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.
Sometime Next Year
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I still don't have the money
An' if I leave, I won't get it
Seems I got my timin' wrong again
I was really hopin' to be with you
But now we'll have to forget it
So I'll just sit and write this letter
An' let you read between the lines.
About this time of night with the kids in bed
And you with time to spare
And your favourite songs
And me I still listen to Jimmy Webb
And Linda Ronstatd, and I'm sorry it's gone wrong
And if you're soundin' worn and sad and lonely
Then I'm still the man for you.
INSTRUMENTAL
An' if you're feelin' worn and sad and lonely
Then I'm still the man for you.
Neither great nor faintly versatile
Just this hackneyed style
That you used to say wasn't bad
Even so, one day I'm going to make it work
Then I'll buy yer all the things you never had
Meanwhile I'll just write you this letter
An' see you sometime next year.
The opening lines of Clifford T. Ward's "Sometime Next Year" act as a lament towards missed opportunities and poor timing. Although the subject matter of leaving a place, specifically to be with a loved one, is universal, it is the overall sense of regret and resignation that Ward manages to convey which sets the song apart. He states that he "was really hoping to be with you, but now we'll have to forget it," indicating that the situation has shifted beyond his control, and that any further action on his part would be superfluous. The lines "An' let you read between the lines" hold a certain poignancy, as Ward acknowledges the limitations of the song medium and that some feelings can only be expressed through implication and subtext.
Ward's imagery throughout the song is vivid and engaging, painting a picture of life's disappointments and setbacks. He references his favourite songs of the day and the singer-songwriters he still admires, Jimmy Webb and Linda Ronstadt, yet distinguishes himself from them by stating that he possesses a "hackneyed style." The instrumental middle section features an arrangement that perfectly captures the mood of the song, with its languid guitar melodies and the wistful sound of violins weaving in and out of the mix. By the end of the song, when Ward repeats his willingness to be there for his loved one, regardless of circumstances, it's apparent that despite how much has gone wrong in his life, he is still determined to make the best of what he has.
Line by Line Meaning
I could catch the next boat outa here
I have the option to leave right now.
But I still don't have the money
However, I lack the funds to do so.
An' if I leave, I won't get it
I won't receive the money I'm hoping for if I leave now.
Seems I got my timin' wrong again
I once again misjudged the appropriate timing for this situation.
I was really hopin' to be with you
I genuinely wanted to be with you right now.
But now we'll have to forget it
Unfortunately, it seems we won't be able to make it happen.
So I'll just sit and write this letter
As a result, I'll have to settle for writing you this letter instead.
An' let you read between the lines.
I hope you can interpret the nuances and hidden meaning in my words.
About this time of night with the kids in bed
It's around this time of night when the children are asleep.
And you with time to spare
You have free time available right now.
And your favourite songs
You might be listening to your favorite songs.
And me I still listen to Jimmy Webb
Meanwhile, I still listen to Jimmy Webb's music.
And Linda Ronstadt, and I'm sorry it's gone wrong
I also enjoy Linda Ronstadt's music, and I regret that things aren't going as planned right now.
And if you're soundin' worn and sad and lonely
If you're feeling exhausted, melancholy, or isolated,
Then I'm still the man for you.
I want you to know that I'm still here for you, regardless of the circumstances.
INSTRUMENTAL
No lyrics, just music.
An' if you're feelin' worn and sad and lonely
If you're feeling exhausted, melancholy, or isolated,
Then I'm still the man for you.
I want you to know that I'm still here for you, regardless of the circumstances.
Neither great nor faintly versatile
I'm not particularly talented or adaptable.
Just this hackneyed style
However, I do have a distinctive, recognizable style.
That you used to say wasn't bad
You previously told me that you thought my style was decent.
Even so, one day I'm going to make it work
Despite my limitations, I still have hope that I can find success with my music.
Then I'll buy yer all the things you never had
If I do achieve success, I'd like to be able to give you all the things you never had.
Meanwhile I'll just write you this letter
Until then, I'll have to settle for communicating my feelings through this written message.
An' see you sometime next year.
I hope to be able to see you again in person at some point next year.
Contributed by Maya R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.