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.
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comin' for to carry me home
There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
Comin' for to carry me home
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
If you get there before I do
Comin' for to carry me home
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
And now they're comin' for to carry me home
The lyrics to UB40 Feat. The United Colours Of Sound's song Swing Low are a spiritual hymn that speaks to the struggle of life and the promise of deliverance available to those who are faithful. The opening lines of "I looked over Jordan and what did I see?" suggest a journey beyond the physical realm, perhaps to the afterlife or a metaphorical plane of existence. The singer is anticipating the arrival of a band of angels who will carry them home, indicating a longing for escape from hardships or suffering and an ultimate redemption.
The repetition of the phrase "comin' for to carry me home" emphasizes the sense of longing and the hope for a better future beyond life's struggles. The line, "I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down, but I know my soul is heavenly bound" speaks to the ups and downs of life but reinforces the singer's faith in the spiritual realm as a source of comfort and guidance. The song continues with the chorus's repetition of "Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home," as a metaphor for the arrival of deliverance and the ultimate reward for those who are faithful.
There's an urgency to the lyrics with the line "If you get there before I do, tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too" signifying a desire to be reunited with loved ones or community beyond this life. The final lines, "And now they're comin' for to carry me home," signify the arrival of the promised deliverance and the culmination of the singer's journey/cycle of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
I gazed across the Jordan River, and what appeared before me?
Comin' for to carry me home
Angels were approaching to transport me to the afterlife
There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me
A group of heavenly beings was coming for me
Swing low, sweet chariot
The angels' mode of transportation was a vehicle that was gentle and comforting
I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
My life has its ups and downs
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Despite life's challenges, I have confidence that my soul will ascend to heaven
If you get there before I do
If you arrive in heaven before me
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Please inform my loved ones that I will also join them in the afterlife
And now they're comin' for to carry me home
The angels have arrived to bring me to the afterlife
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@muffinman7984
My dad asked me to play this at his funeral I love you dad
@DanielleCooksey
Was my moms partners funeral today and they played this as we walked in.
Such a beautiful song 💙
@ellamay1553
I played this as my dad's coffin was carried in 💔
@faxtil4695
Danielle C I hope you doing fine
@faxtil4695
Kayleigh Dry I hope you are doing fine
@DanielleCooksey
The MissClick yes I’m fine thanks for asking
@HK-ej6fy
Played this at my dads funeral 7 years ago. I miss you so much dad. What id do to have you here💔 Forever 55❤️ xxxx
@shanisingh2952
Dedicated to everyone listening in October 2020. We all have to go home sometime. Lots of love from South Africa
@annehooley6325
Sing it loud sing it proudly
@adamdavis2405
And let's get a megaphone and sing it