The song "King" by UB40 is a tribute to the renowned civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., and reflects upon the current state of societal injustices and inequality. The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone addressing Dr. King, questioning the current state of affairs and the lack of progress in achieving his visions of equality and unity. The opening lines, "King, where are your people now? Chained and pacified. Tried in vain to show them how. And for that you died," highlight the disappointment and sorrow felt by the speaker, questioning why the people Dr. King fought for are still oppressed and subdued despite his efforts. The lyrics then mention Dr. King's dream of a promised land, where people of all nations walk hand in hand, indicating his vision of a world free from discrimination and prejudice. However, the following lines suggest that society is not yet ready to fully embrace this dream, as they are unable or unwilling to accept such a harmonious situation. Through the repetition of the line "Chained and pacified. Tried in vain to show them how. And for that you died," the song emphasizes the sacrifice Dr. King made and the tragedy of his untimely death, suggesting that his message and teachings were not fully understood or adopted by society. Overall, "King" captures a sense of frustration and reflection on the lack of progress towards achieving equality and justice, while paying homage to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
