Food for Thought (song)
Encyclopedia
"Food for Thought" was the first single released by British reggae band UB40
. It was released as a double A side along with "King", which was a song written about the late Martin Luther King, questioning the lost direction of the deceased leader's followers and the state of mourning of a nation after his death. It was the first single to reach the UK Top 10 without the backing of a major record company.
"Food for Thought" was an attempt to publicize and condemn the Ethiopian famine in Africa
, comparing it with the Western over-indulgent celebration of Christmas, and laying the blame with politicians in the rich world: "Politician`s argue, sharpening their knives.
Drawing up their bargains, trading baby lives." It reached No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart
in early 1980 and No. 1 in New Zealand in September 1980.
The song is regularly played at Birmingham City FC home matches, while the main tune is sung by the supporters during matches.
UB40
UB40 are a British reggae/pop band formed in 1978 in Birmingham. The band has placed more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. One of the world's best-selling music artists, UB40 have sold over 70 million records.Their hit singles...
. It was released as a double A side along with "King", which was a song written about the late Martin Luther King, questioning the lost direction of the deceased leader's followers and the state of mourning of a nation after his death. It was the first single to reach the UK Top 10 without the backing of a major record company.
"Food for Thought" was an attempt to publicize and condemn the Ethiopian famine in Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, comparing it with the Western over-indulgent celebration of Christmas, and laying the blame with politicians in the rich world: "Politician`s argue, sharpening their knives.
Drawing up their bargains, trading baby lives." It reached No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
in early 1980 and No. 1 in New Zealand in September 1980.
The song is regularly played at Birmingham City FC home matches, while the main tune is sung by the supporters during matches.