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'm Not Fooled So Easily
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And wondering if it could be true
If it's as bad as you say out there
I'll leave the going out to you
Statistics prove its not too bright
To walk the darker streets at night
Or to talk to people you don't know
There's a murder in my living room
My child is watching avidly
Should I venture out tonight
Tomorrow he'll be watching me
You pay your money take your choice
But every channel plays the same
The audience hears his master's voice
Keeps him scared and keeps him tame
I'm not believing all I see
Fabrications on T.V.
Distort the news, feed us your views
I'm not fooled so easily
The UB40 song "I'm Not Fooled So Easily" is a social commentary on the fear-mongering tactics used by the media and politicians to manipulate public opinion. The singer of the song is skeptical of the dire warnings about the dangers of the outside world, and instead believes that many of the problems are exaggerated or distorted by those in power for their own purposes. The lyrics warn against blindly accepting what is presented in the media, and urge people to think critically and question what they are being told.
The first verse of the song reflects the singer's doubts about the dire warnings they have been hearing. They have been listening to someone's warnings about the dangers of going out at night or talking to strangers, but they are skeptical that the situation is really as bad as it is being made out to be. The second verse reflects the fears that are generated by this rhetoric - the singer feels as though their world has become a "horror show" and they are constantly on edge. The final verse of the song is a call to action, urging people to not blindly accept what they are being told and to question what is presented as "news" or "facts."
Overall, the message of "I'm Not Fooled So Easily" is that people need to be critical thinkers and avoid being manipulated by those in power. The song is a reminder that fear is often used as a tool for control, and that people need to be careful about what they believe.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been listening to what you said
I have heard what you said to me
And wondering if it could be true
I am skeptical and unsure if what you said is true or not
If it's as bad as you say out there
If the situation is as dire as you make it out to be
I'll leave the going out to you
I will leave it up to you to venture out and experience what you describe
Statistics prove its not too bright
Data shows that it is not safe or wise
To walk the darker streets at night
To wander in poorly lit, unfamiliar areas after sunset
Or to talk to people you don't know
To engage in conversation with unknown individuals is also not advised
My worlds become a horror show
Due to the constant fear-mongering and emphasis on danger, my perception of the world has become a nightmare
There's a murder in my living room
There is a violent crime being broadcasted on my television
My child is watching avidly
My offspring is intently observing the disturbing events on display
Should I venture out tonight
If I were to go outside this evening
Tomorrow he'll be watching me
My child will be observing my actions and behavior the next day
You pay your money take your choice
You spend your money, and then have the ability to decide
But every channel plays the same
Regardless of which channel you turn to, the content and message will be similar
The audience hears his master's voice
The majority of viewers are being influenced by the media's agenda
Keeps him scared and keeps him tame
They use fear tactics and indoctrination to control the masses
I'm not believing all I see
I am not blindly accepting everything that is presented in front of me
Fabrications on T.V.
The information being broadcasted is not entirely truthful and accurate
Distort the news, feed us your views
They manipulate and present news in a way that supports their own bias and beliefs
I'm not fooled so easily
I am not easily deceived and can see through the deception
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIM BROWN, ALI CAMPBELL, ROBIN CAMPBELL, EARL FALCONER, NORMAN HASSAN, BRIAN TRAVERS, MICHAEL VIRTUE, TERRENCE OSWALD WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elias Barbosa
I've been listening to what you said
And wondering if it could be true
If it's as bad as you say out there
I'll leave the going out to you
Statistics prove its not too bright
To walk the darker streets at night
Or to talk to people you don't know
My worlds become a horror show
There's a murder in my living room
My child is watching avidly
Should I venture out tonight
Tomorrow he'll be watching me
You pay your money take your choice
But every channel plays the same
The audience hears his master's voice
Keeps him scared and keeps him tame
I'm not believing all I see
Fabrications on T.V.
Distort the news, feed us your views
I'm not fooled so easily
Francisco JosΓ©
Γ muito massa esse reggae eu tenho orgulho ser piauiense terra do reggae
Loko por Reggae
Faz tempo que procuro esse reggae... π΅π₯ doidera!!!π―π²
Goldenthug9
Favorite song on this amazing album!! long Live UB40
JΓ©ssica Motta
Somm muito fodaa!! Te puxa pra danca automatico
Julian Heath
One of their greatest songs, without a doubt. Up there with One in Ten.
PKSkyler
Since i was a kid my mom played UB40 and other great bands and albums, she had this song on tape cassette and i first heard it when i was 9 in 2002, great song. I love it. I love ub40!!!
Harry Heath
Love this slow dragging swing man yeah!
andre garner
Listen to signing off and Present Arms!
Tomas Vader
Isso Γ© uma obra prima.
Chewy
Couldn't stop listening to this tune in the 80's, brings back memories. The Pillow is just as good; I wish I could write songs like this..