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.
Something More Than This
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Green environmentalist
Back street agriculturist
Scientific herbalist
Herbalistic socialist
T.H.C dialysis
Grow your own psychiatrist
Smoking self-analysis
[Chorus:]
Said there must be something more than this
There must be something we a miss
Less is more so more or less
When there´s nothing going on
Innocence is happiness
You ain't not doing nothing wrong
Said, there must be something more than this
Anti-vivisectionist
Freedom fighting activist
Headline making terrorist
Religious fundamentalist
Money lending capitalist
Bible bashing moralist
Revolution catalyst
[Chorus:]
In UB40's song "Something More Than This," the lyrics express a sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current state of the world and a desire for something more meaningful and fulfilling. The verses mention a variety of lifestyles and beliefs, from environmentalism and gardening to drug use and activism, suggesting that these paths offer some answers but ultimately fall short. The chorus emphasizes the idea that "something is amiss," and questions the value of material wealth and social status. The line "innocence is happiness" suggests that a simpler, more honest way of life may be the key to fulfillment.
The song's message aligns with the band's overall philosophy, which has been characterized as leftist and anti-establishment. UB40 emerged from Birmingham, England in the early 1980s, and their music often addressed social and political issues, including poverty, racism, and imperialism. "Something More Than This" appeared on the band's 1993 album "Promises and Lies," which was a commercial success but drew criticism for its more polished, pop-oriented sound compared to their earlier reggae-influenced work.
Line by Line Meaning
I said, there must be something more than this
Expressing the desire to seek something beyond the mundane.
Green environmentalist
Advocating for the protection of the environment.
Back street agriculturist
Growing plants in the city with limited resources.
Scientific herbalist
Studying the uses and effects of different herbs for medicinal purposes.
Herbalistic socialist
Supporting the use of herbs and natural remedies in healthcare practices.
T.H.C dialysis
Using marijuana as a form of treatment for dialysis patients.
Grow your own psychiatrist
Growing one's own plants to treat mental health issues.
Smoking self-analysis
Using smoking as a form of reflection or introspection.
There must be something we a miss
There must be something we are overlooking or not paying attention to.
Less is more so more or less
The idea that sometimes having less can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
When there´s nothing going on
When there is a lack of excitement or stimulation in life.
Innocence is happiness
The belief that being innocent and having a pure heart can bring happiness.
You ain't not doing nothing wrong
Affirming that one is not doing anything morally or ethically wrong.
Anti-vivisectionist
Opposing the use of animals for scientific experiments.
Freedom fighting activist
Working towards achieving greater freedom for oneself and others.
Headline making terrorist
Using extreme measures to gain attention to a cause, often causing harm to others.
Religious fundamentalist
Holding rigid and extreme views on religious beliefs and practices.
Money lending capitalist
Investing in businesses with the expectation of making a profit.
Bible bashing moralist
Critiquing or condemning those who do not adhere to strict religious morals.
Revolution catalyst
Sparking or participating in movements for social or political change.
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
amBeats
Mind blown! Sounds like drum & bass, very LTJ Bukem-esque...
tomstickland
I've been working through all of the UB40 albums on Amazon music and I was quite surprised by some of the tracks. This is a good one. The female vocal sample reminds me of "The sun rising" by The Beloved.
regan pinches
Absolute tune
Andy Ward
.....a lovely trance-like groove
gene lee
MORE THAN THIS YOU KNOW THAT. TUNE
f1boxer
yes trust me best ever must be somthiing more than this .......ha love the end bit too
Lydia Chard
Anyone here in 2020?!
Jonathan Wilkinson
Adam F like............R.I.P Astro..
Stardogg 95
Scientific herbalist.