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.
Bring Me Your Cup
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A thing I never found that easy to do
The things that you do, don't need to be heard
You know your actions, baby, speak louder than words
I've got the bottle, bring me your cup
Pop the cork, and try a sup
And when you're empty, I'll fill you up
I'm heading home, like a steaming train
Foot to the floor, in the driving rain
My head is aching and my mouth is dry
I've got a thirst only you can satisfy
I've got the bottle, bring me your cup
Pop the cork, and try a sup
And when you're empty, I'll fill you up
We'll drink it down till the sun comes up
The song Bring Me Your Cup by UB40 is a simple love song with many meanings. The first verse is about the singer's difficulty expressing their love verbally. The singer struggles to voice their feelings to their partner, but they believe that their partner already knows how they feel through their actions. The chorus is about sharing a bottle of alcohol with the partner. The singer urges their partner to bring their cup, and they will drink until the sun comes up. The second verse has the singer returning home drunk after a night of drinking, with a thirst that only their partner can satisfy.
The song is predominantly about the connection between two people, with drinking as a means to help them express their emotions. The use of the phrase "bring me your cup" suggests that the singer is not just interested in alcohol but also in the company of their partner. The lyrics suggest that the couple's physical proximity and shared moments can be as emotional a connection as verbal communication.
Overall, the song has a melancholic, desperate undertone, with the singer longing for their partner's love and affection. The use of alcohol as a method to open up emotionally is not uncommon, but it also emphasizes the vulnerability of the singer and the depth of their emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Did I ever say, how I feel about you
Expressing my emotions towards you has always been difficult for me
A thing I never found that easy to do
Telling you how much I love you has been a challenging task for me
The things that you do, don't need to be heard
Your actions speak louder than words
You know your actions, baby, speak louder than words
Your behavior towards me is proof of your love
I've got the bottle, bring me your cup
I have alcohol, bring me a glass
Pop the cork, and try a sup
Open the bottle and take a sip
And when you're empty, I'll fill you up
I'll fill your glass again when it's empty
We'll drink it down till the sun comes up
We'll keep on drinking until the sun rises
I'm heading home, like a steaming train
I'm going home quickly and with great energy
Foot to the floor, in the driving rain
I'm driving fast despite the heavy rain
My head is aching and my mouth is dry
I have a headache and my mouth is dry from drinking
I've got a thirst only you can satisfy
I have a strong desire to be with you and drink more
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIM BROWN, ALI CAMPBELL, ROBIN CAMPBELL, EARL FALCONER, NORMAN HASSAN, BRIAN TRAVERS, MICHAEL VIRTUE, TERRENCE OSWALD WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bonieugene5
I am a 58 year old woman and have followed this band from the beginning. Signing off album. I listen to this band daily and not only reminds me of my kids youth but reminds me of all the concerts I went to see them. I saw simply red as a warm up band at one concert and bitty Maclean. What a band.
@weneva2799
Hi. I'm 55 and have also followed them. I also used to dress in velvet, leather and lace
@yourlocalbossman1359
Glasgow’s green and white 🇮🇪 come on Celtic all day everyday
@keithpoppa8388
They are the best. 29 year old here inherited the love of their music from my father
@bigb3350
You know your action baby speak louder than words
@anaseiniradaudau873
Wow..
@heatherpierce9123
I'm 37 years old & my parents used to listen to UB40 all the time when my sister & I were younger. It brings me back, especially when we were vacationing @ Cape Cod just hanging out @ the beach in the Summer in the late 80's/early 90's with UB40 playing on the stereo. This album brings back so many memories as well as Labour Of Love & other great UB40 albums. They had such a great sound, such harmony & uplifting beat. Who could be in a bad mood while listening to music like this??? Still a fan.👍🎶♥🎼😁💯
@kauriapera6487
Say N0 m0re …B40…dey realise wasup 🎵🎵🎵
@robd1859
There's no way if you're 37. You're basically a generation ex. If your parents are like my parents they would have called that music garbage . My parents was all in 2 Conway twitty and Dolly Parton and Hank Williams. Old school shit. If my dad was alive. He would be turning 80 this year 2023 Period
@therocksolide
❤