I Think It's Going To Rain Today
UB40 Lyrics
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Tin can at my feet.
Think I`ll kick it down the street,
That`s the way to treat a friend
Broken windows and empty hall ways
Pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it`s going to rain today
With frozen smiles to chase love away.
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think its going to rain today.
Right before me, the signs implore me
Help the needy and show them the way
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it`s going to rain today.
The lyrics of "I Think It's Going to Rain Today" by UB40 speaks of a sense of loneliness and despair amidst a world filled with brokenness and empty spaces. The metaphor of a tin can at the feet symbolizes loneliness and the urge to push it away, indicating a desire to escape what surrounds us. The idea of broken windows and empty hallways, coupled with the grey sky, paints a picture of a place filled with sadness and misery.
The repetition of "Human kindness is overflowing" speaks of the innate goodness of people, and how despite the brokenness around, people still have the potential to show love and kindness to one another. The presence of scarecrows, dressed in fashionable clothing, with frozen smiles serves as a metaphor, indicating people's tendency to guard their hearts, driven by fear of being vulnerable and getting hurt.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics become more implicative, asking for help from people who can lend a hand to the needy and show them the right way. Despite the sense of despair, the song's message is one of hope, encouraging the audience to continue to show kindness to people even amidst the difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Lonely, Lonely,
Feeling isolated and alone.
Tin can at my feet.
An empty, discarded object symbolizing isolation.
Think I'll kick it down the street,
Expressing frustration and anger towards the object and the situation.
That's the way to treat a friend
Sarcasm, expressing bitterness towards the idea of friendship.
Broken windows and empty hall ways
Description of a desolate and abandoned place.
Pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey
Depicting a bleak and melancholy atmosphere.
Human kindness is overflowing
Contrast of the negativity with the abundance of kindness people possess.
And I think it's going to rain today
Using rain as a metaphor for sadness and despair, predicting more negativity.
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
Criticism of the superficial and materialistic aspects of society.
With frozen smiles to chase love away.
Sarcasm, illustrating how society puts on fake appearances to hide true emotions and connections.
Right before me, the signs implore me
Suggesting a call for action and positive change.
Help the needy and show them the way
Encouraging others to give back to those less fortunate and spread kindness.
Human kindness is overflowing
Reinforcement of the idea that kindness can combat negativity and despair.
And I think it's going to rain today.
A gloomy outlook on the future, despite the potential for good.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Randy Newman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Me Em
Just got the urge to listen to a bit of UB40. What a GREAT album. I've still got this on vinyl.
Was travelling in the Caribbean a few years back. I booked my ticket to leave St Maarten only to find out that they were arriving to play some gigs in a few days time !!!! GUTTED.
I wonder if there's anyone out there that can confirm a story I once heard (and I've no reason to doubt the story) about them
Apparently a lot of the covers they did were of songs whereby the original artist got ripped off by the then music companies / managers etc and ended up making very little.
So UB40 recorded the song and gave the royalties to the original artist / writer.
They were high in my estimation already but they rocketed after hearing that.
Brendan
Wow - still sends shivers up my spine all these years later - wish I still had the double album - how good is the musicianship
eldarfreak1
i still do :)
Paul Blanstar
Listening to it now on vinyl on the B n O 😎🎵
andreaneilcmc
I think that it came with a 12" 45rpm disc so technically not a double album - sorry I'm obviously a bit AR!!
Odd Bod
I think this album was the best of the 80s.I bought so many singles and albums in that decade.For me,none have stood the test of time like this.Its an era in an album.I love it.
Me Em
Just got the urge to listen to a bit of UB40. What a GREAT album. I've still got this on vinyl.
Was travelling in the Caribbean a few years back. I booked my ticket to leave St Maarten only to find out that they were arriving to play some gigs in a few days time !!!! GUTTED.
I wonder if there's anyone out there that can confirm a story I once heard (and I've no reason to doubt the story) about them
Apparently a lot of the covers they did were of songs whereby the original artist got ripped off by the then music companies / managers etc and ended up making very little.
So UB40 recorded the song and gave the royalties to the original artist / writer.
They were high in my estimation already but they rocketed after hearing that.
redvictor
It's true on the latter..
Jim Mcdowel
STILL A GREAT SONG
Patrick Gatons
That's the bass beat to live your life to.
James English
That Bass ,that sax,Birmingham s finest x