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.
Close to Me
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Darling you get close to me
I feel like you got the key
To open up the world for me
You got a way of solving all my problems
When you get close to me
Prove to me
If
To wipe away my misery
You got a way of solving all my problems
When you get close to me
I don′t talk to nobody much
But I can talk to you
Girl you that magic touch
That's why I am falling in love, with you
Ohh Close to meee
Darling you get close to me
I feel like you got the key
To open up the world for me
You got a way of solving all my problems
When you get close to me
()
I don′t talk to nobody much
But I can talk to you
Girl you that magic touch
That's why I am falling in love, with you
Ohh Close to meee
Darling you get close to me
I feel like you got the key
To open up the world for me
You got a way of solving all my problems
When you get close to me
You got a way of solving all my problems
When you get close to me
You got a way of solving all my problems
When you get close to me
(End)
The lyrics of "Close To Me" by UB40 are about the power of love and the impact it can have on a person's life. The singer conveys a strong sense of dependence on their partner and the transformative effect that their presence has on their life. The lyrics suggest that the partner has a special ability to solve their problems and bring them happiness; they are the key to opening up the world for the singer.
The expression "close to me" represents the emotional and physical closeness that the singer feels towards their partner. The lyrics suggest that this closeness is what brings them solace and comfort. The singer pleads with their partner to prove their love and be true to them, and the partner's response is what helps them overcome their misery.
The song represents the power of love to transform a person's life, and it highlights the importance of emotional closeness and intimacy in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Close to me
Being near you brings me joy and comfort
Darling you get close to me
My dear, the way you draw near to me is special and meaningful
I feel like you got the key
I believe you hold the solution to my problems and struggles
To open up the world for me
You have the power to help me see the beauty and potential in life
You got a way of solving all my problems
Your presence and support give me the strength and wisdom to overcome obstacles
When you get close to me
Whenever we are together, your warmth and care make me feel secure
Prove to me
Show me that you are sincere and genuine
Darling please be true to me
My love, I need you to be honest and faithful to our relationship
If
In the case that
To wipe away my misery
To ease my pain and sadness
I don't talk to nobody much
I don't communicate with many people on a regular basis
But I can talk to you
But I can confide in you and share my thoughts and feelings
Girl you that magic touch
You possess a special quality that inspires me and brings happiness
That's why I am falling in love, with you
That's why I am developing strong feelings of affection for you
Writer(s): Smith Robert James
Contributed by Olivia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paul M
on reckless
Does anyone know who the singer on the mic is with the hat? Also the two that come in with Bam? Thanks
Ian Fulton
on My Way of Thinking
Best band in the stratosphere
Rosie Contreras
on Red Red Wine
Awesome song