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.
Wear You To The Ball
UB40 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put on your best dress tonight
Did you hear what the man said baby
Well be your best 'cause this
gonna be a musical test
So come to school, and I take up the musical rule
Give me soul brothers and give me soul sisters
So be wise and be changing, put on your best
Because I got your musical key
Rub it baby, I said scrub it, yeah.
Cause I'm tougher than tough
And that ain't no bluff
Maybe it's because I've got the musical stuff
I'm gonna make you the talk of the town
No use wearing a frown
Though those other guys may put you down
I'm gonna let you wear my crown
Though those other guys may put you down
You'll wear my crown
Wow ! Chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow,
chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow wow wow
Give me soul brothers and give me soul sisters
Don't beg for no mercy
Move it up, break it up!
Tell you bout it, it's good
Wow! she's got it, she's got it,
she's got it, she's got it
Though those other guys may put you down
I'm gonna let you wear my crown
And we are going to have a musical ball
So get on the ball and don't stall,
I beg you baby
Wow! Tell you about it, it's good
I'm gonna wear you to the ball tonight
Put on your best dress tonight
That's for sure
Play brand new musical discs from
the flick of my wrist, baby
Wow! Tell you about it, she's got it
She's got it, she's got it Chick-a-bow,
chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow wow wow
I'm gonna wear you to the ball tonight
Put on your best dress tonight
I'm gonna make you the talk of the town
No use wearing a frown
In UB40's song "Wear You To The Ball," the singer is urging his partner to get ready for a musical event. He tells her to put on her best dress and be prepared because it's going to be a "musical test." He calls upon "soul brothers and sisters" to join him and urges his partner to embrace change and be wise. He speaks of his musical skill and says that he's "tougher than tough," so she should scrub up and get ready to be the talk of the town. He proclaims that he'll make her the queen of the ball, and though other guys may put her down, she'll wear his crown.
The song is about the joy of music, dancing, and coming together as a community. The singer is encouraging everyone to join him and his partner in a celebration of music, and to bring their best selves to the event. The song is upbeat and energetic, and the lyrics are both romantic and triumphant.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna wear you to the ball tonight
I'm going to show you off to everyone at the ball like you're my trophy.
Put on your best dress tonight
Get dressed up in your finest clothes so we can impress everyone.
Did you hear what the man said baby
Listen up, because I have important things to say.
Well be your best 'cause this gonna be a musical test
Be on your A-game because tonight's musical performance will be a challenge.
So come to school, and I take up the musical rule
Let me teach you about music and show you how it's done.
Give me soul brothers and give me soul sisters
I want to see people who are passionate about music and have soul.
Come To I and maybe you can make it if you try
Join me and maybe you'll learn and improve your musical abilities.
So be wise and be changing, put on your best
Be smart and adapt as needed, and dress your best.
Because I got your musical key
I understand how to bring out the best in you musically.
Rub it baby, I said scrub it, yeah.
Polish your musical skills until they shine and then show them off.
Cause I'm tougher than tough
I'm strong and confident in my musical abilities.
And that ain't no bluff
I'm not bragging, I really am that good.
Maybe it's because I've got the musical stuff
Perhaps it's because I have the talent, passion, and drive for music.
I'm gonna make you the talk of the town
I'm going to make sure everyone knows how amazing you are.
No use wearing a frown
Don't be sad or worried, because you have me and we'll do great together.
Though those other guys may put you down
Even if other people try to bring you down, I will lift you up and celebrate you.
You'll wear my crown
You'll be my queen, and I'll make sure you're treated like royalty.
Wow ! Chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow wow wow
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement about the music and performance.
Don't beg for no mercy
Don't ask for any breaks or special treatment, we'll succeed on our own merits.
Move it up, break it up!
Emphasizing the importance of energizing the performance and getting the crowd excited.
Tell you bout it, it's good
Assuring others that the music is excellent and worth listening to.
Wow! she's got it, she's got it, she's got it, she's got it
Pointing out someone who has talent, passion, or appeal.
And we are going to have a musical ball
Announcing that we're going to have a great musical performance.
So get on the ball and don't stall, I beg you baby
Urging others to join in and participate fully without hesitation.
That's for sure
Affirming that everything is going to be great and successful.
Play brand new musical discs from the flick of my wrist, baby
Showing off new and innovative musical talents and how easy it is to perform them.
I'm gonna make you the talk of the town
I'm committed to celebrating your musical skills and making you well-known and respected.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: HOWARD ANTHONY BARRETT, JOHN KENNETH HOLT, TYRONE EVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kireymrdr2000
I'm gonna wear you to the ball tonight
Put on your best dress tonight
Did you hear what the man said baby
Well be your best 'cause this
gonna be a musical test
So come to school, and I take up the musical rule
Give me soul brothers and give me soul sisters
Come To I and maybe you can make it if you try
So be wise and be changing, put on your best
Because I got your musical key
Rub it baby, I said scrub it, yeah.
Cause I'm tougher than tough
And that ain't no bluff
Maybe it's because I've got the musical stuff
I'm gonna make you the talk of the town
No use wearing a frown
Though those other guys may put you down
I'm gonna let you wear my crown
Though those other guys may put you down
You'll wear my crown
Wow ! Chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow,
chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow wow wow
Give me soul brothers and give me soul sisters
Don't beg for no mercy
Move it up, break it up!
Tell you bout it, it's good
Wow! she's got it, she's got it,
she's got it, she's got it
Though those other guys may put you down
I'm gonna let you wear my crown
And we are going to have a musical ball
So get on the ball and don't stall,
I beg you baby
Wow! Tell you about it, it's good
I'm gonna wear you to the ball tonight
Put on your best dress tonight
That's for sure
Play brand new musical discs from
the flick of my wrist, baby
Wow! Tell you about it, she's got it
She's got it, she's got it Chick-a-bow,
chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow, chick-a-bow wow wow
I'm gonna wear you to the ball tonight
Put on your best dress tonight
I'm gonna make you the talk of the town
No use wearing a frown
@ginagina9720
Been listening to UB40 for 40 years I love ❤️ their music R.I.P. Astro so sad hearing this sad news
@stephaniejordan9066
I appreciate the information thank you.
@ariehbenariel2634
R.i.p....
@user-tg2mn3xu1y
😢😢😢rest in peace legend r.i.p
@Nepukosweno
R.I.P Astro your crew will miss you so much, especially Ali😢
@jasminetate7244
RIP Astro, the music lives on. Thank you UB40 for always lifting the mood and putting smiles on everyone's faces.
@a.c.h3792
couldn't have put it better myself
@user-tq1yl6wt4y
😊😊😊
@sibusisosepuba9160
I remember the Labour Of Love South African Tour - Quite epic 🎼🎹🎸
@chrisfryer7081
Rip astro this live will never be the same without you my friend and so many more. condolences to your family a legend in the reggae industry thank you for all the joy you've brought us