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.
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
UB40 Lyrics
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You don't have to worry any more
I'll be your baby tonight
Shut the light, shut the shade
You don't have to be afraid
I'll be your baby tonight
We're gonna forget it
Big old moon's gonna shine like a spoon
We're gonna let it, you won't regret it
Kick your shoes off do not fear
Bring that bottle over here
I'll be your baby tonight
Be my baby, be my baby
Be my baby, be my baby
I'll be your baby tonight
Well, the mockingbird's gonna sail away
We're gonna forget it
Big old moon's gonna shine like a spoon
We're gonna let it, you won't regret it
Kick your shoes off, do not fear
Bring that bottle over here
I'll be your baby tonight
Be my baby, be my baby
Be my baby, be my baby
I'll be your baby tonight
I'll be your baby tonight
I'll be your baby tonight
The lyrics of "I'll be your baby tonight" by UB40 and Robert Palmer revolve around reassuring and comforting a lover. The song opens with "Close your eyes, close the door, You don't have to worry any more, I'll be your baby tonight." Here, the singer is calming the lover by asking them to trust and rely on them. In the second verse, the singer asks the lover to shut the light and shade, suggesting that they leave the outside world behind and just enjoy each other's company.
The chorus is very catchy and emphasizes that the singer is here for the lover. He repeats, "Be my baby tonight," indicating that he wants the lover to let go and be vulnerable with him. The phrase "mockingbird's gonna sail away" represents the problems and worries that the lovers can forget together, and the "big old moon's gonna shine like a spoon" is symbolic of the romantic atmosphere they will create. The final verse asks the lover to kick off their shoes and bring over a bottle, ending on the reassuring note that the singer will be there for the lover tonight.
In summary, the song is about finding comfort in one another, letting go of outside worries, and surrendering to love. With a soothing melody and lyrics that convey a sense of security, "I'll be your baby tonight" captures the feeling of being wrapped in a lover's embrace.
Line by Line Meaning
Close your eyes, close the door
Please relax and feel comfortable with me by letting go of any fears or worries you may have.
You don't have to worry any more
You can trust me and stop worrying about anything that may have been troubling you.
I'll be your baby tonight
I will be your companion and take good care of you for the remainder of the night.
Shut the light, shut the shade
Let's darken the room to create a relaxing atmosphere.
You don't have to be afraid
You should feel safe and secure in my presence.
Well, the mockingbird's gonna sail away. We're gonna forget it
Let's put our problems behind us and move on.
Big old moon's gonna shine like a spoon. We're gonna let it, you won't regret it
Let's enjoy the soothing sight of the moon and not worry about anything else. You will not regret relaxing with me.
Kick your shoes off do not fear
You can let go and relax, take your shoes off if you want.
Bring that bottle over here
Let's share a drink and enjoy each other's company.
Be my baby, be my baby
Relax and let me take care of you, be my companion.
I'll be your baby tonight
I will be your companion for the remainder of the night.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
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