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.
Marble Arch
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
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Every day is a mad rush
But it's nothing compared to your love girl
I'm so that I don't know where I am.
Won't you put my mind at rest girl?
Won't you quench my thirst I'm parched?
Won't you give me peace of mind girl?
From the streets to the high seas of the subway
Every day stormy weather
Won't you let your love be my navigator
We'll steer a safe course home.
Won't you put my mind at rest girl?
Let me check the grey in my hair
Won't you give me peace of mind girl?
Let me get down Trafalgar Square.
INSTRUMENTAL
Won't you put my mind at rest girl?
Won't you make me feel alright?
Won't you give me peace of mind girl?
Let me make it home tonight.
The lyrics of this song by Clifford T. Ward "Marble Arch" seem to depict a man who is overwhelmed by the daily grind of life. The singer travels through his days caught up in the traffic, rushing madly from one thing to the next on the streets and high seas of the subway. But all of this pales in comparison to his love for a woman, who seems to ground him and give him peace of mind. He pleads with her to put his mind at rest, quench his thirst, and give him peace of mind, so that he can cope with Marble Arch. The suggestion seems to be that Marble Arch is a metaphor for life's challenges, and that the singer needs his love to help him navigate these challenges safely and find his way home.
The use of metaphor and imagery in the lyrics is quite effective. The stormy weather and high seas of the subway are used to convey the chaos of everyday life. Marble Arch is used a symbol for life's challenges, and the singer finds refuge and solace in the love of his woman. The lyrics also suggest a need for balance in life, as the singer seeks to balance the chaos of daily life with the peace that comes from being with his love.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day I get caught up in the traffic
Every day is hectic with many things happening at once.
Every day is a mad rush
Every day is filled with activities that need speedy completion.
But it's nothing compared to your love girl
The chaos of daily activities pales in comparison to the intensity of love.
I'm so that I don't know where I am.
The love is so intense that it has consumed him and made him lose himself.
Won't you put my mind at rest girl?
Can you ease my anxiety?
Won't you quench my thirst I'm parched?
Can you satisfy my emotional needs?
Won't you give me peace of mind girl?
Can you calm me down?
Let me cope with Marble Arch.
Let me deal with my own problems.
From the streets to the high seas of the subway
From roadways to underground train systems.
Every day stormy weather
Every day is a new challenge that has to be overcome.
Won't you let your love be my navigator
Can you guide me through the tough times with your love?
We'll steer a safe course home.
Together, we'll make it through the difficult times and make it back home safely.
Let me check the grey in my hair
Allow me to contemplate my old age and mortality.
Let me get down Trafalgar Square.
Allow me to take a moment to reflect on my experiences and memories.
Won't you make me feel alright?
Can you make me feel better?
Let me make it home tonight.
Allow me to make it back home safely tonight.
Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.