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 Don't Want To See You Cry
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I don't want to see you cry babe
I'm leaving you behind
But it's just for a time
It's not my wish, that we must part
Don't worry baby I won't break your heart
I'm going to a faraway land
I'm going to make life for
Don't worry baby when I am gone
Just keep yourself, 'til I return
Don't wretch yourself, don't cry too much
I'll soon be back with that magic touch, OH
Don't worry baby when I am gone
Just keep yourself, 'til I return
Don't wretch yourself, don't cry too much
I'll soon be back with that magic touch, OH
The lyrics of UB40's song "I Don't Want To See You Cry" convey a sense of bittersweet farewell and reassurance to a loved one. The singer acknowledges that they must say goodbye and leave their partner behind, but they express their reluctance to witness their tears. The departure is temporary, and the singer promises not to break their partner's heart. They explain that they are going to a faraway land to create a better life for both of them, asking for understanding.
The singer then comforts their partner, reminding them not to worry while they are gone. They encourage their partner to take care of themselves and wait patiently for their return. They urge their loved one not to cry excessively and promise to be back soon, bringing their special touch that can magically make everything better.
The overall sentiment of the song reflects the conflicting emotions of separation and hope, as well as the desire to protect and comfort a loved one. It conveys the idea that goodbyes are sometimes necessary for growth and improvement, even though they may be difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got to tell you goodbye babe
I have the necessity to inform you that I am departing, my dear
But I don't want to see you cry babe
However, I do not wish to witness your tears, my love
I'm leaving you behind
I am leaving you in the past
But it's just for a time
Yet, it is merely temporary
It's not my wish, that we must part
I do not desire for us to separate
Don't worry baby I won't break your heart
Do not fret, my darling, for I will not shatter your heart
I'm going to a faraway land
I am departing towards a distant land
I'm going to make life for
My intention is to create a better life
Me and you, please understand, oH
For both you and me, I implore you to comprehend, oh
Don't worry baby when I am gone
Do not worry, my love, during my absence
Just keep yourself, 'til I return
Merely preserve yourself until the moment I come back
Don't wretch yourself, don't cry too much
Do not torment yourself, refrain from excessive weeping
I'll soon be back with that magic touch, OH
I shall swiftly return, endowed with that enchanting influence, oh
Don't worry baby when I am gone
Do not worry, my love, during my absence
Just keep yourself, 'til I return
Merely preserve yourself until the moment I come back
Don't wretch yourself, don't cry too much
Do not torment yourself, refrain from excessive weeping
I'll soon be back with that magic touch, OH
I shall swiftly return, endowed with that enchanting influence, oh
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JIM BROWN, ALI CAMPBELL, ROBIN CAMPBELL, EARL FALCONER, NORMAN HASSAN, BRIAN TRAVERS, MICHAEL VIRTUE, 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