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.
If It Happens Again
UB40 Lyrics
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I'll pack my things and go
If it happens again
There'll be no looking back
And I won't say I told you so
I won't say I told you so
You did what you were told
Been left out in the cold
Got yourself to blame
But believe me
If it happens again, I'm leaving
If it stays the same, I'm gone
When you're stabbed in the back
And there's salt in the wound
The it's time to move along
If it happens again, I'm leaving
I'll pack my things and go
If it happens again
There'll be no looking back
And I won't say I told you so
I won't say I told you so
No more spanners in the works
All the works been done
Had your face rubbed in the dirt
On show for every one
But believe me
If it happens again, I'm leaving
If it stays the same, I'm gone
When compromise is the song that you sing
It's been going on to long
If it happens again, I'm leaving
I'll pack my things and go
If it happens again
There'll be no looking back
And I won't say I told you so
I won't say I told you so
If it happens again, I'm leaving
I'll pack my things and go
If it happens again
There'll be no looking back
And I won't say I told you so
I won't say I told you so
If it happens again, I'm leaving
I'll pack my things and go
If it happens again
There'll be no looking back
And I won't say I told you so
I won't say I told you so
The lyrics of UB40's song If It Happens Again are about the inevitability of a relationship breaking down due to lack of trust and repeated disappointment. The singer of the song makes it clear that if their partner betrays them again, they will not stay and will leave without looking back. They express their disillusionment with their partner's behavior, saying that they did what they were told, took the strain, and have been left out in the cold. The singer makes it clear that if they go through this again, they will not say I told you so, as they have already been hurt too many times.
The song speaks to the idea that relationships require trust and commitment to work, and when one partner consistently lets down the other, it becomes impossible to sustain the relationship. If It Happens Again is a warning to a partner who has been repeatedly unfaithful or disloyal that their actions will have consequences.
UB40 was known for their social and political commentary in their music, and this song is no exception. The lyrics are a reflection on the complex dynamics of relationships and the consequences of actions. The song was written by the band's lead vocalist, Ali Campbell, and was released in 1984.
Line by Line Meaning
If it happens again, I'm leaving
If this situation repeats itself, I will leave
I'll pack my things and go
I'll gather my belongings and depart
If it happens again
Should this happen again
There'll be no looking back
I won't reconsider my decision
And I won't say I told you so
I won't point out that I warned you about this
You did what you were told
You followed instructions
And you took the strain
You endured the hardships
Been left out in the cold
You were left alone and ignored
Got yourself to blame
You are responsible for your circumstances
But believe me
Know that what I'm about to say is true
If it stays the same, I'm gone
If nothing changes, I'll leave
When you're stabbed in the back
When you're betrayed
And there's salt in the wound
And the pain is intensified
Then it's time to move along
Then it's time to depart and find better circumstances
No more spanners in the works
No more obstacles or problems
All the works been done
All the necessary tasks have been completed
Had your face rubbed in the dirt
You were humiliated and degraded
On show for every one
Your shame was displayed publicly
When compromise is the song that you sing
When settling for less is your usual behavior
It's been going on too long
This situation has persisted for too much time
Lyrics © 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
@patrickwillibaldmushingwa371
UB40 Rocks heavy..... anyone listening 2020
@chloerawdriguez5746
2021 homie
@shaddyking9411
Still listening in 2021
@Jamesseekstruth
2021 pfft over couRrse
@dougmedina4619
Since early 80's Homebrew.
@martyndance7378
2022 and I'm still listening my guy
@marywookey9089
Timeless tunes! Been listening to UB40 since the '70's and its just as revelant now as it was then.
@Autobot_Megatron
UB40 is timeless. Their music will live on forever as the classics that they are.
@HolySoopCoolers
I’m an avid life long ub40 fan. I play deep cuts all the time and people are always surprised to hear more than the obvious Red, Red Wine.
@chaseman12
I have heard those words many times in my life.
Great tune.