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.
Attraction
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It might has well have been a deserted beach
That initial, superficial attraction
Has grown much deeper
And I need her.
And if I married her tomorrow
She'd make my life a paradise
Such a pity
'Cause I need her.
Oh she sparkles like clear water
Reflecting all my dreams
But like a stone that's thrown disturbing the surface
She's breaking up around me
Or so it seems.
I met her walkin' down a busy street
It might has well have been a deserted beach
That initial, superficial attraction
Has grown much deeper
And I need her.
And if I married her tomorrow
She'd make my life a paradise
But I know she won't be here as long as that
It's such a pity
'Cause I need her.
Du du du du du, du du du
Du du du du du du du da
(and fade).
The lyrics of Clifford T. Ward's "Attraction" talk about the development of a deep attraction for a woman he met on a street. He likens the experience to that of being on a deserted beach, where they both stood out amongst the crowd. The moment of their meeting was initially superficial but as time progressed, his affinity for her became much deeper, and he now needs her.
In the second verse, he admits that if he were to marry her, she would make his life a paradise. However, he also realizes that their time together will not be for long, which is a pity, considering how much he needs her. The metaphor used in the third verse likens her to clear water, reflecting all his dreams. However, like a stone thrown into the water, causing distress in the clear surface, the woman seems to be breaking up around him.
In summary, the song is about the deep attraction the singer has developed towards a woman he met on a busy street. It started as a superficial attraction, but as time progressed, he found he needed her. He knows that their time together won't last long, but he still desires her even though there may be rough patches.
Line by Line Meaning
I met her walkin' down a busy street
I encountered her in a crowded place.
It might has well have been a deserted beach
Her presence had such impact on me that it felt like I was with her in an isolated location.
That initial, superficial attraction
At first, my attraction to her was only on a surface level.
Has grown much deeper
As time passed by, my feelings for her intensified and became more profound.
And I need her.
Now, I cannot imagine living without her and I rely on her presence in my life.
And if I married her tomorrow
I envision a future with her where we are joined in marriage.
She'd make my life a paradise
I believe that being with her will bring me everlasting happiness.
But I know she won't be here as long as that
Despite my belief, I am aware that our happiness may be fleeting.
Such a pity
It is a sad reality that our time together may be limited.
'Cause I need her.
Nevertheless, I cannot let go of my need for her company and support.
Oh she sparkles like clear water
She shines brightly and radiates a positive energy.
Reflecting all my dreams
She embodies all that I hope and aspire to be.
But like a stone that's thrown disturbing the surface
As we face challenges, our relationship becomes turbulent and unsettled.
She's breaking up around me
Our bond begins to deteriorate and fall apart.
Or so it seems.
I fear that our love will dissipate, but perhaps it is only an illusion.
Du du du du du, du du du
Instrumental part of the song.
Du du du du du du du da
Instrumental part of the song.
Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.