The Time Has Come

UB 40 · Labour Of Love III [1998]

There is no time to sit around and wait

Don't you know the world, it is of love and of hate

Now is the time, we've got to be strong, we can't go wrong

Because the time has come, the time has come to be free can't you see



Shup doo doop, shup doo doop doop doo, oh

Shup doo doop, oh, shup doo doop doop doo doo doo



Don't you know the cheating, the killing, backbiting it cannot help

'Cause can't you see them problems, it's everyday

They've got to solve themselves

'Cause now is the time, we gotta be strong, we can't go wrong

Because the time has come, the time has come to be free can't you see



Shup doo doop, shup doo doop doop doo, oh

Shup doo doop, oh, shup doo doop doop doo doo doo



Tic toc tic, toc tic, toc tic, toc tic

Said, "The time has gone"

Said the cheating and the killing, backbiting gone

Said, "Tic tic tic toc said the time has gone"

Well, you gotta be strong, said, "You gotta be wrong"



Said, "Tic tic tic toc said the time has gone"

Said, "You gotta be strong", said you gotta be wrong"

Said, "Tic tic tic toc said the time has gone, you gotta be strong"

Said, "You gotta be wrong"



There is no time to sit around and wait

Don't you know the world, it is of love and of hate

'Cause now is the time, we've got to be strong, we can't go wrong

Because the time has come, the time has come to be free can't you see



Shup doo doop, shup doo doop doop doo, oh

Shup doo doop, oh, shup doo doop doop doo doo doo



Shup doo doop, shup doo doop doop doo, oh

Shup doo doop, oh yeah, shup doo doop doop doo doo doo

The Time Has Come

The Time Has Come stands as a testament to UB40's enduring mastery of reggae and soul cover versions. Featured on the 1998 album Labour Of Love III, the track continues the band's tradition of reimagining classic R&B and soul recordings through their signature laid-back, bass-heavy lens. This album represents a significant chapter in the group's extensive discography, showcasing their ability to maintain a distinct sonic identity while honoring the original artists who inspired them. The recording captures the band at a mature stage in their career, blending their established reggae rhythms with the emotive depth of soul music. As part of a broader catalogue of reinterpretations, the song highlights UB40's unique capacity to bridge generational gaps in music, offering listeners a fresh perspective on timeless melodies without relying on novelty or gimmickry.