https://www.discogs.com/release/1435253-UB40-Watchdogs
Ali Campbell is threatened by all the corruption in the world, but he is lucky to have protection from his watchdogs. Who or what these watchdogs are is up for interpretation. They are holding the hungry wolves at bay though.
Option 1 is the most likely: friends or family. This also makes the gist of the song a bit boring. Thanks family, thanks friends, you have helped me against myself.
Option 2 is a bit more adventurous: alcohol. You just don’t understand it – But it strikes a distant chord – So you look for away of escaping – And sanity’s restored. My sanity seems easily restored by drinking a bit. I also escape that way.
Option 3 might be too strong in the same direction: drugs. I’ve heard tell they can give you fabulous insights.
Option 4 is I should not do lyrics interpretation.