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.
Contaminated Minds
UB40 Lyrics
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Run round in circles and chase their own tails
But you can't really blame them for clutching at straws
For weeding some truth in our morals and laws
Some people say that revolution will descend
On this madness end this confusion
But we've all heard the privileged boast and preach
I once knew a man who wore self-righteousness
Like a medal on his inflated chest
He hated all people for breaking his rules
Looked down with distaste on the cowards and fools
He lived like a king in his castle of stone
And sneered at the man who worked hard for his home
He knew all the right words and who to defend
And would be with conviction the working mans friend
[Chorus]
Contaminated minds play judge and jury too
But contaminated minds are blind to truth
Contaminated minds speak with loudest voice
But not everybody has the luxury of choice
The opening lines of UB40's song "Contaminated Minds" immediately introduce an element of irony that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The holy grail has been a symbol of righteousness, and a goal to strive towards for centuries. However, in this song, the search for it is compared to running around in circles and chasing one's tail. The lines "But you can't really blame them for clutching at straws, for weeding some truth in our morals and laws" suggest that perhaps the search for righteousness is futile in a world where morals and laws can be manipulated.
The second verse addresses the idea of a revolution that would bring an end to madness and confusion. While this may sound like an ideal solution to some, the song suggests that those who preach revolution are often privileged and only looking out for themselves. The "promised land" that is desired is still out of reach despite their empty promises. The following lines describe a self-righteous man who judges others based on his personal beliefs and holds an inflated view of himself. He lives in a castle and looks down at those who work hard for their homes.
The chorus sums up the overall message of the song. Those who have contaminated minds believe they have the right to be judge and jury, but they are often blind to the truth. They speak the loudest but not everyone has the luxury of choice.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people search for the holy grail
Some individuals go through great lengths and hardships in search of something they yearn for, just like the search for the holy grail.
Run round in circles and chase their own tails
Sometimes, people do meaningless acts that make them lose sight of their purpose, and end up back where they started.
But you can't really blame them for clutching at straws
It's understandable for people to hold onto hope, even if they are unsure of what they're doing or risking.
For weeding some truth in our morals and laws
We try to find some genuine meaning or truth in our ethical standards and judicial system.
Some people say that revolution will descend
There are people who crave change and believe that widespread revolution will occur as a result of that.
On this madness end this confusion
The hope is that the madness and chaos of the world will come to an end once revolution takes place.
But we've all heard the privileged boast and preach
However, the powerful have a tendency to talk big, making it difficult to believe in any real change or improvement.
And the promised land we want is still out of reach
The desired destination or goal is still far from being attained.
I once knew a man who wore self-righteousness
There was a man I knew who acted as if he were always in the right.
Like a medal on his inflated chest
He was proud of his attitudes and behaviors, acting as if they were virtues to be admired.
He hated all people for breaking his rules
He was very judgmental, disliking anyone who did or thought anything different from what he believed.
Looked down with distaste on the cowards and fools
He saw other people who didn't conform to his views as weak or foolish.
He lived like a king in his castle of stone
He lived in comfort and believed he was superior to anyone who couldn't live like him.
And sneered at the man who worked hard for his home
He looked down upon those who had to struggle more than he did to actually earn what they have.
He knew all the right words and who to defend
He acted as if he knew everything there was to know and how to use that knowledge to his advantage.
And would be with conviction the working mans friend
He claimed to be the working class's greatest ally.
Contaminated minds play judge and jury too
People with corrupted or biased minds tend to act as if they have the right to be judge and jury.
But contaminated minds are blind to truth
However, those same people are unable to see what is actually true or fair.
Contaminated minds speak with loudest voice
Those who are prejudiced or one-sided often speak the loudest.
But not everybody has the luxury of choice
Unfortunately, not everyone has the liberty or options to make free and fair decisions.
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
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