Food for Thought

UB40

About Food for Thought

"Food for Thought" is the first single released by British reggae band UB40. It reached number four in the UK Singles Chart in early 1980 and number one in New Zealand in September 1980. The original single version is slightly shorter compared to the Signing Off album version, with the album version including a break using a synthesiser reverb (an early example of their mixing techniques that can be found on their album Present Arms in Dub). According to Robin Campbell, the lyrics relate to "the hypocrisy of Christmas, the fact that there are starving people in Africa and here we are all sat around eating our Christmas dinner and praising the Lord". Campbell regards the song as a Christmas song."Food for Thought" was released as a double A-side along with "King", which was a song written about Martin Luther King, questioning the lost direction of the deceased leader's followers and the state of mourning of a nation after his death. "Food for Thought" was the first release of a new record label, Graduate Records, a company based, like the band, in Birmingham. It was the first single to reach the UK Top 10 without the backing of a major record company. 


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Ivory Madonna dying in the dust, 
Waiting for the manna coming from the West
Barren is her bosom, empty as her eyes, 
Death a certain harvest scattered from the skies

Skin and bones is creeping, doesn't know he's dead
Ancient eyes are peeping, from his infant head
Politician's argue sharpening their knives
Drawing up their bargains, trading baby lives

Ivory Madonna dying in the dust, 
Waiting for the manna coming from the West

Hear the bells are ringing, Christmas on it's way
Hear the angels singing, what is that they say? 
Eat and drink rejoicing, joy is here to stay
Jesus son of Mary is born again today

Ivory Madonna dying in the dust, 
Waiting for the manna coming from the West
Ivory Madonna dying in the dust, 
Waiting for the manna coming from the West

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UB40

UB40 are a British reggae/pop band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band has placed more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. The band has been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album four times, and in 1984, they were nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group. One of the world's best-selling music artists, UB40 have sold over 70 million records. more »

2 fans

Written by: Jim Brown, Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, Brian Travers, Michael Virtue, Terrence Oswald Wilson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song inception
"Food for Thought" was one of the first songs UB40 ever wrote. It marked the beginning of their journey into the world of music.
Politics and Music
This song is notable for its strong political undertones, a common characteristic of UB40's early work. It's about the starving children in Africa while the West is celebrating Christmas.
Record Break
"Food for Thought" reached number four on the UK Singles Chart in early 1980-- effectively launching UB40's career. It remained the band's highest charting UK single until they topped the chart with "Red Red Wine."
Song Double Feature
The song was actually released as a double A-side single with "King," another UB40 song. Both were the debut single from their first album “Signing Off.”
Home-Based Recording
Interestingly, the entire album "Signing Off" was recorded in a bedsit in Birmingham, including "Food for Thought."
Band Origin
UB40 is a reggae pop band from Birmingham, England, they formed in 1978. The band members chose the name "UB40" from the form for claiming unemployment benefit in the UK.
Chart Trivia
"Food for Thought" was kept off the UK no.1 spot by 'The Specials' 'Too Much Too Young EP'.
Notable Performances
UB40 performed "Food for Thought" on their first Top of the Pops appearance in February 1980.
Evolving Sound
Even though "Food for Thought" possesses a slower reggae sound, it showcases the evolving musical style that UB40 adopted later in their career, blending pop and reggae elements together.
Lasting Impact
As of today, "Food for Thought" continues to be one of UB40's most recognizable songs and a favorite among fans.

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