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.

Baby
UB40 Lyrics

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Baby be true and I'll give my love to you
I need you baby
Treat me right and I'll love you day and night
I mean it, baby

I'll give my world to you, my babe
I'll do what you ask me to, now babe
I mean it, baby

When you're down I'll be around
To guide you, baby

When you're free just call on me, baby
I'll give my heart to you, now babe
I'll do what you ask me to, now babe
I mean it baby

When you're down, I'll be around to guide you, baby
When you're free just call on me, baby
I'll give my heart to you, now babe
I'll do what you ask me to, now babe
I mean it, baby

I'm gonna treat you, treat you right
I'm gonna love you day and night
I'm gonna give my heart away
I'm gonna love you night and day

I'm gonna treat you, treat you right
I'm gonna love you day and night
I'm gonna give my heart away
I'm gonna love you night and day

I'm gonna treat you, treat you right
I'm gonna love you day and night
I'm gonna give my heart away
I'm gonna love you night and day

I'm gonna treat you, treat you right

I'm gonna love you day and night
I'm gonna give my heart away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to UB40's song "Baby" are simple but heartfelt. The singer addresses their lover and asks them to be true so they can give their love fully. They promise to do whatever their partner asks of them and to be there for them when they're feeling down. The chorus repeats this sentiment, saying that they will treat their lover right, love them day and night, and give their heart away. Essentially, this song is a declaration of love and commitment, with the singer promising to be there for their partner no matter what.

The lyrics of "Baby" seem to be fairly straightforward, but there is some ambiguity in the song's meaning. It's not clear whether the singer is already in a committed relationship or if they are trying to win someone over. The song could be interpreted as a plea for forgiveness or a declaration of undying love, depending on the perspective of the listener. What is clear, however, is the sincerity in the delivery of the lyrics. UB40's lead vocalist Ali Campbell has a distinctive voice that conveys genuine emotion, making the song all the more powerful.

Overall, "Baby" is a classic love song that speaks to the universal desire for connection and commitment. It's a reminder that love is all about being there for each other, no matter what.

Line by Line Meaning

Baby be true and I'll give my love to you
If you're honest with me, I will love you completely

I need you baby
I cannot live without you by my side

Treat me right and I'll love you day and night
If you treat me with love and respect, I will reciprocate that love always

I mean it, baby
I am serious and truthful about what I'm saying

I'll give my world to you, my babe
I will give you everything I have

I'll do what you ask me to, now babe
I will do anything you request of me

When you're down I'll be around To guide you, baby
I will be there for you and offer support when you're feeling low

When you're free just call on me, baby
Anytime you need my help, I am here for you

I'll give my heart to you, now babe
I am entrusting you with my deepest feelings and emotions

I'm gonna treat you, treat you right
I will always treat you with love and respect

I'm gonna love you day and night
I will love you unconditionally, constantly