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.
Many Rivers to Cross
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I can't seem to find my way
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
The white cliffs of Dover
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
That keeps me alive
I've been licked, washed up for years and,
I merely survive because of my pride.
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be in on your own
My woman left and she didn't say why
Well I guess, I gotta try.
Many rivers to cross but where to begin,
I'm playing for time
There'll be times when I find myself thinking
Of committing some dreadful crime.
I've got many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
The white cliffs of Dover
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
That keeps me alive
I've been licked, washed up for my years and,
I merely survive because of my pride.
UB40's "Many Rivers to Cross" is a heartfelt ode to perseverance through hardship. The song tells the story of a man who feels lost and alone, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles before him. He reflects on the many rivers he has to cross, but he can't seem to figure out where to even begin. As he travels along the white cliffs of Dover, he feels aimless and unsure of his path.
The only thing keeping the man going is his sheer willpower - he's been "licked, washed up for years," but he's still surviving because of his pride. However, the loneliness he feels is palpable, and he can't help but think about the woman who left him without a word. The pain of being alone is almost too much to bear, and he even admits to considering committing a "dreadful crime" in his darkest moments.
Despite the dark themes of the lyrics, the song ultimately serves as a testament to human resilience. The fact that the man is still standing despite everything he's faced is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Many rivers to cross
There are many obstacles in my life that I must overcome.
But I can't seem to find my way
I am lost and unsure of how to proceed.
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
As I journey through life, I feel adrift and aimless.
The white cliffs of Dover
A physical landmark that I have encountered on my travels.
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
I must rely solely on my inner strength to persevere through these challenges.
That keeps me alive
Without my determination, I would not survive.
I've been licked, washed up for years and,
I have experienced defeat and failure for a long time.
I merely survive because of my pride.
My stubbornness and self-respect are the only things keeping me going.
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I am plagued by a persistent sense of isolation and solitude.
It's such a drag to be in on your own
Being alone is a heavy burden to bear.
My woman left and she didn't say why
I have recently lost a significant other without explanation.
Well I guess, I gotta try.
Despite my despair, I must make an effort to move forward.
Many rivers to cross but where to begin,
I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of my challenges and do not know where to start.
I'm playing for time
I am stalling, hoping that a solution will present itself.
There'll be times when I find myself thinking
I will have moments of darkness and despair.
Of committing some dreadful crime.
I will be tempted to act out in self-destructive ways.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Fulton
on My Way of Thinking
Best band in the stratosphere
Rosie Contreras
on Red Red Wine
Awesome song