It's A Long Long Way

UB40's song "It's A Long Long Way" delves into the themes of social injustice, hypocrisy, and the disparity between the privileged and the suffering. The chorus, with its repetitive reassurance, "It's a long long way from here, don't you worry yourself my dear," sets a tone of detachment and complacency, highlighting how distant and removed the privileged are from the harsh realities faced by others.

The verses paint a vivid picture of the world's suffering, with references to drought and famine, and the superficial ways people in more comfortable circumstances respond to these crises. The line "Read the Sunday papers credit card ina your hand" suggests a passive consumption of tragic news, followed by a token gesture of charity, which is more about easing personal guilt than effecting real change. The song criticizes this superficial engagement, pointing out the hypocrisy in glorifying the image of suffering while denying the humanity of those who suffer.

UB40 also addresses the burden of social responsibility, likening it to a badge of honor worn from cradle to grave. However, this burden is often obscured by hypocrisy and lies, as people talk of understanding and goodness while failing to take meaningful action. The song's reference to "rivers of blood" and the unchanged nature of the song despite altered lyrics underscores the cyclical nature of history and the persistent presence of social injustices. The imagery of building walls of protocol to keep the wolves at bay suggests futile attempts to protect oneself from the consequences of these injustices, as history shows that someone always has to pay.

"It's A Long Long Way" is a powerful critique of societal complacency and the superficial ways in which people address global suffering. It calls for a deeper, more genuine engagement with the world's problems, beyond mere gestures of charity and hollow expressions of concern.