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.
The Dancer
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love the way she smile
I love the way she hold me
I love the way she cry.
I love the things she say
I love the things she do
She says she will be mine
If she would understand
I wanna be her man
I'd always love her so
I'd always let her go.
I love the way she dance
I love the way she smile
I love the way she hold me
I love the way she cry.
INSTRUMENTAL
If she would understand
I wanna be her man
I'd always love her so
I'd always let her go.
I love the way she dance
I love the way she smile
I love the way she hold me
I love the way she cry.
The lyrics to Clifford T. Ward's song "Dancer" speaks about a man who deeply admires a woman's physical and emotional qualities. He loves the way she dances, smiles, and holds him. Even her tears have a certain charm that draws the man closer to her. Despite all of these positive qualities, the woman has told the man that she won't be true to him despite saying she'll be his, leaving the man to wonder if she truly understands his love for her. The man still wants to be with the woman, but he's willing to let her go if that's what will make her happy in the end.
The lyrics of "Dancer" evoke a sense of longing and emotional vulnerability. The man's love and admiration for this woman seem to be unconditional, as he praises everything she does, even if it means hurting him in the end. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the man's infatuation with her, while the instrumental break offers a moment of reflection, perhaps a moment for the man to think about his feelings for her.
Overall, "Dancer" is a heartfelt and romantic song that showcases Clifford T. Ward's ability to convey raw emotion through his music.
Line by Line Meaning
I love the way she dance
I admire the grace and beauty with which she dances
I love the way she smile
I am charmed by the warmth and happiness in her smile
I love the way she hold me
I am comforted by the tenderness of her embrace
I love the way she cry.
I am moved by the vulnerability and authenticity of her tears
I love the things she say
I am captivated by the intelligence and wit in her words
I love the things she do
I am impressed by the kindness and generosity she shows
She says she will be mine
She claims that she wants to be in a relationship with me
But that she won't be true.
However, she admits that she may not be faithful to me
If she would understand
If only she could grasp my feelings and intentions
I wanna be her man
I desire to be her romantic partner
I'd always love her so
I would continue to care for her deeply
I'd always let her go.
But I would also respect her freedom and independence
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.