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My Gen X Playlist: A Message To You Rudy – The Specials

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Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

My firm had an event about a year or two after 9/11. It was a big to do and there was a surprise guest of honor. It turns out, “America’s Mayor” was attending the celebration. We all stood in line and had our pictures taken shaking his hand. He was a hero back then. Now, I don’t know what you even call him. Bat shit crazy? Yeah, that sounds about right. I still have the photo somewhere. I’m sure it will resurface sometime in the future. I’m in no rush. Amazing how far one can fall.

The Specials recorded A Message to You Rudy in 1979. This was a ska version of a reggae song about unrest in Jamaica.

“A Message To You Rudy” was originally recorded by the reggae artist Dandy Livingstone in 1967. His original recording was a portrait of social unrest amongst the youth in Kingston, Jamaica.

“Rudy” (or Rudi, Rude boy) is a Jamaican term for criminal juveniles.

– Songfacts

The lyrics warn a “rudy” (rude boy) to think of his future and change his ways, otherwise he will end up in prison.

– Wikipedia

Sometimes you have to really concentrate to interpret song lyrics. Take REM for example. Their music can be cryptic and I’m sometimes not quite sure where Michael Stipe is leading us. This song? Nope. It’s pretty clear cut.

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)

The Specials released this message to Rudy in 1979. Plenty of time for the warning to sink in. Why wasn’t he listening?

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

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

16 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: A Message To You Rudy – The Specials”

  1. I don’t know much about him. I even had to look up “America’s Mayor” to know who you were talking about if that is any indication as to how clueless I am. 😉

    Liked by 4 people

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      1. Yes! The lesson is in the song you selected:
        “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)”

        Liked by 2 people

  5. Thank you for this post!

    Canada sees a lot of news about the USA. And of course the whole world did on 9/11, though as your neighbour, we felt an even deeper connection to the unforgettable events you experienced as we watched them in horror on live TV. I remember, at the time, feeling such admiration for what Rudy did for NYC on and following the terrorist attacks.

    The absolute shift in him is stunning and disturbing.

    And, ain’t it fascinating that a piece of music can so strongly evoke an emotion or bring on a vivid recollection of a memory!

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Thanks, Steve. I laughed a bit when I remembered this Specials’ song because the lyrics fit perfectly. Finding a song to match the daily prompts is sometimes challenging, but not in this case! Thanks again for stopping by and for your comment!

      Liked by 1 person

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