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 Open University
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She decided lately to get smart
She read an article that changed her life
So tired of working in a factory
She joined the Open University.
We used to have a lot of fun you know
Spend our money and away we'd go
She's reading Lawrence and T. H. Huxley
With the Open University.
INSTRUMENTAL
She never cared for school - such a drag
Now she's qualification mad
She's corresponding like a politician
Her main objective is an arts degree
God help the Open University.
The song 'The Open University' by Clifford T. Ward deals with the singer's frustration with the changes he sees in his girlfriend's life after she joins the Open University. The song suggests that the girl had previously been content with her job in a factory and had enjoyed spending her money on leisure activities with her boyfriend. However, after reading an article that changed her outlook on life, she enrolled in the Open University and started reading books on philosophy and literature. The chorus of the song expresses the singer's dissatisfaction with his girlfriend's new interests and the fact that he is not able to share these with her.
The lyrics of the song speak to the theme of change and how it can affect relationships. The singer laments the loss of the relationship he had with his girlfriend and how it has been replaced by academic pursuits. He feels that the Open University has become a barrier that prevents him from connecting with his girlfriend.
The song also touches upon the value of education and how it can transform people. It implies that education is an important tool that can change one's life, but it also suggests that it can come at a cost. The song ends on a note of pessimism, with the singer suggesting that his girlfriend's academic pursuits have made their relationship difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me tell you 'bout a girl who's breaking my heart
I am going to talk about a girl who has hurt me emotionally
She decided lately to get smart
Recently, she has made a decision to improve her intelligence
She read an article that changed her life
One article influenced her life immensely
So tired of working in a factory
Working in a factory exhausted her
She joined the Open University.
She enrolled herself in the Open University
We used to have a lot of fun you know
We had good times earlier
Spend our money and away we'd go
We spent money and went on trips together
But now whenever I go round to call
However, when I visit her nowadays
She's reading Lawrence and T. H. Huxley
She's intently reading literary works of Lawrence and T. H. Huxley
With the Open University.
As a part of her Open University coursework.
She never cared for school - such a drag
She never liked school as she found it tedious
Now she's qualification mad
But now, she has become crazy over obtaining qualifications
She's corresponding like a politician
She's communicating through correspondence just like a politician
Her main objective is an arts degree
She is solely focused on achieving an arts degree
God help the Open University.
May God help the Open University keep up with her zealousness.
Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Adams
His music had so much meaning! Clifford T Ward. I thank you.
Rachel Demain
I Love this song!! Kept me going when I struggled with TMA's and referencing!!
Carla Martin
This is delightful! Going to keep this track as one of top ten favourites! :))
scalpsie
Many thanks James and good to see you lasting the pace!Keep enjoying! Peace!
Patrick Jordan
Great work as usual Martini, love the Muppets and the way all the clips run in together. You must be about finished posting all the songs from "Homethoughts" at this stage? There are so many people who will not be aware of all the songs that Clifford recorded and that's why it's so good to see all these video posts. Kind reagrds and best wishes to you. Pat & the gang.
scalpsie
Many,many thanks for your kind comments ... the songs deserve the credit ... great insight once more and all the little bits add up making a bigger picture - great! Thanks as always for your support and encouragement. Pax!
scalpsie
Once again thank you so much for supporting the cause and getting great enjoyment from the videos and music. Peace!
scalpsie
Sincere thanks for your kind comments Cass ... love it too,great for whistling to and annoying others!!THANK YOU! Peace!
Transfixture
Another fantastic video and a great song. This is another of of my favorites. Thanks for the post
scalpsie
Not too many to go now Pat then retirement!! It's been a real pleasure and such fantastic fun ... genuinely!Heartfelt thanks for your kindness and support always ... thank you immensely! Peace!