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 Got You Babe
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't find out till we grow
Well I don't know why that's true
'Cause you got me baby, I got you
Babe, I got you babe, I got you, babe
They say our love won't pay the rent
I guess that's so, we don't have a lot
But at least I'm sure of all the things we got
Babe, I got you babe, I got you, babe
I got flowers in the spring
I got you, to wear my ring
And when I'm sad, you're a clown
And if I get scared you're always around
So let they say your hair's too long
I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
Then put your warm little hand in mine
There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb
Babe, I got you babe, I got you babe, I got you babe
I got you to hold my hand
I got you to understand
I got you to walk with me
I got you to talk with
I got you to kiss goodnight
I got you to hold me tight
I got you I won't let go
I got you to love me so
I got you, babe
The lyrics of UB40's "I Got You Babe" explore the notion of love as a source of strength and support in the face of adversity. The first verse sets the tone by challenging the common belief that youth and inexperience prevent people from knowing what true love is. The singer argues that their love is the exception, as it has brought them together and given them a sense of security and purpose. This idea is reinforced by the chorus, which affirms the singer's commitment to their partner, regardless of their circumstances.
The second verse delves into the theme of financial struggle and how it can strain a relationship. The singer acknowledges that they don't have much material wealth, and that their love won't pay the bills. However, they take comfort in the fact that they have each other and the intangible things that money can't buy. This sentiment is echoed in the bridge of the song, which lists the various ways in which the singer relies on their partner for emotional support and companionship.
Overall, "I Got You Babe" is a song about the power of love to overcome obstacles and provide a sense of belonging in an unpredictable world. The lyrics evoke a sense of intimacy and commitment, which is conveyed through the simple yet highly effective melody and musical arrangement.
Line by Line Meaning
They say we're young and we don't know
People say that because we are young, we lack experience and knowledge
Won't find out till we grow
We won't gain experience and knowledge until we mature
Well I don't know why that's true
I don't believe that being young inevitably means we are inexperienced and lacking knowledge
'Cause you got me baby, I got you
As long as we have each other, we don't need to worry about not knowing everything
Babe, I got you babe, I got you, babe
I want to reassure you that I am here for you, I am your partner
They say our love won't pay the rent
Some people think that love won't provide for us financially
Before it's earned our money's always spent
We are young and don't have much money, but we still prioritize spending time together over earning money
I guess that's so, we don't have a lot
It's true that we don't have much money or possessions
But at least I'm sure of all the things we got
Despite not having material possessions, I am confident that we have the most important thing: each other
I got flowers in the spring
I have something beautiful and natural in my life
I got you, to wear my ring
I have you as my partner and I am dedicated to you
And when I'm sad, you're a clown
When I am feeling low, you always know how to make me laugh
And if I get scared you're always around
You are always there for me in times of fear or anxiety
So let they say your hair's too long
We might face criticism or judgments from others, such as about your appearance
I don't care, with you I can't go wrong
But as long as we have each other, we can handle whatever comes our way
Then put your warm little hand in mine
Take my hand, we will face things together
There ain't no hill or mountain we can't climb
Together, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter how big or small
Babe, I got you babe, I got you babe, I got you babe
I am repeating myself because I want you to know that I am always here, I am always your partner
I got you to hold my hand
I can rely on you for support and comfort
I got you to understand
I have someone who listens and empathizes with me
I got you to walk with me
I won't go through life alone, I have a partner to share the journey with
I got you to talk with
I have someone to communicate and connect with
I got you to kiss goodnight
At the end of the day, I have someone to share intimacy and affection with
I got you to hold me tight
I have someone to keep me safe and secure
I got you I won't let go
Our love is strong and I won't ever let it go
I got you to love me so
Most importantly, I have someone who loves me unconditionally
I got you, babe
I am grateful for you and our relationship
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sonny Bono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tanzagowe128
We don't look for old music . We look for memories they carry . Great song
@percynjeri399
Sure
@dianne1999
Very true
@LSingh-hu6ml
It's not called old. It's classic
@doncarlin9081
Great insight!
@beckyachegani1514
❤
@umo80
Grew up listening to these guys.....80s music rocked and still rock to date. UB 40 is definitely one of the best bands ever
@shortallliam3142
Hear, hear brother!!
@bobbinsew
Yep, me as well, nothing else like it
@robertoswu
Yo! People, people! For all the listeners of this song in 2024! If you like it, give a shout for all of us in the comments! One of the cool😎est songs (cover) from the UB40! In my opinion... Stay strong brothers and sisters! 💪🏻❤️