A Message To You Rudy

The Specials

About A Message To You Rudy

"A Message to You, Rudy" is a 1967 rocksteady song by Dandy Livingstone. Originally entitled "Rudy, A Message to You", the song later achieved broader success when, in 1979, The Specials' cover reached number 10 in the UK Singles Chart. The recording was produced by Elvis Costello. Veteran trombone player Rico Rodriguez played on both Livingstone's and The Specials' versions.


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Stop your messing around (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)

Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you

Stop your fooling around (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Else you'll wind up in jail (ah-ah-ah)

Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you

Stop your messing around (ah-ah-ah)
Better think of your future (ah-ah-ah)
Time you straighten right out (ah-ah-ah)
Creating problems in town (ah-ah-ah)

Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
A message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy
Yeah, it's a message to you, Rudy
Oh, it's a message to you, Rudy

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The Specials

The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA ) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, the 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. Their 1983 song "Free Nelson Mandela" was a No. 9 U… more »

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Written by: Robert Livingstone Thompson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"A Message to You Rudy" is a popular song by The Specials, released in 1979 on their self-titled debut album. However, it's actually a cover of Dandy Livingstone's 1967 rocksteady classic.
Instruments Used
One of the iconic parts of the song is its memorable trumpet line, which was performed by the iconic ska and reggae trombonist Rico Rodriguez.
Chart Success
Despite the song's enduring popularity, it wasn't actually a massive hit when it was first released. It reached number 10 on the UK singles chart, but didn't chart at all in the United States.
Cultural Impact
The song has seen significant cultural impact, featuring in various films, advertisements and video games. It's often used to evoke the late-1970s UK ska scene, which The Specials were integral in shaping.
Band Members
The Specials were a seven-member band: Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals), Neville Staple (percussion, vocals), Roddy Byers (guitar), Jerry Dammers (keyboards), Sir Horace Gentleman (bass), and John Bradbury (drums). All seven members contributed to "A Message to You Rudy."
Live Performances
“A Message to You Rudy” has remained a staple of The Specials' live repertoire to this day.
Lyrics Meaning
The song is a call to action for a person named Rudy, who seems to be headed down the wrong path. The song's lyrics warn Rudy to stop his foolishness and get his life back on track.
Genre
The song is counted as one of the significant ska revival songs, leading to a surge in popularity for the genre in the late 70s and early 80s.
Soundtracks
"A Message to You Rudy" appears on the movie soundtracks for films like "Get Him to the Greek," "Drugstore Cowboy," and "Rude Boy," among others.
Legacy
More than four decades after its release, the song remains an iconic tune, still played often on radio and in clubs, reflecting its timeless appeal and enduring popularity.

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