Food for Thought
UB40
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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 MusicThis 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 FeatureThe 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 RecordingInterestingly, the entire album "Signing Off" was recorded in a bedsit in Birmingham, including "Food for Thought."
|
Band OriginUB40 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 PerformancesUB40 performed "Food for Thought" on their first Top of the Pops appearance in February 1980.
|
Evolving SoundEven 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 ImpactAs of today, "Food for Thought" continues to be one of UB40's most recognizable songs and a favorite among fans.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Food for Thought Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/8065976/UB40/Food+for+Thought>.
Discuss the Food for Thought Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In