Prior to their arrival at Clacton, the group had cut their first demo-disc in a recording booth in Oxford Street, London, thanks to the promotional efforts of Johnny Foster and a loan of £10 from his mother. The song called 'Move It', written by Ian Samwell, was to be the start of something much bigger for Cliff and the boys. Their recording had been heard by the right people, and arrangements were made for them to appear in the original 'Oh Boy' show. This virtually ended their Butlin engagement and it was mutually agreed that their contract should be terminated. Almost immediately 'Move It' was released by Columbia Records and went to number two in the charts.
To dispel any rumours, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch were never at Butlin's. They were hired later by Cliff when, or at about the time the name was changed to Cliff Richard & the Shadows.
Living Doll
Cliff Richard & The Drifters Lyrics
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Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a livin' doll
Got a rovin' eye and that is why she satisfies my soul
Got the one and only walkin', talkin', livin' doll
Take a look at her hair, it's real
If you don't believe what I say, just feel
I'm gonna lock her up in a trunk so no big hunk
Got myself a cryin', talkin', sleepin', walkin', livin' doll
Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a livin' doll
Got a rovin' eye and that is why she satisfies my soul
Got the one and only walkin', talkin', livin' doll
Take a look at her hair, it's real
If you don't believe what I say, just feel
I'm gonna lock her up in a trunk so no big hunk
Can steal her away from me
Got myself a cryin', talkin', sleepin', walkin', livin' doll
Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a livin' doll
Got a rovin' eye and that is why she satisfies my soul
Got the one and only walkin', talkin', livin' doll
Cliff Richard's "Living Doll" is a song about a man who has bought himself a life-like doll. He describes how he has a toy that is able to cry, talk, sleep, and walk. He feels that he needs to do his best to please her because she is his only "livin' doll". He also states that he has a roving eye, implying that he is not faithful to the doll, and that is why he finds satisfaction in her because she cannot leave him. He is so protective of her that he even contemplates locking her up in a trunk to keep her from being stolen by someone else.
The song gained popularity in the UK in 1959 and became Cliff Richard's first number one hit. Some people interpret the song as being about a real woman who is treated like a doll and objectified by her partner, although others view it as simply a light-hearted song about a man's love for his toy. The song's popularity was also helped by the fact that it was featured in Richard's first movie, "Serious Charge", which was released in the same year as the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Got myself a cryin', talkin', sleepin', walkin', livin' doll
I have obtained a doll that can cry, talk, sleep, walk, and appears to be alive
Got to do my best to please her just 'cause she's a livin' doll
I must take care of her to make her happy since she is alive, deserving of respect and care
Got a rovin' eye and that is why she satisfies my soul
I tend to look at other women, but my living doll satisfies my emotional needs and desires
Got the one and only walkin', talkin', livin' doll
I am proud to possess the unique and only living doll that can walk and talk like a human being
Take a look at her hair, it's real
Her hair is genuine and not made of synthetic material
If you don't believe what I say, just feel
If you doubt my words, touch her hair, and feel that it's real
I'm gonna lock her up in a trunk so no big hunk can steal her away from me
I will keep her safe and secure in a locked trunk to prevent any big, muscular man from taking her away from me
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lionel Bart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind