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The Beat — Save It for Later
Album: Beat This!
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4233









Released: 1982
Length: 3:30
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Two dozen other dirty lovers,
Must be a sucker for it,
Cry cry but I don't need my mother.
Just hold my hand while I come to a decision on it

Sooner or later
Your legs give way, you hit the ground
Save it for later
Don't run away and let me down
Sooner or later
You hit the deck, you get found out
Save it for later
Don't run away and let me down
You let me down

Black air and seven seas are rotten through
But what can you do?
I don't know how I'm meant to act with all of you lot
Sometimes I don't try,
I just now now now now now now now now now now now
Now now now now now now now now now now now!

Sooner or later
Your legs give way, you hit the ground
Save it for later
Don't run away and let me down.
Sooner or later
You hit the deck, you get found out.
Save it for later
Don't run away and let me down.
You let me down
You runaway and let me down.

Two dozen other stupid reasons
Why we should suffer for this.
Don't bother trying to explain them
Just hold my hand while I come to a decision on it

Sooner or later
Your legs give way, you hit the ground.
Save it for later
Don't run away and let me down.
Sooner or later
You hit the deck, you get found out.
Save it for later
Don't run away and let me down
You let me down
You run away run away
Runaway runaway runaway and let me down.
Comments (623)add comment
 TallCreative1 wrote:


1982 -- I was so there....
1982...man what a year for me more or less wild in D. C. and saturated in the music scene. The English Beat were huge at that time. Those were the days.
Thanks RP!
Get off your seat and dance to the English Beat!
 Proclivities wrote:


There's a funny story behind Townshend's interest in this song - from an interview with Dave Wakeling:

 "...I got a phone call at 11 in the morning, and somebody gave me the phone and said, “It’s Pete Townshend for you.” And I said, “Of course it is, he phones about this time every Saturday doesn’t he?” [Laughs.] I thought it was somebody making a joke. I picked up very sarcastically, “Oh, hello Pete.” And he said, “Oh, hello Dave, this is Peter Townshend here and I’m sitting with David Gilmour, and we’re trying to work out your song ‘Save It For Later,’ but we can’t work out the tuning.” They presumed it was DADGAD as well, and couldn’t make it work, and so I had to explain that I’d made a mistake and it was not DADGAD, it was DADAAD. And he laughed and said, “Oh, thank heavens for that! We’ve been breaking our fingers trying to get our hands around these chords.”


how cool is that? going to hunt down the townshend version for sure. love this song.
v
 DW4554 wrote:

Just f'ing outstanding.  Pop perfection.



Pop??  Not Pop, SKA
 coloradojohn wrote:

Dig it!  Dancing my way now to the kitchen for another drink!




Chair dancing while my morning coffee kicks in!!   
The prettiest dirty song ever.
This never gets old  
 sajitjacob wrote:

Have you ever heard a Birmingham (brummy) accent? It does not sound like how the 'beat sings. It is the worst English accent you have heard.

I was born a brummy. So was Guy Garvey (Elbow guy)



Thick, yeah (from a non-Brit, sorry, but grew up in Canada hearing them all)
Dig it!  Dancing my way now to the kitchen for another drink!
OMG best segue ever!
I heard the beginning of Something New by the Airborne Toxic Event thinking it was almost like The Beat's Sooner or Later... and there it is :D
Great story / facts. Saw them at Brixton Academy in ?early ‘86. Kinda scary area for a couple of kids living in Kensington. But we took the tube and walked through Brixton. Fantastic show w Pete, David, Pete’s brother? 50’ from the riser. Loved it!! Pete was so into the show and kinda proud of himself - this is after he took vocal lessons

This video of the English Beat at the US Festival in 1982 is a snapshot of a time we’ll never see again. Thousands of people, all in the moment. No phones, no social media, no need to share anything except with the people immediately around you, just rockin’ out and enjoying the scene. A magical time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpjs95jD2rU 

 opaceo wrote:


What a difference an A makes   ...


Under appreciated comment 
One of the best songs in pop history. 
 Proclivities wrote:


There's a funny story behind Townshend's interest in this song - from an interview with Dave Wakeling:

 "...I got a phone call at 11 in the morning, and somebody gave me the phone and said, “It’s Pete Townshend for you.” And I said, “Of course it is, he phones about this time every Saturday doesn’t he?” [Laughs.] I thought it was somebody making a joke. I picked up very sarcastically, “Oh, hello Pete.” And he said, “Oh, hello Dave, this is Peter Townshend here and I’m sitting with David Gilmour, and we’re trying to work out your song ‘Save It For Later,’ but we can’t work out the tuning.” They presumed it was DADGAD as well, and couldn’t make it work, and so I had to explain that I’d made a mistake and it was not DADGAD, it was DADAAD. And he laughed and said, “Oh, thank heavens for that! We’ve been breaking our fingers trying to get our hands around these chords.”


What a difference an A makes   ...
Just f'ing outstanding.  Pop perfection.
one of my favorite 'Beat tunes - fantastic for the dance marathon Dude
Each time this song is played,it whisks me back to those younger years,ahhhhhh👍 Fabulous track and a great sounding band✌️
 Montreal_Mort wrote:

BillG- try the Pete Townsend (1985 or 6) version for variety



If you haven't heard the story of Townshend (with David Gilmore) phoning Wakeling to ask about the chords to this song do yourself a favour and find it.
{#Devil_pimp}still zesty
I still have this on my ipod 'walking' playlist. Really makes for a good pace up in the hills. I've probably heard this a thousand times in that context and I *still* like it. 
Have you ever heard a Birmingham (brummy) accent? It does not sound like how the 'beat sings. It is the worst English accent you have heard.

I was born a brummy. So was Guy Garvey (Elbow guy)

 Easyrider wrote:

What a cracking good song!



Couldn't have said it better!
BillG- try the Pete Townsend (1985 or 6) version for variety
Superb beat and voice😎
This somehow goes from 3 to 4 for me today.  it still gets confused with the rest of the early 80s for me
Takes me back to college, listening to WLIR😎
What a cracking good song!
What a great song, unbeatable 
 cely wrote:
Almost want to gie it a 9 for the pause between "come" and "to a decision." 
 

Almost? OK Grinch
Ah! The sound of my college years. Love it!
Dave Wakeling's voice remains one of my favorites. Unique in a great way.
Almost want to gie it a 9 for the pause between "come" and "to a decision." 
 RabbitEars wrote:
9>10 today. must be one of the world's greatest pop songs
 
I just gave this a 9! 
Thanks for the great music Rankin Roger🙏
 Rockit9 wrote:
 
Don't click on any posts from this Rockit9. They are all spam/clickbait and have nothing to do with the playing song
Take back the city for yourself tonight
Or I'll take back the city for me....
I love Dave's voice. Just do.
Sherman, set the WayBack Machine for 1982.
Giving this another 10!! 20!
RIP Ranking Roger.
Enjoy the sun, Roger ...
Long Live                                                                                                                                      Radio Paradise
My rating:                                                                                                                              8 - Most Excellent
RIP Ranking Roger
3/26/2019
 RabbitEars wrote:
9>10 today. must be one of the world's greatest pop songs
  One of them for sure!

9>10 today. must be one of the world's greatest pop songs
My rating up: 7 -> 8 - Most Excellent  
I once went out with a date and met up with Dave Wakeling and his girlfriend at the time at a British pub in Santa Monica.  True story, he was a friend of the family of the woman I was dating at the time.  The ladies weren't happy that we discovered a rum bar across the street and decided it would be fun to sample as many rums as we could.  
 skuzzfud wrote:
Check out Pete Townshend's stripped back & most respectable cover version on "Deep End Live"
 

There's a funny story behind Townshend's interest in this song - from an interview with Dave Wakeling:

 "...I got a phone call at 11 in the morning, and somebody gave me the phone and said, “It’s Pete Townshend for you.” And I said, “Of course it is, he phones about this time every Saturday doesn’t he?” [Laughs.] I thought it was somebody making a joke. I picked up very sarcastically, “Oh, hello Pete.” And he said, “Oh, hello Dave, this is Peter Townshend here and I’m sitting with David Gilmour, and we’re trying to work out your song ‘Save It For Later,’ but we can’t work out the tuning.” They presumed it was DADGAD as well, and couldn’t make it work, and so I had to explain that I’d made a mistake and it was not DADGAD, it was DADAAD. And he laughed and said, “Oh, thank heavens for that! We’ve been breaking our fingers trying to get our hands around these chords.”
Still gets me dancing!   {#Dancingbanana}
One of my faves of all time. Such a great song in every way.
 skuzzfud wrote:
Check out Pete Townshend's stripped back & most respectable cover version on "Deep End Live"

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ0zMDJKkbg
very cool. thanks
I haven't commented on this because I was saving it for later. But after a few decades I can now say this kicks!
Love this jaunty tune.{#Dancingbanana_2}
Fantastic song {#Dancingbanana_2}
Always amuses me the name English Beat ...we just knew them as The Beat.....excellent choon though  he they are still going strong. Played in my hometown just last year! x
Such a great tune - always makes me smile and start bobbing my head!
Check out Pete Townshend's stripped back & most respectable cover version on "Deep End Live"
Image result for English Beat
 pvg44 wrote:
To me this is one of the best pop songs ever.  It never gets old.

 
You've got that exactly right.
 RabbitEars wrote:
The other day I was walking down my block, and one of my neighbors - who's generally a pretty subdued guy - was bopping around in his car, windows closed, this song blaring. I couldn't get it out of my head the rest of the day, and it's changed my image of my neighbor until further notice. 

 
Oh Crap you saw me?

Oh well  {#Bananajam} 
They were good in concert when I saw them in 2010 (for a bunch of old dudes).  Also, a three in a row of people I had seen in concert:  Pete Yorn, Belly, English Beat...I guess I am right in the middle of the target market for RP.
To me this is one of the best pop songs ever.  It never gets old.
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Drummer}{#Bananapiano}
Hell ya!

{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}{#Drummer}{#Dancingbanana_2} 
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana}
The other day I was walking down my block, and one of my neighbors - who's generally a pretty subdued guy - was bopping around in his car, windows closed, this song blaring. I couldn't get it out of my head the rest of the day, and it's changed my image of my neighbor until further notice. 
 Jakethemuss wrote:
Apparently the bands unofficial title was Shave It Fellator.  I read that on the liner notes and it's all I can hear now.

 

Apparently the bands unofficial title was Shave It Fellator.  I read that on the liner notes and it's all I can hear now.
  wgsu_1978 wrote:
{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}
  
There's an awesome version of The English Beat's take on "Tears of a Clown" sitting in RP's library which hasn't been trotted out since right after the IRAQ WAR ENDED.  Your dancing Emojis would LOVE IT if we ever get to hear it again...

Yes!  More English Beat!

This our 3rd rainy day in DC and like - blah blah. Then RP plays this song and I m bouncing off the walls. A masterpiece of fun. Who cares about the weather!
Amazingly still fresh and jamming after all these years!
They've got some new music coming soon from what I hear!  https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6778009/english-beat-here-we-go-love-2016-pledgemusic
Great song. Never fails to bring a smile to my face and tap to my foot.
I second that.

treatment_bound wrote:
 
There's an awesome version of The English Beat's take on "Tears of a Clown" sitting in RP's library which hasn't been trotted out since right after the IRAQ WAR ENDED.  Your dancing Emojis would LOVE IT if we ever get to hear it again...

 


Currently on tour in the UK.   Im thinking of getting tickets.
{#Jump}
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}
  
There's an awesome version of The English Beat's take on "Tears of a Clown" sitting in RP's library which hasn't been trotted out since right after the IRAQ WAR ENDED.  Your dancing Emojis would LOVE IT if we ever get to hear it again...
{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}
{#Bananasplit} Can we just get this on endless repeat?
Gettin' happy {#Bananajumprope}
On my running playlist, and best of genre!
Sooner or later....my banana comes out!{#Bananajam}
je dirais même plus : {#Bananasplit} {#Bananasplit} {#Clap}

sunybuny wrote:


{#Clap}{#Bananasplit}

 


 RabbitEars wrote:
this song definitely brings out the banana in everyone

 

{#Clap}{#Bananasplit}
this song definitely brings out the banana in everyone
And the dancing around the room begins now....
I could listen to this over..............
and over.................
and over.
{#Dancingbanana}
Saw this band at Glastonbury festival this year and they still got it.

Great song, great band. 
Fun song. I remember singing this song in my head during my 8th grade school days.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I was definitely thinking XTC too.

 
This tune used to play back to back in the clubs with XTC's Making Plans for Nigel

Love them both
 EarthMama wrote:

Dude! I so know that road! What about the one off the 101 up to Oak View and then up to Ojai? I loved driving that one many a time, getting out into the sticks, wandering all the way up to the Punchbowl (you know where that is, out by Santa Paula, the loooooong way 'round......Thomas Aquinas College?) Ahhhhhh.......good times, indeed!

 
Cool... was just out at the punchbowl last summer... fun hike... good times..
 msymmes wrote:
You can't beat this.
 

 
Pun intended?
 EarthMama wrote:

Dude! I so know that road! What about the one off the 101 up to Oak View and then up to Ojai? I loved driving that one many a time, getting out into the sticks, wandering all the way up to the Punchbowl (you know where that is, out by Santa Paula, the loooooong way 'round......Thomas Aquinas College?) Ahhhhhh.......good times, indeed!

 
My old stompin' grounds growing up.
 somboed wrote:
Reminds me of driving the lonely curvy road between Ojai and Santa Barbara late at night, in the 80's. English Beat cassette player in my Toyota HiLux pickup with my flame of the day beside me.

Them were the days... 

 
Dude! I so know that road! What about the one off the 101 up to Oak View and then up to Ojai? I loved driving that one many a time, getting out into the sticks, wandering all the way up to the Punchbowl (you know where that is, out by Santa Paula, the loooooong way 'round......Thomas Aquinas College?) Ahhhhhh.......good times, indeed!
 karljonasson wrote:
Reminds me of XTC - basically, the highest compliment I can give any band.
 
I was definitely thinking XTC too.
Reminds me of driving the lonely curvy road between Ojai and Santa Barbara late at night, in the 80's. English Beat cassette player in my Toyota HiLux pickup with my flame of the day beside me.

Them were the days... 
Great tunes tonight!  Awesome!  Thanks.  :)  Just posted another plug on the much-maligned Facebook.  Might score a few listeners.  :)  

English Beat = sublime.   
The perfect antidote to Aimee Mann!
YAY!
You can't beat this.
 

Special Beat Service!!


 katyb wrote:
This song always cheers me up.

 

i was just thinking the same thing.
This song always cheers me up.
LOVE me some English Beat.  After Al Stewart..?  Really..?  I am constantly amazed by RP's diversity and good taste.

                                                                                      {#Dancingbanana}
Awesome mix. Thanks much. 
Ha! Going to a 70s, 80s party tonight and think I will take this to play!

Incidentally, I found a t-shirt that had the clash London Calling cover on it. . . subtly changed to Pension Calling and the guitar for a walking stick. I shall therefore be going as a Grandad Punk. . . wish me luck.
 scrubbrush wrote:
God almighty, I LOVE this song.

 

Same here!

We be buck ass naked and rocking and rolling, but we be saving it for later...  love this orgasmic song...  we be dancing...
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this orgasmic song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

 
whut de fuck ees wrong wid a gypsy muleskeener?

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this orgasmic song...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananasplit}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananapiano}
God almighty, I LOVE this song.

Oh, the joys of delayed gratification...

love this song...  we be dancing...
 
I saw these guys in person as the English Beat, General Public and later a reincarnation of the Specials.  Always fun.  The first time I saw them the smaller of the two opening acts was some band called REM.  All I remember of REM was that the lead singer had a lot of hair....
 xkolibuul wrote:
English Beat = one of the best things about the '80s, a decade when musical superlatives were few and far between.  

 
They were great, but it sure didn't last long for them. The first album apparently was huge in the UK in '80, but according to iTunes "Special Beat Service" was too polished in '82. And then they broke up. Two of the guys went on to head General Public but it wasn't the same. 

There was a lot of crap music in the '80s, maybe more than other decades. But the lowpoints of the 70s were just freakin' awful.  The nice thing about time is that often the new songs you loathed become bittersweet memory trips after ten years...or at least somehow not as wretched.