| "Food For Thought" | |
|---|---|
| Song by UB40 from the album Signing Off | |
| Released | 1980 |
| Genre | Reggae |
| Length | 4:10 |
| Label | Graduate Records |
| Writer | UB40 |
| Producer | Bob Lamb |
"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: "Politicians 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.