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.
Get Lifted
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now I can tell ya, girl, you turn me on
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Bring out the lovin', lovin' desire, baby
You got the match, oh that lights the fire
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Mama-mama, mama-mama
Mama-mama, mama-mama
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Mama-mama, mama-mama
Mama-mama, mama-mama
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
The lyrics of UB40's song, "I Get Lifted", are all about being lost in the sensation of love and desire. The song is about a couple who are alone together, and the singer tells the girl that she turns him on. He feels lifted up and elated, like he's soaring on a cloud. The lyrics are repetitive, emphasizing the feelings of the singer, who is completely captivated by the girl and the feelings she awakens in him. The repetition of "I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high" creates a sense of euphoria and this phrase is the hook of the song that sticks in the listener’s head.
The lyrics also mention "bring out the lovin', lovin' desire," which indicates that the couple is experiencing physical desire and passion. The use of fire as a metaphor for desire adds a layer of intensity to the song. The lyrics, "You got the match, oh that lights the fire," not only describe the physical aspect of their attraction but also suggest the girl's agency in the situation. She is the one who ignites the flames of desire.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the transformative power of love and the way it can lift us up and transport us to a higher state of being. The lyrics, combined with the upbeat reggae rhythm and the catchy melody, create an electrifying sense of joy and exuberance.
Line by Line Meaning
Sittin' here together, baby we're all alone
We are spending time together and have privacy.
Now I can tell ya, girl, you turn me on
I am attracted to you and you make me feel aroused.
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I feel an intense euphoria and excitement.
Bring out the lovin', lovin' desire, baby
Bring out the passion and desire for intimacy.
You got the match, oh that lights the fire
You have what it takes to ignite the flame of passion.
Mama-mama, mama-mama
An expression of excitement or arousal.
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I feel an intense euphoria and excitement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: HARRY CASEY, RICHARD FINCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rubenisalechbass7546
Sittin' here together, baby we're all alone
Now I can tell ya, girl, you turn me on
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Bring out the lovin', lovin' desire, baby
You got the match, oh that lights the fire
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Mama-mama, mama-mama
Mama-mama, mama-mama
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Mama-mama, mama-mama
Mama-mama, mama-mama
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
@michaelnixjr.familymembers9188
UB40 covered K.C. And The Sunshine Band "I Get Lifted"
@daniellee1211
The club scene still comes to mind when I get lifted up high comes to mind🤪😂
@MissHercuLiz
A pure classic, underrated film and track. Cheers for uploading this.
@cheyenneblacksmith5503
One of my favorites! I recall going to the see the movie when first released. I had sat through the credits while everyone was leaving the theater because I knew It was UB40, I recognized Ali's voice! I recently thought of a movie soundtrack album concept as I learned that there's more than 20 tracks of UB40 songs used in movies and thought to cover those tracks too. I like what you've done here this is great!
@cheyenneblacksmith5503
+CyQul Soundtracks like Vampire In Brooklyn, Mighty Quinn, EdTv, A Few Good Men, Something Wild, some of these covers are not shown.
@cat132321
Such a great movie. Great song to go with it also.
@rubenisalechbass7546
Sittin' here together, baby we're all alone
Now I can tell ya, girl, you turn me on
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Bring out the lovin', lovin' desire, baby
You got the match, oh that lights the fire
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Mama-mama, mama-mama
Mama-mama, mama-mama
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
Mama-mama, mama-mama
Mama-mama, mama-mama
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
I get lifted, I get lifted up hi-high, hi-high
@shereencannell8297
A pure classic
@quispicanchiyaranawa7468
i adore this song on final last credits from half backed soundtrack, recently i see this on Netflix broadcast
@ghettowizard378
On a personal side note, half baked ranks right up there with up in smoke and the first Friday!!! If you got some good weed and you've never seen it, I recommend getting high and watching the cult classic REEFER MADNESS!! THAT SHIT WILL HAVE YOU ROLLING!!!😅😅😂😂😂👻👻👻👻👍