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.
Falling in Love
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Only fools rush in"
But I can't help falling in love with you
Wise men say
"Only fools rush in"
But I can't help falling in love with you
Would it be a sin?
I can't help falling in love with you
As a river flows
Gently to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things were meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
I can't help falling in love with you
As a river flows
Gently to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things were meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
I can't help falling in love with you
I can't help falling in love with you
I can't help falling in love with you
I can't help falling in love with you
The lyrics to UB40's song "1 In 10" are actually quite different from the lyrics you have provided. However, let me provide an insightful interpretation of the lyrics to "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley.
At its core, this song is about the intense feelings of falling in love despite knowing the risks and potential consequences. The lyrics begin by invoking the words of wise men, who caution against rushing into love. However, the singer admits that he cannot help but fall in love with the person in question. He questions if it would be a sin for him to stay and pursue the relationship, knowing that it could end in heartache.
The imagery of the river flowing gently to the sea is used as a metaphor for the natural progression of love - some things are simply meant to be. The singer acknowledges that his love for this person is not something he can control, and he is willing to give his whole life to be with them. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the depth of his feelings and the inevitability of his love for this person.
In essence, "Can't Help Falling in Love" is a beautiful ode to the power of love and the ways in which it can override reason and logic. It's a song that can resonate with anyone who has experienced the exhilarating rush of falling in love, even when it seems like the odds are stacked against them.
Line by Line Meaning
Wise men say
"Only fools rush in"
But I can't help falling in love with you
People say that it's foolish to fall in love too quickly, but I can't stop myself from loving you.
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
I can't help falling in love with you
I'm not sure if my love for you is right or wrong, but I can't help feeling this way.
As the river flows
Gently to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things were meant to be
Just like the river naturally flows into the sea, our love is also meant to be and is going with the natural flow of life.
Take my hand
Take my whole life, too
'Cause I can't help falling in love with you
I want to give you everything I have, including my life, because I love you so much and I can't help it.
'Cause I can't help falling in love with you
'Cause I can't help falling in love with you
'Cause I can't help falling in love with you
I keep repeating that I can't help falling in love with you because it's so true and I can't control my love for you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George Weiss
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@guendalinazamperla4080
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you
@opisina04
It's 2023 and here we are, still listening to this beautiful rendition.
@tulua11
Damned right!
@mburugeorge__1592
And its still sounds new
@MickyAM
30 years and going 😊
@j.d.contreras392
They don't make music like this anymore. I agree with you.
@ladykatewarrior
Such a tuneeeeeeeeeeeee ❤️
@RahelEid
Lets see how Many people are listening to this ni 2021💜😁
@edwardgallagher8932
Yes all the lads in Northern Ireland
@M9JayJayy
👍🏾
@nmarinasweet5854
UB40 FOREVER