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.
Sympathy
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is that all I'm good for?
What's more, I think you think I'm just your friend.
I'll be concise, I think you're nice
Entice me to be something else
Or else I think this friendship has to end.
Wanna to be your lover baby
Wanna be your lover right away
An' I'm tired of hearing what you have to say.
Don't be naive can't you perceive
That I believe in you it's true
You're always treating me indifferently.
So if you cry I'll say goodbye
Unless you try some sympathy on me
Just for a change act differently
You know you can.
'Cause I wanna be your lover baby
Wanna be your lover baby
Wanna to be your lover right away
An' I'm tired of hearing what you have to say.
INSTRUMENTAL
'Cause I wanna be your lover baby
Wanna be your lover baby
Wanna be your lover right away
An' I'm tired of hearing what you have to say.
Yes I wanna be your lover
Wanna be your lover
Wanna be you lover right away.
The song "Sympathy" by Clifford T. Ward talks about unrequited love and the frustration that comes with it. The singer is in love with someone who only sees them as a friend and is not interested in taking things further. They feel like they are only good for sympathy and want more than just a platonic relationship. The singer is tired of hearing what the other person has to say and wants them to act differently, to show some sympathy and try to see them in a different light. They want to be the other person's lover right away and are prepared to walk away if their feelings are not reciprocated.
The song captures the complexity and vulnerability of unrequited love, as well as the frustration of being stuck in the friend zone. The singer communicates their feelings honestly and directly, asking the other person to take a chance on them and to see them in a different light. The longing in the lyrics is emphasized by the repetition of the chorus and the instrumental section, which create a sense of urgency and passion.
Line by Line Meaning
Sympathy is what you see in me
Do you only view me as someone who listens to your problems and empathizes with you?
Is that all I'm good for?
Am I just an emotional crutch for you and nothing more?
What's more, I think you think I'm just your friend.
I suspect that you don't see me as anything beyond a platonic friend.
I'll be concise, I think you're nice
I'll be straightforward: I find you attractive and enjoyable to be around.
Entice me to be something else
Try to inspire me to pursue a romantic relationship with you.
Or else I think this friendship has to end.
Otherwise, I may need to distance myself from you in order to move on.
'Cause I wanna be your lover baby
I desire to be more than just friends, I want to be your romantic partner.
An' I'm tired of hearing what you have to say.
Your words ring hollow to me, I need to see you act on your feelings.
Don't be naive can't you perceive
Don't be clueless, can't you see how I feel about you?
That I believe in you it's true
I have faith in you and believe in your potential.
You're always treating me indifferently.
You often act apathetic towards me and neglectful of my emotions.
So if you cry I'll say goodbye
If you don't show me some reciprocal affection when I need it, I'll have to leave.
Unless you try some sympathy on me
Unless you make an effort to empathize with me and reciprocate my feelings,
Just for a change act differently
Try something new, be more affectionate and intimate with me.
You know you can.
I'm confident that you have the ability to be a loving partner to me.
INSTRUMENTAL
(No lyrics)
'Cause I wanna be your lover baby
I desire to be with you romantically and intimately.
Yes I wanna be your lover
I am sure that I want to be in a romantic relationship with you.
Wanna be your lover right away.
I don't want to wait any longer, I want to start our relationship as soon as possible.
Contributed by David F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Richard Harding
An early composition and probably lesser well known track, but with its good solid string arrangement it soon becomes an old friend.
Patrick Jordan
Thank you so much for posting. One of Clifford's earlier songs from the Singer Songwriter CD.