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.
Gotta Tell Someone
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I gotta tell someone,can anyone hear me
The girl of my dreams told me that she loves me
She whispered & I was consumed so completely
Lost in the love that I feel whenever she's near me
She's got me wishing for something that's missing
Staring at stars getting high on her kissing
We're making plans for a family
[CHORUS]
Together we'll stay come what may
Nothing come between us or get in our way
This is for real the really big deal
At last we've found someone who knows how we feel
[CHORUS ]
She took me out walking, I should not be talking
Whispered in my ear but I'm telling you nothing
If I were you, you know what I'd do
Get one of your own so you can whisper too
[CHORUS]
The song “Gotta Tell Someone” by UB40 is an ode to the power of love, and the emotions it stirs within those who experience it. The song is all about the singer finding the love of his life and the joy and passion that they share. He is thrilled by the fact that the girl of his dreams has told him that she loves him, and consumed by the feeling of love whenever she’s near him. He is so happy that he can’t help but tell everyone he knows about it. The chorus of the song is a simple and effective expression of this feeling, with the singer singing that he has to tell someone, anyone, about the happiness he has found with his new love.
The song celebrates the idea of finding true love and the power of that love to overcome any obstacle. The singer and his new love are making plans for a family and are committed to staying together through thick and thin. They are so in love that nothing can come between them, and they are excited to spend the rest of their lives together. The song is ultimately about the satisfaction and fulfillment that can come from finding love and building a life with someone who truly understands you.
Overall, “Gotta Tell Someone” is a simple and heartfelt song that captures the essence of romantic love. The singer’s joy and enthusiasm are infectious, and the song is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I gotta tell someone,can anyone hear me
I need to share my excitement with someone, is there anyone who will listen?
The girl of my dreams told me that she loves me
The woman I've always wanted just expressed her love for me
She whispered & I was consumed so completely
Her words had a powerful and overwhelming effect on me
Lost in the love that I feel whenever she's near me
I am completely enchanted by the love I feel in her presence
She's got me wishing for something that's missing
Being with her has made me realize there was something missing in my life before
Staring at stars getting high on her kissing
Kissing her makes me feel so high that even the stars seem closer
Now I got my girl, my girl got me
We are now a couple who are devoted to each other
We're making plans for a family
We are looking towards a future where we are a family
Together we'll stay come what may
We will remain together no matter what challenges come our way
Nothing come between us or get in our way
Our love is strong enough to overcome any obstacles that may arise
This is for real the really big deal
Our love is genuine and an important part of our lives
At last we've found someone who knows how we feel
We are relieved to have found someone who truly understands and reciprocates our feelings
She took me out walking, I should not be talking
She took me for a walk and said something confidential to me
Whispered in my ear but I'm telling you nothing
I won't reveal what she told me in confidence
If I were you, you know what I'd do
If I were in your shoes, I would find someone to share a similar experience with
Get one of your own so you can whisper too
Find someone to be close enough with that you can share secrets through whispers
CHORUS
Reiterates the need to share the joy of love with someone who will listen
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALI CAMPBELL, BRIAN TRAVERS, EARL FALCONER, JIM BROWN, MICHAEL VIRTUE, NORMAN HASSAN, ROBIN CAMPBELL, 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