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.
Breakfast In Bed
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've been crying your face is a mess
Come in baby, you can wipe the tears on my dress
She's hurt you again, I can tell
I know that look so well
[ALI:]
Don't be shy, we've been here before
Pull your shoes off,
And I will lock the door
And no-one has to know, I've come here again
Knowing it'll be like it's always been before
(CHORUS)
[CHRISSIE & ALI:]
Breakfast In Bed, Kisses For Me
You don't have to say you love me
Breakfast in bed, love can make you sing
[CHRISSIE:]
What's your hurry, please don't hit and run
We can let her wait, my darling its been so long
[ALI: ]
Since you've had me here, I've returned again
Darling it will be like it's always been before
[REPEAT CHORUS AND FADE]
The lyrics to UB40's "Breakfast in Bed" tell the story of a man who has been hurt by his lover once again, and seeks solace in the arms of another woman. Chrissie, the woman who comforts him, empathizes with his pain and recognizes it in his tear-stained face. She invites him in, and he accepts, removing his shoes and locking the door behind him. The intimacy between them is clear - they have been here before, and they know what is about to happen.
The chorus of the song describes the pleasures of breakfast in bed and the tender affection they share. Despite the hurt he has suffered, the man doesn't have to say he loves Chrissie; she already knows. The implication is that their relationship is not based on promises or commitments, but on something more meaningful - the connection they have with each other.
In the second verse, Chrissie pleads with the man not to rush and leave. She wants to savor the moment with him, knowing that it has been too long since they were last together. The final chorus repeats the message of their physical and emotional bond, and the fade-out suggests that their time together will continue beyond the song's end.
Line by Line Meaning
You've been crying your face is a mess
I see that you're upset and emotional, likely because of some hurtful situation.
Come in baby, you can wipe the tears on my dress
I am welcoming you into my space and offering to be a comforting presence for you.
She's hurt you again, I can tell
Based on your behavior and expression, it seems that someone has caused you pain and harm once again.
I know that look so well
I have experience with emotional pain and betrayal, and can recognize it in others.
Don't be shy, we've been here before
We have a history of coming together in times of pain and need, so don't hesitate.
Pull your shoes off,
Let yourself relax and be comfortable.
And I will lock the door
I will provide a safe and private space where you can feel free to express yourself.
And no-one has to know, I've come here again
I understand that you may want to keep this private, and I won't tell anyone.
Knowing it'll be like it's always been before
I am familiar with this situation and our dynamic, and I am confident that our interactions will be consistent with the past.
Breakfast In Bed, Kisses For Me
I want to take care of you and show my affection.
You don't have to say you love me
You don't need to express your feelings in words - I can feel your emotions.
Breakfast in bed, love can make you sing
Being taken care of and receiving affection can bring joy and happiness.
What's your hurry, please don't hit and run
Don't rush out of here in a hurry - take some time to slow down and be present.
We can let her wait, my darling it's been so long
We don't need to rush back to anyone else - let's take this moment for ourselves because it's been a while since we were together.
Since you've had me here, I've returned again
We have a history of coming together like this, and I am here for you again.
Darling it will be like it's always been before
Our dynamic and interactions will be the same as they have been in the past.
Repeat Chorus and fade
The chorus emphasizes the theme of taking care of each other and finding happiness and love, and it is repeated to reiterate this message.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Donnie Fritts, Eddie Hinton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Fulton
on My Way of Thinking
Best band in the stratosphere
Rosie Contreras
on Red Red Wine
Awesome song