A Message To You Rudy
The Specials
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
1 fan
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 UsedOne 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 SuccessDespite 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 ImpactThe 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 MembersThe 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 MeaningThe 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.
|
GenreThe 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.
|
LegacyMore 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.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"A Message To You Rudy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Nov. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/9192456/The+Specials/A+Message+To+You+Rudy>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the A Message To You Rudy Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In