Homely Girl
UB 40 · The Very Best of UB40 [2000]
When the boys used to say,
you looked better in the dark.
But now they'd give all they learnt in school
To be somewhere in the dark with you
The teacher would ask the questions
And you, would always raise your hand
But somehow you never got your turn
And my eyes would fill with water, inside I'd burn
CHORUS
Homely girl, you used to be so lonely
You're a beautiful woman oh homely girl
Homely girl you used to be so lonely
You're a beautiful woman oh homely girl
There was a boy who used to sit beside you
Who'd like to hold that place his whole life through
Oooh you were beautiful to me
You had a heart no one could ever see, oh yes you did
Homely girl, you used to be so lonely
You're a beautiful woman oh homely girl
I was the only one who offered
To carry your books
Took all the stares and laughter
And the dirty looks
Cause I saw then what they see now
They all want to ask you for a date
They don't know how, they don't know how
CHORUS
You used to be so lonely
You're a beautiful woman oh homely girl
You used to be so lonely
You're a beautiful woman oh homely girl
(repeat until faded)
Homely Girl
UB 40's 'Homely Girl' stands as a defining track of the late 1980s reggae fusion era, blending the group's signature ska rhythms with a soulful, R&B-inflected vocal style. Released on their compilation 'The Very Best of UB40 [2000]', the song exemplifies the band's ability to craft catchy, danceable records that transcended their Jamaican roots to achieve global commercial success. The track features the group's characteristic harmonies and upbeat tempo, creating an infectious atmosphere that became a staple of their discography. As a key part of UB 40's catalog, 'Homely Girl' reflects the musical landscape of the time, merging Caribbean sound with mainstream pop sensibilities to create a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.