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.
Write Off the Debt
UB40 Lyrics
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Me say write off the debt
Me say write off the debt
And stop the third world a fret
I say the I'm put on too much interest
Certain man pon the streets can't even buy a little vest
I said the east and the west them just a build up dem chest
Certain man in the third world can't even digest, a little food
'cause' you know say dem teach and go a good school
Me say lord a god a mercy dem learn up all the rules
So no bother patronize dem 'cause all dem need is the tools
Me say over the millennium me say what a bomb
Me say a whole heap of right
Me say a whole heap of wrong
I say it's time to come together and sing we own song
And make the shooting and all the killing and the fighting
Have fe done
I say the im wipe off the lump sum
You know say me bredren that would a handsome
So come on fe me posse lets rehearse up this song
And hope say dem man yah don't take too long
Me say write off the debt
Me say write off the debt
And stop the third world a fret
Picture a world with no more hurt and pain
Picture a world where we are all the same
Maybe not in mind but in spirit
Must do the right thing to ease the pain
Yes me breden that would a wicked!
UB40's song "Write Off the Debt" is a call for debt cancellation and an end to the suffering of the third world. The lyrics talk about the burden of interest rates, the inability of people to afford basic necessities and the division between the east and west. The song also highlights the fact that education alone is not enough for the third world to progress and that they need the necessary tools and resources to flourish.
The first verse draws attention to the issue of interest rates which make it difficult for people in the third world to even afford a vest. The second line "certain man on the street" refers to the common people and how they are affected by the issue. The next line "east and the west just building up their chest" refers to the powerful nations that show off their wealth while ignoring the plight of the third world. The verse goes on to say that some people in the third world cannot even digest food, hence need for basic amenities is more important than ever.
The second verse talks about the need for unity and putting an end to senseless violence. The lyrics ask people to come together and work towards a world where there is no pain, and everyone is treated equally. The last line expresses the hope for positive change.
Overall, "Write Off the Debt" is an emotional and moving song that highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor and calls for action to make the world a better place. It is a reminder to those in power that the wellbeing of the masses should be their top priority.
Line by Line Meaning
Write off the debt
The singer is calling for the cancellation of third world debt.
Me say write off the debt
The singer repeats their call for debt write-off.
Me say write off the debt
The singer repeats their call for debt write-off again.
And stop the third world a fret
They want the third world to stop worrying about debt and its consequences.
I say the I'm put on too much interest
The interest rates charged by developed nations are too high for poor nations to pay.
Certain man pon the streets can't even buy a little vest
The poor in these nations struggle to afford even basic necessities like clothing.
I said the east and the west them just a build up dem chest
The developed western world is proud of its power and wealth, while the third world continues to suffer.
Certain man in the third world can't even digest, a little food
The poorest of the third world are unable to eat, let alone digest, adequate amounts of food.
But no bother take them man deh as no fool
The artist cautions against underestimating these people.
'cause' you know say dem teach and go a good school
They may not be wealthy, but they are educated and intelligent.
Me say lord a god a mercy dem learn up all the rules
The third world people are knowledgeable about the rules that govern this world.
So no bother patronize dem 'cause all dem need is the tools
These people don’t need pity or charity, they need resources and tools to escape poverty.
Me say over the millennium me say what a bomb
The singer reflects on the good and bad things that have happened throughout history.
Me say a whole heap of right
There has been significant progress and positive change over time.
Me say a whole heap of wrong
However, there has also been a great deal of injustice and suffering throughout history.
I say it's time to come together and sing we own song
It is time for people to come together and advocate for change.
And make the shooting and all the killing and the fighting
The artist wants to put an end to violence and conflict.
Have fe done
It is time for these destructive acts to end.
I say the im wipe off the lump sum
The singer is confident that debt cancellation can and will happen.
You know say me bredren that would a handsome
Debt write-off would benefit the third world greatly.
So come on fe me posse lets rehearse up this song
The artist wants to use music as a means of spreading their message.
And hope say dem man yah don't take too long
The artist hopes that their call for debt cancellation will be heard and acted upon soon.
Picture a world with no more hurt and pain
The singer asks the listener to imagine a world without suffering.
Picture a world where we are all the same
A world where everyone is equal and no one suffers more than others.
Maybe not in mind but in spirit
The singer acknowledges that people will still have differences, but they can unite in purpose.
Must do the right thing to ease the pain
It is necessary for people to do what's right in order to alleviate suffering and work towards a better world.
Yes me breden that would a wicked!
Debt cancellation and the fulfillment of the singer's vision for a better world would be amazing.
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
Edward Heynes
Banging tune, blazing album. Fire!
STACEY NAGI
sick tune!!!nice one for putting it up!
Gerry Mcwalter
cool tune ,it has a very true morall.....story i wish poeple would listern to the lyrics ,because if the imf gave third world countries a just then they would evetually become self independent
TheMeltdown23
How true sadly!!!!!
masterstrokeable
corrupt politicians for you