A reggae band formed 1978 in Birmingham, UK. The music grasps from roots re… Read Full Bio ↴A reggae band formed 1978 in Birmingham, UK. The music grasps from roots reggae and dub to lovers rock and pop. It is the second most commercial successful reggae band with +70 million sold albums. Many of their hits have been stylishly covers of early reggae and rocksteady hits from Jamaica. After success in UK, UB40's won USA with Labour of Love (1983), their first album of covers. UB40 was 1986 the first Western band to play behind the Iron Curtain, live in Moscow, Soviet Union. UB40 is known for hits as 'Food For Thought', (1980) 'Red Red Wine' (1983), 'Please Don't Make Me Cry' (1983), 'I Got You Babe' (1985) with frontman Ali Campbell in duet with Chrissie Hynde just like in 'Breakfast in Bed' (1988). Their most successful worldwide single release is their reggae/pop version of 'I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You' (1993).

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.

Morning Light
UB40 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wake up in the mornin'
Bump this in your stereo
In your car or blaze it in your disco
People look confused, "What is this, yo?"
Hip-Hop, a little bit a Reggae in it

This one is for those who like the old school
Try to hate on us, you new school fool

Let's take it back to basics
Use the old tools check this out now
Let me tell you how to do it

Let your body work (yeah)
Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)

This one's gonna make you move
Til' your body hurts (yeah)
We're gonna dance until the morning light
Right, right, right

Let your body work (yeah)
Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)

This one's gonna make you move
Til' your body hurts (yeah)
We're gonna dance until the morning light
Right, right, right

Twist, shake
Rattle and roll and keep it jiggy-jiggy
All my girls dip low
And keep it flicky-flicky now let it loose
Just let it go and act silly mister DJ
(Can you turn it up a little?)

Get up off the wall and stop your posin'
Screw-face just standin' lookin' frozen
Hurry, buster, move the club is closin'
Hit the dance floor
Let me tell you how to do it

Let your body work (yeah)
Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)

This one's gonna make you move
Til' your body hurts (yeah)
We're gonna dance until the morning light
Right, right, right

Let your body work (yeah)
Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)

This one's gonna make you move
Til' your body hurts (yeah)
We're gonna dance until the morning light
Right, right, right

(Hey, break it down)
This one is makin' you silly
It makes you jump around

(Hey, break it down)
And you better get on your feet
I don't want you sittin' down

(Hey, break it down)
Let's stop the whinin', start the grindin'
Let's just gather 'round

(Hey, break it down)
'Cause good music always come back around

Ask your grandmother and
Grandfather about this
How they were twistin' and shakin'
When they first heard this
Forty years later now it's
Back on the playlist we recycled it and now
They're back in business

We put it back in the pot and, yes
We're stirrin' it up
We add some sugar and the spice
And now we're makin' it hot
And now we're runnin' your city and, yes
We're runnin' your block
And when we're talkin', no
We never gonna stop so just

Let your body work (yeah)
Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)

This one's gonna make you move
Til' your body hurts (yeah)
We're gonna dance until the morning light
Right, right, right

Let your body work (yeah)
Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)

This one's gonna make you move
Til' your body hurts (yeah)

We're gonna dance until the morning light
Right, right, right

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of UB40's song "Morning Light" convey a message of nostalgia, celebration, and the power of music to bring people together. The opening lines set the scene for the listener to wake up in the morning and play this song loudly, whether in their car or at a disco. The lyrics mention the confusion of some people who may not be familiar with the blend of Hip-Hop and Reggae in the song, highlighting the uniqueness of the music being presented.

The song then acknowledges the divide between old school and new school music, with a playful challenge to those who try to hate on the old school. The lyrics emphasize going back to basics and using the old tools to create music, suggesting that there is value in embracing the foundations of certain genres. The song then proceeds to guide the listener on how to let their body work, encouraging them to feel the rhythm and let their body move in a jerking motion.

The chorus serves as a reminder that the song's purpose is to make the listener want to move and dance until their body hurts. The repetition of "right, right, right" emphasizes the unanimous agreement to keep dancing until the morning light. The lyrics also encourage participants, including "girls," to let go and act silly on the dance floor, emphasizing the fun and carefree nature of dancing.

The lyrics additionally acknowledge the need for people to stop standing on the sidelines and posing, urging them to get up and join the dancing. The urgency in the lyrics suggests that time is running out at the club, and there's a need to seize the moment. The breakdown section of the song further encourages gathering around, breaking away from negative attitudes, and highlighting the timeless nature of good music.

The final verse of the song brings a perspective on how this style of music has endured and evolved over decades. The lyrics invite the listener to ask their grandparents about the dance crazes they experienced when they first heard this kind of music. The song emphasizes the cyclical nature of music, mentioning how it has been recycled and brought back to contemporary playlists. The lyrics assert that music like this is still relevant and that it continues to thrive, running cities and blocks alike.

In summary, UB40's "Morning Light" is a fusion of Hip-Hop and Reggae that aims to bring people together to dance and enjoy the timeless power of music. The lyrics express a sense of nostalgia, encourage embracing the old school, and highlight the importance of letting go and having fun on the dance floor. The song celebrates the unity and joy that can be found through the shared experience of music and dancing.

Line by Line Meaning

Wake up in the mornin'
Start your day with energy and enthusiasm

Bump this in your stereo
Play this song loudly in your music system

In your car or blaze it in your disco
Enjoy this song either while driving or partying at a disco

People look confused, 'What is this, yo?'
Observers may be surprised or confused by the unique blend of Hip-Hop and Reggae in the song

Hip-Hop, a little bit a Reggae in it
The song combines elements of both Hip-Hop and Reggae music genres

This one is for those who like the old school
The song caters to individuals who appreciate classic music

Try to hate on us, you new school fool
If you criticize us, you're simply ignorant of the old school style

Let's take it back to basics
Let's return to the fundamental and authentic essence

Use the old tools check this out now
Employ the traditional means and witness the result

Let me tell you how to do it
Allow me to instruct you on the proper way to enjoy the music

Let your body work (yeah)
Allow your body to engage in rhythmic movements

Can you feel it jerk? (yeah)
Are you experiencing sudden movements and vibrations in your body?

This one's gonna make you move
This song will compel you to dance

Til' your body hurts (yeah)
Until your body becomes tired from continuous dancing

We're gonna dance until the morning light
We will keep dancing all night until the sun rises

Twist, shake, rattle and roll and keep it jiggy-jiggy
Perform a combination of twisting, shaking, and energetic movements while keeping it lively and enjoyable

All my girls dip low
All the girls should lower their bodies closer to the ground

And keep it flicky-flicky now let it loose
Then release all inhibitions and let loose with the movements

Just let it go and act silly mister DJ
Release yourself and behave playfully, DJ

(Can you turn it up a little?)
(Could you increase the volume slightly?)

Get up off the wall and stop your posin'
Leave the wall you're leaning on and cease striking poses

Screw-face just standin' lookin' frozen
Stop wearing a stern expression and standing stiffly

Hurry, buster, move the club is closin'
Quickly, my friend, let's continue dancing as the club is about to close

Hit the dance floor
Go back to the dance area

Ask your grandmother and
Consult your grandmother and

Grandfather about this
Grandfather regarding this matter

How they were twistin' and shakin'
Inquire how they used to perform twisting and shaking movements

When they first heard this
Upon initially experiencing this song

Forty years later now it's
Decades later, it is now

Back on the playlist we recycled it and now
Featured on the playlist once again, we reused it and now

They're back in business
They are now actively participating

We put it back in the pot and, yes
We reintroduced it into the mix, and indeed

We're stirrin' it up
We are thoroughly mixing it

We add some sugar and the spice
We incorporate sweetness and excitement

And now we're makin' it hot
And now we are making it lively and thrilling

And now we're runnin' your city and, yes
Furthermore, we are controlling your city and, indeed

We're runnin' your block
We hold power and influence in your neighborhood

And when we're talkin', no
And when we speak, no

We never gonna stop so just
We will never cease, so simply

This one is makin' you silly
This song is making you feel light-hearted and carefree

It makes you jump around
It encourages you to leap and bounce energetically

And you better get on your feet
Furthermore, you should definitely stand up

I don't want you sittin' down
I do not want you remaining seated

Let's stop the whinin', start the grindin'
Cease complaining and begin working hard

Let's just gather 'round
Let's come together

'Cause good music always come back around
Since quality music always resurfaces eventually

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS STAPLETON, ELLIOTT L. IVES, ERIC HUDSON, JUSTIN R. TIMBERLAKE, ROB KNOX

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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