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.
Here I Am/Small Axe
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We are a small axe (sharp and ready)
Ready to cut you down (ready)
Sharpened to cut you down
I can't believe that it's real
The way that you make me feel
A burning deep down inside
I know it's you and me baby
That makes this world go round
And keeping you in love with me babe
Laying all my troubles down
Here I am baby, come and take me
Here I am baby, come on and take me
Take me by the hand, ooh show me
Here I am baby, ooh
It always ends up this way
Me begging you every day
A love that I cannot have
You broke my heart in two halves
I know it's you and me baby
That makes this world go round
And keeping you in love with me babe
Laying all my troubles down
Here I am baby, come and take me
Here I am baby, won't ya come on and take me
Take me by the hand, ooh squeeze me
Here I am baby, ooh
Oh, here I am baby, come and take me
Here I am baby, won't ya come and take me
Take me by the hand, ooh show me
Show me what you can
Here I am baby, ooh won't ya take me
Take me by the hand
Take me by the hand
Ooh show me
Show me what you can
Here I am baby
Won't you take me by the hand
Take me by the hand
Take me while you can
Here I am baby
In the first section of the song, the lyrics describe the relationship between the powerful and the powerless. The big tree represents someone in power or authority, while the small axe symbolizes the weak and oppressed. The axe is “sharp and ready” to take down the tree or those in power. The lyrics suggest that although those in power may seem invincible, they are vulnerable and can be brought down by those with determination and strength. The repetition of “ready to cut you down” emphasizes the determination of the powerless to overthrow the powerful.
The second section of the song is about love and the singer’s devotion to their partner. The lyrics express the deep feelings of love that the singer has for their partner as well as emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the two of them. The lyrics suggest that the love between the two of them is what makes the world go round and that it is worth it to lay aside all troubles for this love. The line “I know it’s you and me baby” implies that the singer and their partner can conquer everything together.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “Here I am baby, come and take me” multiple times, emphasizing the singer’s desire to be with their partner. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to be with their partner and that they will not give up easily, even if they are constantly rejected.
Line by Line Meaning
If you are a big big tree
If you are someone powerful or influential
We are a small axe (sharp and ready)
We may be small, but we are powerful, efficient, and prepared to take on challenges
Ready to cut you down (ready)
Prepared to challenge or bring down someone in power
I can't believe that it's real
Expressing disbelief in the intense emotions being felt
The way that you make me feel
Describing the intense emotions being felt for someone
A burning deep down inside
A passionate feeling that is strong and deeply rooted
A love that I cannot hide
A love that is intense and impossible to suppress
I know it's you and me baby
Acknowledging the strength of the relationship between two people
That makes this world go round
Suggesting that the meaningful connections we have with others create a fulfilling life experience
And keeping you in love with me babe
Emphasizing the desire to maintain a strong relationship with someone
Laying all my troubles down
Focusing on letting go of stress and worries in the presence of the person they love
Here I am baby, come and take me
An overt request to the person they love to accept them and be with them
Take me by the hand, ooh show me
A desire to be led or guided by the person they love
It always ends up this way
Acknowledging a pattern of unrequited love or a difficult relationship between two people
Me begging you every day
Describing the desperation felt in trying to maintain a relationship with someone who may not feel the same way
A love that I cannot have
Describing an unattainable love
You broke my heart in two halves
Describing the experience of heartbreak
Here I am baby, won't ya come on and take me
Repeating the request to be accepted and loved
Take me by the hand, ooh squeeze me
Expressing a desire for physical affection and closeness
Show me what you can
A challenge to the person they love to prove their feelings and love for them
Won't you take me by the hand
A repeated request for guidance and support from the person they love
Take me while you can
A plea to take advantage of the present moment and not wait for the opportunity to be with them to pass
Here I am baby
Reiterating their presence and availability to be loved
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Al Green, Mabon Hodges, Bob Marley
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