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.
Don't Blame Me
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'd welcome riches down our way
No stigma knotted in my hair
I want to be a millionaire
Nevertheless I must insist
A thought is spared for those who missed
The handouts when it came to wealth
The time has come now all can see
As seeing this is killing me
Our future victim to command
Together we can lend a hand
[Chorus]
So don't blame me for wanting more
The facts are too hard too ignore
I'm scared to death of poverty
I only want what's best for me
But even so I'm holding on
I think the world can live as one
If only credence took the lead
The world would see a world to feed
An endless sea of blood that's spilt
Enough to sail an ark of guilt
And when we lend our helping hand
We'll have our green and pleasant land
In UB40's song Don't Blame Me, the lyrics discuss the desire for wealth and how it can be seen as a negative thing, but it is a natural human desire. The first verse states that while they welcome riches, they do not want to be judged for it. The line "no stigma knotted in my hair" references the idea of a "guilty conscience," but the singer wants to enjoy wealth without feeling guilty. They go on to insist that they think of those who did not have the same opportunities for wealth, education, and good health. The chorus emphasizes that wanting more and striving for the best should not be looked down upon, and it is not a personal attack on those who are less fortunate. The final verse calls for unity and a collective effort to help those in need, citing the "endless sea of blood that's spilt" and the need for a "green and pleasant land" as reasons to take action.
This song speaks to the human experience of wanting more and not wanting to feel guilty about it. It also calls for empathy and action towards those who do not have the same opportunities. It is a reminder that the world could be better if we work together and prioritize helping others.
Line by Line Meaning
I think its only fair to say
I believe it is reasonable to express that
We'd welcome riches down our way
We would appreciate if wealth came our way
No stigma knotted in my hair
I am not ashamed of wanting wealth
I want to be a millionaire
I desire to have a million dollars
Nevertheless I must insist
However, I still must emphasize
A thought is spared for those who missed
I spare a thought for those who have not had the same opportunities
The handouts when it came to wealth
The aid given out to those in need of money
To education and good health
For education and good health
The time has come now all can see
It is now apparent to all
As seeing this is killing me
As this is causing me great distress
Our future victim to command
The future is under our control
Together we can lend a hand
Together, we can offer help
So don't blame me for wanting more
Do not criticize me for wanting to improve my life
The facts are too hard too ignore
The reality is too difficult to disregard
I'm scared to death of poverty
I am terrified of living in poverty
I only want what's best for me
I desire only the best for myself
But even so I'm holding on
Nevertheless, I am still persevering
I think the world can live as one
I believe the world can coexist peacefully
If only credence took the lead
If only people had more belief in a positive future
The world would see a world to feed
The world would see itself as capable of providing for everyone
An endless sea of blood that's spilt
An infinite amount of blood that has been shed
Enough to sail an ark of guilt
Enough to carry a great weight of remorse
And when we lend our helping hand
And when we offer our assistance
We'll have our green and pleasant land
We will have our happy and prosperous country
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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