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.
Sardonicus
UB40 Lyrics
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A paradox etched in human bone
If you could look behind his thin disguise
There's a hidden glint of madness in his eyes.
Many men are fooled by his smile
His superficial grace his charm his style
Sardonicus is everybody's friend
The song Sardonicus by UB40 is a lyrical masterpiece that explores the multifaceted nature of human beings. The opening lines of "a human statue made of living stone" create a vivid image of a person who appears to be stable and steadfast in their beliefs and principles. However, the paradox of this figure lies in the fact that behind this facade is a hidden glint of madness in his eyes that is not immediately apparent to others. The use of the word 'paradox' implies that there is more to the person than meets the eye, and that there are underlying complexities to their personality that may not be immediately apparent.
As the lyrics progress, the song describes how many men are fooled by Sardonicus' superficial charm, style, and grace. Sardonicus is portrayed as a master of disguise, adept at concealing his true self from others. But despite his ability to mask his true nature, the chorus implies that the character of Sardonicus is not trustworthy, and that he cannot be relied upon. This contrast between the surface-level appearance and the underlying reality of Sardonicus creates a sense of unease and dissonance throughout the song.
In conclusion, UB40's Sardonicus is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complexity and paradoxical nature of human beings. Through its use of vivid imagery and wordplay, the song challenges conventional notions of stability and trustworthiness, and encourages listeners to look beyond surface-level appearances and question the true nature of those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
A human statue made of living stone
Sardonicus presents a facade of stability and steadfastness, like a statue, yet he is still human and susceptible to change or emotion.
A paradox etched in human bone
Sardonicus embodies a contradiction or paradox that is deeply ingrained in his very being.
If you could look behind his thin disguise
Sardonicus conceals his true self beneath a superficial and flimsy veil that can be easily removed, if one takes the time to look beyond appearances and first impressions.
There's a hidden glint of madness in his eyes.
The sparkle in Sardonicus' eyes betrays a sense or hint of insanity or irrationality that is concealed beneath his calm and collected demeanor.
Many men are fooled by his smile
Sardonicus' friendly and pleasant demeanor can deceive many people into thinking he is trustworthy and sincere.
His superficial grace his charm his style
Sardonicus' polite and pleasant attitude is merely a surface-level display of grace, charm, and style, rather than a genuine reflection of his inner self.
Sardonicus is everybody's friend
Sardonicus presents himself as a friendly, outgoing, and sociable person who can easily win the trust and admiration of others.
Sardonicus keeps smiling to the end.
Sardonicus maintains his cheerful and upbeat persona throughout his interactions with others, without letting his true emotions or feelings show.
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
Ian Fulton
on My Way of Thinking
Best band in the stratosphere
Rosie Contreras
on Red Red Wine
Awesome song