'Congratulations' was a global hit as it became a much bigger hit than 'La, La, La', which beat Cliff in the 1968 Eurovision song contest. Shortly after 'Congratulations', which was one of his solo efforts, Cliff recorded his last single with The Shadows. Again in 1973, with 'Power to All Our Friends', he entered the Eurovision song contest--this time reaching 3rd place.
The most sold artist in British Pop history - with over 40 top hits.
Worked with Stock Aitken Waterman in 1989 and the single "I Just Don't Have The Heart".
Sixty appearances at Wembley, plus sellout tour to celebrate 50 years in the business.
First hit: Move It, 1958, first no. 1: Living Doll
As big as he is in the UK, he has only had 3 Top 10 hits in the USA with the biggest still being his breakthrough 1976 single "Devil Woman" which made it all the way to #6.
Has also worked with Elton John, Mark Knopfler, Julian Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, Phil Everly, Janet Jackson, Sheila Walsh, Van Morrison, and Olivia Newton-John.
Honky Tonk Angel
Cliff Richard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A tune about the wild side of life
As I listen to the words you are saying
It brings mem'ries when I was a trusting wife
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they're still single
It's a shame that all the blame is on us women
It's not true that only you men feel the same
From the start most every heart that's ever broken
Was because there always was a man to blame
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
As you said in the words of your song
Too many times married men think they're still single
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
The lyrics of Cliff Richard's "Honky Tonk Angel" express the pain and betrayal of a woman who has been cheated on by her husband. The song opens with the singer sitting in a bar, listening to a tune about the wild side of life. As she listens to the lyrics, she is reminded of her own past as a trusting wife who believed her husband loved her. She realizes that her husband was one of the many married men who think they're still single, and that his infidelity has caused her a great deal of pain.
The chorus of the song, "It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels," is a reference to the classic country song of the same name, which was originally recorded by Kitty Wells in 1952. The song was a huge hit and helped to establish Wells as one of the first female country music stars. Wells' song is also about infidelity, but places the blame on women who go to honky tonk bars and get involved with married men. In "Honky Tonk Angel," the singer pushes back against this idea, arguing that men are just as responsible for infidelity as women are.
Overall, "Honky Tonk Angel" is a powerful song about the pain of infidelity and the way that societal attitudes toward gender can exacerbate that pain. Through her lyrics, the singer expresses a sense of anger and betrayal but also a deep sadness over what has been lost.
Line by Line Meaning
As I sit here tonight the jukebox playing
While I sit here tonight, I hear music coming from the jukebox.
A tune about the wild side of life
The song I am listening to is about the reckless and dangerous part of life.
As I listen to the words you are saying
As I hear the lyrics of your song,
It brings mem'ries when I was a trusting wife
It reminds me of when I was a faithful and trusting wife.
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
The reason for promiscuity and unfaithfulness is not because of God.
As you said in the words of your song
Just like what the lyrics of your song said,
Too many times married men think they're still single
Married men often act like they are not committed to their wives.
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
Their behavior has led many decent and trustworthy women to do wrong things.
It's a shame that all the blame is on us women
It is unfortunate that all the blame for infidelity is placed on women.
It's not true that only you men feel the same
It is not correct to assume that only men have the same feelings and behaviors.
From the start most every heart that's ever broken
From the beginning, almost every heart that has been hurt,
Was because there always was a man to blame
It was always because of a man's actions that caused the pain and heartbreak.
It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels
The reason for promiscuity and unfaithfulness is not because of God.
As you said in the words of your song
Just like what the lyrics of your song said,
Too many times married men think they're still single
Married men often act like they are not committed to their wives.
That has caused many a good girl to go wrong
Their behavior has led many decent and trustworthy women to do wrong things.
Contributed by Harper L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Evelyne Souchar
I love this song, and Cliff's so divine voice.
USUK
One of my fav songs. I love that Cliff hasn't messed with Elvis's version. He's done it like Elvis.
He sings it beautifully.
Love ya Cliff.
USUK
@John Asprey I don't like Conways version but always loved Elvis's version. I didn't realize til a long time after Elvis that Cliff had recorded it. It seemed once he knew what it was about he didn't release it. It's such a beautiful song and the Cliff's not bad on the eyes either lol.
Stay safe John
👍
Evelyne Souchar
Such a relaxing voice and perfomance.
USUK
Cliff sings this song beautifully. ❤
Great song.
Angie Stefanescu
Gorgeous. Love much this version. Thank you
Gareth Musson
I’ve always loved this song and the alternate version too. It took me ages years ago to get a mint copy of the single.
Mery Popescu
Beautiful , young Cliff ! Beautiful song for first time listen here in Romania ! Thank you for share ! Faith , love , hope and happiness for everyone!🌺👏🎶❤🌸🌸🍀
Sirpa Lahtiluoma
I loved this song, greetings from Finland. I have loved you Richard since I was about 14 years old. You are the best!
Anita Eng
This is so good ❤ Thank you for sharing 🎶💕