Clifford T. Ward typified the early 70s bedsitter singer-songwriter with a series of albums that were at best delightful and at worst mawkish. Ward left grammar school before A-levels to work as a clerk, but by 1962 was fronting local beat group Cliff Ward and the Cruisers. The group changed their name to Martin Raynor and the Secrets and made their recording debut for EMI Records in 1965, before recording several more tracks as the Secrets for CBS Records.
In 1967 Ward enrolled at Worcester teacher training college to study English and divinity, after which he taught at Bromsgrove high school. His debut album appeared on disc jockey John Peel's brave-but-doomed Dandelion Records label in 1972. His second album and his first release for Charisma Records, Home Thoughts, proved to be his finest work and gave him wider recognition. Ward constructed each song as a complete story sometimes with great success.
The beautiful "Gaye" became a UK Top 10 hit but surprisingly the stronger "Home Thoughts From Abroad" and the infectious and lyrically excellent "Wherewithal" failed to chart. Mantle Pieces and Escalator contained a similar recipe of more harmless tales like the minor hit "Scullery" with affecting lyrics like; "You're my picture by Picasso, you'd brighten up any gallery'.
Ward's refusal to tour and promote his songs did not help endear the singer to his record company, however, and he switched to the Phonogram Records label for 1975"s No More Rock 'N' Roll. In later years although still recording the occasional album and still reluctant to perform live, Ward received kudos as a songwriter with his material being recorded by artists such as Cliff Richard, Art Garfunkel and Justin Hayward.
He was struck down with multiple sclerosis in 1987 and his health rapidly deteriorated. He managed to record 1991's vinyl-only album Laugh It Off, and friends and colleagues pieced together two more albums of new songs, out-takes and demos to give the ailing Ward some financial assistance. He finally succumbed to pneumonia December 18th 2001.
Another Radio Station
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
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Another dream that's about to come true
We may not reach all the nation
But we' got the means to capture you
We' got something for everyone
M.O.R. to rock and roll
And for all you classical jazz freaks
We got more rock and roll.
Another smooth operation
Another chance to make some cash
And it's all down to slick professionalism
Sheer class
We'll give you sport and up-to-the-minute news
We'll dish out odd and local events
And for all you radio watchdogs
There'll be nothin' that offends
We got the money and expertise
We got the license and we wanna please
All it needs is you to change your brand
Switch the waveband, that's all it takes
Come on, give us a commercial break.
We're gonna take all the issues
And avoid 'em like the plague
We're gonna give you what we think you should have
Keep it bland and vague.
Another radio station
Another dream that's about to come true
We may not reach all the nation
But we' got the means to comfort you.
Another radio station
Another radio station
(Repeat and fade).
The lyrics of Clifford T. Ward's "Another Radio Station" speak about a new radio station that promises to appeal to a wide audience. Ward describes it as a "smooth operation" that is run by professionals who have the expertise, money, and license necessary to please everyone, from fans of Middle of the Road (MOR) music to lovers of rock and roll, jazz, and classical music. The station promises to provide up-to-date news and information without offending anyone or stirring up controversy. The lyrics seem to be a commentary on the commercialization of the music industry and the way that radio stations try to appeal to as many people as possible to make a profit.
These lyrics are intriguing for their self-awareness and criticism of the radio industry. Clifford T. Ward seems to be poking fun at the idea that a single radio station could appeal to everyone, from classical jazz freaks to rock and roll fans. The lyrics also suggest that the station will play it safe and avoid any controversial topics or issues, creating a sanitized and bland listening experience. Ward's clever wordplay and use of irony make this song a thought-provoking commentary on the music industry's commercialization.
Line by Line Meaning
Another radio station
There's a new radio station that's just opened up.
Another dream that's about to come true
The people behind it have big plans for it and believe it will be successful.
We may not reach all the nation
Not everyone in the country will be able to tune in to us.
But we've got the means to capture you
But we're confident that we'll be able to attract enough listeners to make it worthwhile.
We've got something for everyone M.O.R. to rock and roll
There will be something for everyone, from middle of the road (M.O.R.) to rock and roll music.
And for all you classical jazz freaks, we got more rock and roll
Even if you're a fan of classical or jazz music, we still think you'll enjoy our rock and roll selection.
Another smooth operation
This radio station has been set up to run efficiently and make money.
Another chance to make some cash
This is an opportunity for the people behind it to make a profit.
And it's all down to slick professionalism, sheer class
They believe their high level of professionalism will help them succeed.
We'll give you sport and up-to-the-minute news
They'll provide regular updates on sports and current events.
We'll dish out odd and local events
They'll share interesting and fun local events with listeners.
And for all you radio watchdogs, there'll be nothin' that offends
They promise that they won't broadcast anything that could be considered offensive.
We got the money and expertise
They have the financial resources and knowledge to make this radio station a success.
We got the license and we wanna please
They've obtained the necessary license to operate and want to make listeners happy.
All it needs is you to change your brand switch the waveband, that's all it takes
All you have to do is tune in to our radio station and you'll love what you hear.
Come on, give us a commercial break
Allow us some time to promote our station and our sponsors.
We're gonna take all the issues and avoid 'em like the plague
We won't cover controversial or sensitive topics in order to avoid offending anyone.
We're gonna give you what we think you should have, keep it bland and vague
We'll only provide content that we believe our listeners will enjoy and try not to take any risks.
We may not reach all the nation, but we' got the means to comfort you
They may not have nationwide coverage, but they hope to provide comfort and entertainment to those who tune in.
Another radio station
This line is repeated to emphasize the existence of the new radio station.
Another radio station (Repeat and fade)
The song ends with a repetition of the previous line as the music fades out.
Contributed by Hailey L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Richard Harding
A strangely atmospheric song by the great Clifford T Ward, recalling those days when the BBC had a stranglehold on the nation's airwaves.
dreamerinalowprofile
Thanks for your comment, Richard. Yes, it feels like a very melancholic song.