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.
Laugh It Off
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
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Try to see things in perspective
There's a lot worse off than us
And anyway the consequences aren't that bad
Don't be sad.
Summer days are coming soon
You and me to make it happen
Singing to his love to be, and you and me
You and me.
INSTRUMENTAL
Laugh it off girl, don't get upset
Put it down to circumstances
There's a lot worse off than us
And anyway the consequences aren't that bad
Don't be sad.
The song Laugh It Off by Clifford T. Ward is a song about dealing with setbacks and hardships in life. The lyrics encourage the listener to maintain a positive outlook even in the face of difficulties. The first verse tells the listener not to get upset, but instead to try and see things in perspective. Ward reminds us that there are always people who are doing worse off than you, and that the consequences of your current situation are not as bad as they may seem. The overall message is to stay strong and try to keep a light heart, even when times are tough.
In the second verse, the song takes on a more hopeful and optimistic tone. Ward sings about the coming of summer days and how he and his listeners can make things happen. He references a redstart who is singing to his love, and encourages his listener to look to the beauty of life and love for inspiration. It's a reminder that even when things seem bleak, there is always beauty and positivity to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
Laugh it off girl, don't get upset
Don't take it too seriously, girl. Try to take it lightly.
Try to see things in perspective
Understand things in the proper context, with a broader outlook.
There's a lot worse off than us
Our situation is still better compared to the hardships others are facing.
And anyway the consequences aren't that bad
Whatever the result may be, it's not going to be that dreadful after all.
Don't be sad.
Cheer up, don't be unhappy.
Summer days are coming soon
The approaching bright and joyful summertime is around the corner.
You and me to make it happen
We can make it a perfect time with togetherness.
See the redstart down the orchard
Observe the charming bird singing down the orchard.
Singing to his love to be, and you and me
The bird sings to his beloved, and here's our chance to make it about us.
INSTRUMENTAL
No lyrics in this part of the song.
Laugh it off girl, don't get upset
Again, reminding to not take things too seriously and keep a light-hearted perspective.
Put it down to circumstances
Attribute the situation to circumstances that are beyond our control.
There's a lot worse off than us
A reminder of gratitude, and that our situation is still better compared to others.
And anyway the consequences aren't that bad
Reiteration of the fact that the result isn't going to be that catastrophic after all.
Don't be sad.
Final line, and one more reminder to be happy and content.
Contributed by Brody R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.