A reggae band formed 1978 in Birmingham, UK. The music grasps from roots re… Read Full Bio ↴A reggae band formed 1978 in Birmingham, UK. The music grasps from roots reggae and dub to lovers rock and pop. It is the second most commercial successful reggae band with +70 million sold albums. Many of their hits have been stylishly covers of early reggae and rocksteady hits from Jamaica. After success in UK, UB40's won USA with Labour of Love (1983), their first album of covers. UB40 was 1986 the first Western band to play behind the Iron Curtain, live in Moscow, Soviet Union. UB40 is known for hits as 'Food For Thought', (1980) 'Red Red Wine' (1983), 'Please Don't Make Me Cry' (1983), 'I Got You Babe' (1985) with frontman Ali Campbell in duet with Chrissie Hynde just like in 'Breakfast in Bed' (1988). Their most successful worldwide single release is their reggae/pop version of 'I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You' (1993).

The band is one of the most culturally diverse dub Ska bands with musicians of English, Scottish, Irish, Yemeni and Jamaican parentage. The band is named from the paper form issued by the UK government's Department of Health and Social Security at the time of the band's formation for claiming unemployment benefit (UB40 = Unemployment Benefit, Form 40).

UB40 were influenced by the many Blues Parties they attended as teenagers in the multiracial Balsall Heath area of Birmingham, their love of ska and reggae inspired such original tracks as King, Madam Medusa, Food for Thought, Signing Off and One in Ten.

Their early music style was unique, with a heavy influence of analogue synthesizers, psychedelic rock guitar, saxophone and dub producer techniques which were later perfected by the late Pablo Falconer.

Ali and Robin Campbell have a musical heritage, being sons of Ian Campbell, a folk musician.

The band purchased its first instruments with compensation money Ali Campbell received after a bar fight. They have had a number of hits, most commercially and to amusement of the band, "Red Red Wine", a cover version of a Neil Diamond song (in an arrangement similar to that of Tony Tribe's version). Their most successful single release is the cover of the Elvis Presley ballad Can't Help Falling In Love which was intended to be the main title to the 1992 Sharon Stone movie Sliver and was a Number One hit across Europe and in the U.S.

Many of UB40's recordings were inspired by 1960s ska and early lovers rock songs that would have otherwise been forgotten in the public eye. Their new injection of life into so many old Jamaican hits has resulted in many musicians' and producers' renewed popularity and income.

UB40's early music often tackled social issues such as racism and unemployment.

Other artists that UB40 have collaborated with include: Pato Banton, Madness, Bitty McLean, Chrissie Hynde, Robert Palmer, Hunterz, Japanese artist Mikidozan, French artist Nuttea, Lady Saw and Afrika Bambaataa.

After Tonight
UB40 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm your key to set you free
You can come to me anytime for cover
Don't play shy, let me try
It's you I really want & not another.

[CHORUS ]
Baby, don't you fight
Or get your little self uptight, you know

Baby after tonight.

You're alive but they could die
Won't you swim to me a little bit closer
I can read what you mean
It's you oh baby you, I'm looking after

[CHORUS ]

Baby, baby I said, I need your love
Baby, baby you're the one I'm dreaming of
Baby, baby I said, I need your love
Baby, baby you're the one I'm dreaming of

[CHORUS]

Overall Meaning

In UB40's song "After Tonight," the singer is expressing his desire for someone and reassuring them that they can come to him for safety and protection. He tells them not to be shy and that he wants them specifically, not anyone else. In the chorus, he urges them not to fight or stress out, because after tonight they will be together.

The second verse talks about the potential danger the person may be in and urges them to come closer to him so that he can protect them. He can read and understand their feelings and vows to take care of them. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the message that they will be together and emphasizing the singer's need for this person's love.

The lyrics of "After Tonight" suggest that the singer is willing to do anything to be with this person and protect them. He wants them to know that they can trust him, and he desires their love above all else. The song delivers a message of intense love and devotion, with the singer willing to stand by the person no matter what.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm your key to set you free
I can be the one who helps you break free from whatever is holding you back.

You can come to me anytime for cover
You can always rely on me to give you shelter and protection.

Don't play shy, let me try
Don't be hesitant, give me a chance to show you what I can offer.

It's you I really want & not another.
Out of all the people out there, it's you who I am interested in pursuing a relationship with.

Baby, don't you fight
Don't resist what we can have together.

Or get your little self uptight, you know
Don't stress or worry about anything, I have it all taken care of.

Baby after tonight.
Especially after tonight, things will be different and better between us.

You're alive but they could die
You may be surviving, but others around you may not be so fortunate.

Won't you swim to me a little bit closer
Come a little closer to me, let's explore our connection further.

I can read what you mean
I am good at picking up on your emotions and understanding what you want.

It's you oh baby you, I'm looking after
It's specifically you who I want to take care of and protect.

Baby, baby I said, I need your love
I am not afraid to admit that I need your love and attention.

Baby, baby you're the one I'm dreaming of
In my dreams and aspirations, it's you who I imagine being with.

Baby, baby I said, I need your love
I am emphasizing again that your love is important to me.

Baby, baby you're the one I'm dreaming of
Once more, I reiterate that you are the one I desire.

Baby after tonight.
This is another reminder that tonight is important in shaping our future together.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Realsongs, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID FOSTER, MARIAH CAREY, DIANE EVE WARREN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS