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.
Reckless
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why is your case in the hall?
Where have you taken the children?
What's all this drama for?
I know I've been careless
But this is reckless
Yes I've been careless
So why don't we just sit down?
Take off you coat, let me make us a drink
There's no need for a scene
You're being silly, acting this way
More than we've ever been.
I know I've been careless
But this is reckless
Yes I've been careless
But this is reckless
I don't want to wreck our love
But I just want to rectify it.
INSTRUMENTAL
I know I've been careless
But this is reckless
Yes I've been careless
But this is reckless
I don't want to wreck our love
I just want to rectify it.
Take off you coat, let me make us a drink
There's no need for a scene
You're being silly, acting this way
More than we've ever been.
I know I've been careless
But this is reckless
Yes I've been careless
But this is reckless
I've been careless, reckless
Careless, reckless
(Repeat and fade)
The lyrics of Clifford T. Ward's song Reckless is a plea from a man who is facing the consequences of his careless behavior in his relationship with his partner. He comes home to find that his partner has moved the furniture around, his case is in the hall, and the children are gone. He realizes that he has been careless in his actions towards his partner, but moving the furniture and taking the children away is reckless. He wants his partner to calm down and stop making a scene. He tries to make things right by asking her to sit down with him and have a drink. He admits that he doesn't want to ruin their love, but wants to rectify the mistakes he made.
The verses show that the man is aware of his mistakes and understands that he has been negligent in his relationship. He acknowledges that his carelessness caused his partner to react recklessly. The chorus shows his desire to make amends and fix the relationship. The repetition of the word 'reckless' emphasizes the severity of the situation and the man's remorse. The song suggests that the relationship might still be saved if both parties are willing to work on it.
Line by Line Meaning
Why have you moved the furniture?
Why did you make changes to our comfortable environment?
Why is your case in the hall?
Why did you pack your bags to leave?
Where have you taken the children?
Where have you taken our precious and innocent kids?
What's all this drama for?
What is the purpose of all this emotional chaos?
I know I've been careless
I acknowledge that I have not been giving enough/needed attention to our relationship
But this is reckless
But your actions are rash and unjustified considering the situation
Yes I've been careless
Yes, I am aware that I have neglected us in a way
So why don't we just sit down?
Can we talk it out like adults and not jump to harsh actions?
Take off you coat, let me make us a drink
Let's calm down and focus on healing our relationship
There's no need for a scene
We should not make a big deal out of things, but work towards making it right
You're being silly, acting this way
Your reaction is unwarranted and irrational
More than we've ever been.
We are at a level of dysfunction that we have never faced before.
I don't want to wreck our love
I am committed to fixing this and not breaking our love
But I just want to rectify it.
I want to make things right and bring us back to a balanced relationship
INSTRUMENTAL
No lyrics are sung here.
I've been careless, reckless
I have neglected our relationship in a way that requires attention, but your actions are not justified.
Careless, reckless
I acknowledge both of our roles in the current state of our relationship.
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.