The UB40 song "The Day I Broke the Law" tells the story of a person who has been away from home for a long time due to their involvement in breaking the law. The lyrics convey the longing to return home and be with their loved ones again. The narrator hopes to find their partner waiting for them with open arms at the door. The song acknowledges the pain caused by their actions, as their partner cried when they were taken away. The passage of time is reflected in the line "But after all these years, I can't be sure." The narrator has been dreaming of their loved one while being unaware of the difficulties they might have been facing in their absence. The lyrics express the desire for their partner to remember them and their remorse for breaking their heart on the day they broke the law. The song also explores the emotional struggles faced during the period of separation. The narrator refers to shedding tears behind locked doors and constantly reminding themselves that their loved one is gone. Despite the physical separation, the memories of their loved one, especially their kissing lips, remain in their thoughts. Towards the end, the lyrics reveal that the narrator has been released and given their freedom back. However, it is bittersweet as they realize that their friends no longer live in the same place. The song conveys a sense of loss and change, as the narrator returns to their hometown, which is not the same as it once was. Overall, "The Day I Broke the Law" portrays the emotional journey of a person who has experienced the consequences of their actions. It reflects on the longing for home, the pain caused to loved ones, and the changes that occur during a period of separation.
