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.
Tears From My Eyes
UB40 Lyrics
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'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
The things that we've done together
I'll always remember though you're with another, baby
The tears from my eyes keep on falling
'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
The things that we've done together
I'll always remember though you're with another, baby
I've done everything one man can do, girl
Said every word one man can say
The thing that we had has gone astray, girl
I'm missing you from day to day
The tears from my eyes keep on falling
'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
The things that we've done together
I'll always remember though you're with another, baby
I've done everything one man can do, girl
Said every word one man can say
The thing that we had has gone astray, girl
I'm missing you from day to day
Tears from my eyes keep on falling
'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
The things that we've done together
I'll always remember though you're with another, baby
Tears from my eyes keep on falling
'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
The things that we've done together
I'll always remember though you're with another, baby
Tears from my eyes keep on falling
'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
The things that we've done together
I'll always remember though you're with another
The lyrics to UB40's song "Tears From My Eyes" describe the heartbreak and pain experienced by the singer as he watches his lover leave him for someone else. The repetition of the opening line "The tears from my eyes keep on falling" emphasizes the overwhelming emotions he feels. Despite the fact that his partner is leaving him, he can't help but remember the good times they shared together, making it even harder for him to move on.
The singer expresses that he has tried everything in his power to salvage the relationship, but ultimately realizes that it has come to an end. He misses his partner every day and can't help but feel the tears fall as he comes to terms with the reality of the situation. Although she has moved on with another person, he still holds onto the memories they shared together and will always remember the time they spent with each other.
Line by Line Meaning
The tears from my eyes keep on falling
My eyes keep filling with tears because I am deeply upset
'Cause you are leaving, leaving with another
You are leaving me and going with someone else, which is causing me immense pain
The things that we've done together
I am remembering all the good times we had together
I'll always remember though you're with another, baby
Even though you are with someone else now, I will always cherish the memories we made and hold onto them forever
I've done everything one man can do, girl
I have done absolutely everything in my power to keep you, my love
Said every word one man can say
I have conveyed my feelings for you through every possible means of communication
The thing that we had has gone astray, girl
Our relationship is no longer the same, something has gone wrong and we have drifted apart
I'm missing you from day to day
Each day without you feels lonely and incomplete
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Teddy Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adihrd
What I really like alot of this band is that each member plays a musical instrument so well that the sound of each instrument can be heard complementing each other in every beat of the song combined with the vocalist's voice which is so unique that it can leave a very deep impression that will be remembered forever.
@adi8373
Yes, it is Ali Campbell on vocals, I first heard his distinctive voice when collaborating with Pioneers, Madness, Special AKA and The Beat for the song Starvation in 1985 just after Band Aid but before Live Aid.
@Felixsaitabaukerore
Real music
@felisternjeru9196
Years and years I love you buddies... kisses from Kenya
@angelnakpan4931
How is possible to listen to a band for hours and none of their music is terrible? Wow! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🥂🥂🥂
@samuelramirez52679
That's very easy when you listening a very Good and talented Musicians! I playing Reggae , ska and Rocksteady all day especially UB40, Greetings.
@friedhelmdietsch8081
Was diese Jungen aus Birmingham abliefern ist erste Klasse !!!
@lukepaspalas
I am a London girl and grew up in London they are still amazing and bring back so many wonderful 80's memories keep going boys...always in my heart.
@gunner-the_dog1352
Are you still listening
@BridgetBwanga
Reggae music is my life 💛💚❤️🖤