Rhonda darker is amazing 😊

[@MR-qp2np]

Rip Terry so sad 🥺 xx legends never die 🕊️🕊️

[@mollymckenna3943]

One of my fave bands!! 13 and i collect vinyl, just love being able to put the needle on a record and hearing the crackling before a song :)

[@michaelearthling]

happy 21st Molly 🎁

[@eily_b]

@@michaelearthling Let's hope she is still into good music on vinyl...

[@cowboys360]

two musical geniuses of my life time jerry dammers and paul weller

[@chrisackerley1842]

Simply the best music video ever made. Period.

[@michaelearthling]

bold statement! makes me wonder if you've ever seen Red Hot Chilli Peepers 'Californication'.

[@Tommorows-Dream]

Its defo in my top 10!! first place for me is Drip Fed Fred by madness

[@Teeveepicksures]

😂​@@michaelearthling

[@anmccfee3235]

This is Specials AKA, It's a copyright thing, isn't it, dunno, Ah well...This is Jerry Dammers, freakin' hilarious. So glad he did this!!!!

[@darenpoole7555]

The Specials were The Special AKA when they released Gangsters, they simply went back to the original name for the updated line up of the band.

[@paulrichards2350]

Saw them at the Top rank club in Sheffield when I was 15 “ best fuckin band in the world “ still are

[@tonybonnici5920]

I haven't heard this gem in years... Thank you algorithm for bringing this on my feed

[@lucabernardi8138]

Porca miseria! Si un opera d'arte! Arte degli 70/80. Mai visto il video prima di tre settimane fa e non riesco a togliermelo dalla testa. La ragazza la conosco ma non sono mai riuscito a parlarci! La incontrerò un giorno perché questo video ha fermato il tempo e il suo ritmo è ipnotico.

[@KevTheImpaler]

Maybe the best video I've ever seen.

[@PlanetBongoSan]

one of those songs where we've all been there, on both sides of the coin. Brilliant arrangement, hooky as feck

[@pigknickers2975]

so true, both sides as you say

[@petracampbell2907]

Such a clever and witty song. Those were the days.

[@haleyheavenhill7680]

Absolutely fabulous song, so cool sounding and it’s unusual but amazing at the same time!

[@MarioGarde1965]

Great JERRY DAMMERS, a Soulful SPECIAL Mind of a great British SKA-Band like the SPECIALS !!! I Love the Specials-Sound and i love the Jerry compositions and swingin' arrangements of his songs... He's just The Man I love! ;-) mm65

[@joshuaedwards4536]

Anyone still listening to this 80s classic song, in June 2020, despite being locked down?......👍👍👍💯💯💃🕺💃🕺😷😷

[@brokensilence6790]

Yeah. Writing music too.

[@krismorelock]

Never forget it!

[@hectorhector3819]

2028

[@Jod3lay]

Haven't heard this for over 35 years!! I almost forgot this one, but it's still awesome!! Thank you YT algorithm

[@JEEROFUKU]

Of course, mate✊🏻

[@stumagoo2395]

Dammers had to sing this song as Stan Campbell (Special AKA's lead singer) had walked out of the band before they'd finished recording the album. Brilliant video, typical Dammers sense of humour.

[@claudineilustosa2700]

Beautiful girl...one of the most beautiful woman in history

[@Earhairy]

Apparently, this is her, Valerie, in the Swinging Cats. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXrbaamKas-KhJY

[@peter_aka_hamamass]

Always loved this song, the video completes it. Funny 😁 Great lyrics. A masterpiece 👌🏻

[@louisdeangelis2535]

This is the definition of spectacular

[@stevegasparutti8341]

Love the Matt Bianco feel

[@MrUndersolo]

First time seeing the “official video”. Did not know about the sci-fi angle... Still one of my favourites! 🛸👽

[@nigelcarren]

As a midlands man, how the hell did I not hear this before now? Another unashamedly out-there love me or hate me I really don't care track. Awesome 🏆

[@markcolston7043]

love the specails,hard core 80s.outstanding!!

[@4petelol]

Must've added 100+ views to this myself, BRILLIANT track.

[@timhall3575]

Perfection. Love this track

[@Jer0867]

Happy 65th birthday to Jerry Dammers today!

[@jcbairmaster73]

They where a good group,and a real spearhead of the "Two Tone" movement.I loved it and still do,stuck in a timewarp really,skinhead reggae,Northern Soul,sixties ska,I,ll stay here I think.good on you mate.

[@goldtopgrandeur6935]

I don't think this song has much to do with 60's ska or even the Two Tone Movement...It's just goofy falsetto carnival music.

[@Isi-1975]

I always liked this song, and I like it's mean-spirited lyrics where the boyfriend is called a loser, but it's fun to see the video switch it around to make the singer the loser.

[@deesighfa7585]

Hello, Sailor! What a good looking fella.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

No kidding! I wonder who he is /was?

[@kitty9374]

Sarcastically Deranged I want to know too

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Now is not the time Someone else commented that he was their stepfather, but they never responded to any questions.

[@tobydavies6366]

The guy was a Londoner called Brett who was at Coventry Polytechnic in early 80’s.Also appeared in Levi’s ad with Edddie Kidd,I think.

[@MrShardrain]

@@tobydavies6366 he taught me at school two years ago

[@rackpunch3872]

What a great video! I've spent the week since Terry died on youtube looking up everything Specials and Fun Boy Three related.

[@isalennon]

Such a beautiful couple 😯

[@jcbairmaster73]

I,ve never to Newcastle,been over the Tyne bridge and seen the likely lads many a time,but as you know bud,music pervades all cultures,speaks all languages and unites people,it is the universal language we all speak.I love Tamla Motown too incidentally.Good on you for lovin good music.

[@carolinekstanley]

One of my favourite songs since I first heard it in the eighties...class

[@bigbadbillb]

Correction: This is The Special AKA.....different incarnation of The Specials. Terry Hall, Neville Staples and Lynval Golding weren't in this lineup.

[@00razmataz]

I must agree one of the best video's. So eccentric and oh so well executed. I can see and hear it time and again.

[@danielscissorhands]

Why would you put an apostrophe in the word videos?

[@racketman2u]

Us anarchist's like to fuck with people's head's like that.

[@apileofcocaine6855]

racketman2u grow up get a job and stop throwing chairs through windows and punching people

[@lucalittler]

I've been listening to the specials all my life when I first heard gangsters on the radio when I was 3 doing an electrician job with my dad and I went mad

[@630FSmunox]

I would have loved to see the specials live!

[@sofiaplatini1148]

God I love the specials too.. been a fan for 42 years. And had a soft spot for jerry Dammers lynval Golding and Neville staples too

[@keith-leecastle6700]

Amazing tune and Jerry Dammers amazing man.

[@btswmack]

I love this video and song! I can't stop watching it. ❤

[@andyp123456]

If only I could find a club where they played The Specials and everybody danced like that, I would be there every night.

[@christinabobsquarepants1210]

If you happen to find a club that plays nothing but ska, let me and everyone else here know!

[@rackpunch3872]

@@christinabobsquarepants1210 Gaz's Rockin Blues at The St Moritz in Wardour St is still going.

[@christinabobsquarepants1210]

@@rackpunch3872 I live in NJ. Is that in NJ?

[@rackpunch4026]

Sadly, no. Soho in London.

[@christinabobsquarepants1210]

@@rackpunch4026 yikes! That’s a little too far for me haha. I would assume that there would be lots of ska nightclubs across Great Britain in general, considering the fact that it is the birthplace of ska.

[@maxinesymmons9711]

Still got my original vinal of this...still love it 😁

[@tweg666]

All anyone needs is classic inspirational genius to help get through one day further in life.

[@ronaldvanveen2433]

Superb song!

[@Andrew.Stuart]

Awesome video and was is now a classic album too

[@SrPompeyo]

Nave espacial cortesía de Ed Wood / Marinero de Fassbinder / Bombón ochentoso / Negros valijas / Un tipo cool a pesar de la ausencia de comedor frontal / Un título de canción que da para estampar en una remera / Los Specials / La vida es bella.

[@BioDieselEstate]

Jerry Dammers. Such an all round Top Muso. What a shame the beef has been carried on into a new century. You know, you can say "the door is open" but, if party invitations are only sent to certain people, only those people will attend. I reiterate: What a shame. Dammers belongs in The Specials. Their latest album is astonishing. A massive gift to us fans who never expected anything of the sort. Thank You, chaps.

[@imdemonhyrule3791]

Love this! One if the most coolest song's ever! :D

[@curestruck]

How fun

[@garymmx]

Quite brilliant and incredible how it stayed the test of time.

[@CasimirLeYeti]

The subtle fragrance of the venom of the hypocritical courtier...

[@laemily4412]

Love this video love it!!

[@Dazzerol]

Jerry has an odd singing voice but strangly hypnotic. Wonder why this was the only time he ever took lead vocal.

[@samlearmonth818]

apparently this was originally supposed to be the guide vocal that one of the actual singers was to rerecord but couldn't actually nail it and they decided his vocal actually worked better. When you listen to the rest of the album it's very serious and quite heavy themes... it's almost as if all the humour has been condensed into this one track

[@musicloverUK]

I've seen an old clip on YT where he explains the reason he sang in it as the band was pretty much unravelling, finishing the album was tortuous (His first band he said was much easier to work with and got things done quicker) and the lead singer had walked out. He also said he enjoyed making the video more than the music and he wanted to pursue that going forward.

[@maestro66uk]

Bloody great tune!

[@sexypops4u]

Yes. Love this! We'll put together and smoothly done.

[@dkm59]

love this a lot

[@mondoenterprises6710]

So good. I heard it once and never forgot it. I think I bought the record In the Studio afterward. Thanks for posting! Never saw the vid before. Got to see Costello do it once on a 80's solo tour at UVa.

[@halkokes8648]

UVA! Wahoowah!!!

[@MirekK]

Genialne !

[@user-xs6ux4dk9y]

Tremendous

[@nick260682]

I adore this song. Fucking adore it.

[@h.s.5550]

This video never gets old"!!!😄...

[@edmundhodgson2572]

Just brilliant!

[@orsonkaart1853]

Wonderful stuff!

[@Sassiefrassel]

Love this video and song!

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Love this! It’s the right amount of strange. Love the video too.