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.
Groovin'
UB40 Lyrics
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Running too and fro
And if you ask them where they're going
Half of the don't know
They're the ones who think I'm crazy
But they don't realize
That I'm just groovin', groovin'
I'm just groovin' ooh grovin'
Grovin' till I die
I see a river flowing by me
Heading for the sea
I get a feeling deep inside me
It's so good to be free
I've got sunshine in the daytime
And moonlight every night
And I'm just groovin'
(Middle eight)
I see a river flowing by me
Heading for the sea
I get a feeling deep inside me
It's so good to be free
I've got sunshine in the daytime
And moonlight every night
And I'm just groovin'
That I'm just groovin', groovin'
Grooving out on life
I'm just groovin' ooh grovin'
Grovin' till I die
That I'm just groovin', groovin'
Grooving out on life
I'm just groovin' ooh grovin'
Groovin' till I die
The lyrics to UB40's song "Groovin'" speak about finding enjoyment in the simple things in life and being content with oneself. The singer finds joy in watching people going about their daily lives, even if it appears aimless and directionless. The singer is not judgmental but is viewed as crazy by others because they don't understand the satisfaction that can come from "grooving out on life."
The singer also finds freedom in natural elements such as a flowing river and the changing light of day and night. These sensory experiences provide a deeper connection to the world around them and contribute to the sense of being alive and present in the moment. The lyrics suggest that being open to these experiences is what makes life worth living, even if others don't understand why.
Overall, "Groovin'" is a celebration of embracing the present moment and finding joy in the simplicities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I get my kicks from watching people
I find joy in observing other people and their actions.
Running too and fro
People are often busy and constantly moving.
And if you ask them where they're going
If you were to ask them about their destination or purpose, they would not have a clear answer.
Half of the don't know
Half of the people do not have a clear direction in life.
They're the ones who think I'm crazy
These individuals may consider me insane or odd.
But they don't realize
They are not aware of my true mindset or beliefs.
That I'm just groovin', groovin'
I am enjoying life in a carefree, easygoing way.
Grooving out on life
I am living life with a positive attitude and outlook.
I'm just groovin' ooh grovin'
I am enjoying life to the fullest, no matter what others may think.
Grovin' till I die
I plan on continuing to live my life in this manner for as long as I am able.
I see a river flowing by me
I observe the natural flow and beauty of the world around me.
Heading for the sea
The river is moving towards the ocean.
I get a feeling deep inside me
I experience a strong sensation that fills me with joy and freedom.
It's so good to be free
I feel liberated and without restraint.
I've got sunshine in the daytime
I experience happiness and joy during the day.
And moonlight every night
Even during the darkness of night, I find beauty and light.
That I'm just groovin', groovin'
Again, I am enjoying life in a carefree, easygoing way.
Middle Eight
Instrumental section of the song.
That I'm just groovin', groovin'
Once again, I am enjoying life in a carefree, easygoing way.
Grooving out on life
I am living life with a positive attitude and outlook.
I'm just groovin' ooh grovin'
I am enjoying life to the fullest, no matter what others may think.
Groovin' till I die
I plan on continuing to live my life in this manner for as long as I am able.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Brigati, Felix Cavaliere
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chizgakwalira9552
I'm 37, but one thing I know for sure is; every person who listens to UB40 is a good person, good music=good people. Goodday good people. Love from Malawi
@shauntellsjodin3520
❤️
@litoscarlos4109
Mozambique. One love
@donnaelizabeth9624
I agree 👍 love from the UK 🇬🇧
@lotuspocus76312
Goddammit. I knew it. ❣️
@chteich1
So it is ☮️ from Austria 🙏🏼
@martinmulivai
What a awesome band. Their sound is amazing! We love UB40 here in South Auckland and Aotearoa. Thank you 4 the music o.gs! Cheers 🍻
@frappaccino0008
I’m 16 and man I really miss this kind of music , shout out to all the parents who brought there kids up with iconic music like this !
@bladecullen5793
I'm about to turn 16 in 2 days and I play all the old school jams! love em jams like I love my jam!!
@margarethankin7371
U got that right the first time 💖💖💖💖