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.
Time the Magician
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another chance to reminisce
And though together we have grown
It's magical how time has flown.
Remember at the outset
A very long while ago?
You were just a schoolgirl
But time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us.
Remember when you first said
That you would love me always
And how you fascinated
Me in so many ways?
But time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us.
A sweet occasion such as this
Another chance to reminisce
And though together we have grown
It's magical how time has flown.
Remember at the outset
A very long while ago?
You were just a schoolgirl
And I was your big hello.
But time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us.
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
(Repeat and fade).
The song "Time the Magician" by Clifford T. Ward is a sentimental and nostalgic tribute to the passage of time and how it shapes our lives and relationships. The first verse establishes the theme of reminiscing and marveling at how quickly time has passed despite the growth and changes experienced together. The second verse recalls the early days of the relationship between the singer and his love interest when they were young and innocent. The chorus emphasizes the idea that time is an unpredictable force that can reshape or erode our memories and experiences. The repetition of the phrase "Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us" underscores the way that time can manipulate and alter our perceptions of the past.
The lyrics of the song evoke a wistful and bittersweet tone that captures the complex emotions that arise as we look back on our lives. The song suggests that even though time can be challenging and often surprising, it is also a source of magic and wonder. The nostalgic imagery and repetitive refrain of the song create a sense of resonance and contemplation that encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences with time and memory.
Line by Line Meaning
A sweet occasion such as this
This is a happy moment.
Another chance to reminisce
We have an opportunity to remember the past.
And though together we have grown
We have developed and changed while being in each other's lives.
It's magical how time has flown.
Time has passed in an unbelievable and fascinating way.
Remember at the outset
Do you recall when we first met?
A very long while ago?
It was such a long time ago, wasn't it?
You were just a schoolgirl
At the time, you were a young girl still in school.
And I was your big hello.
I was the person who introduced myself to you first.
But time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
However, time has caused us to experience unexpected events or changes.
Remember when you first said
Do you remember the first time you expressed your love to me?
That you would love me always
You promised me that you would love me forever.
And how you fascinated
I was drawn in and intrigued by
Me in so many ways?
Many things that I did or said seemed interesting to you.
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time has caused us to experience unexpected events or changes.
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time has caused us to experience unexpected events or changes.
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time has caused us to experience unexpected events or changes.
Time, the magician played a few old tricks on us
Time has caused us to experience unexpected events or changes.
(Repeat and fade).
The song repeats these same lyrics and fades away.
Contributed by Natalie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
London Girl
Beautiful like so many of his songs. I believe he was singing about his wife. I think they were childhood sweethearts and met at school. He is sadly missed. His songs are like poetry. I hope his wife is comforted by the many wonderful songs he left behind and how loved he was by his fans.
Tony Darbyshire
I've been a fan of Clifford for more years than I now care to remember! This is a lovely song, sung with his usual melodic voice and mesmerising. I'm glad we have his legacy of beautiful songs to remember him by.
RIP Clifford T Ward, a superstar who, for very odd reasons, never quite received the recognition he thoroughly deserved.
Thanks felinefanll for putting this great track up for us all to enjoy.
Kevin Beck
well said tony he was a true genius
Promoagent
Scullery is still my favourite track along with Gaye, the string arrangements were very magical too
mike Turner
CTW,the total maestro of visual lyrics,maybe we didnt listen hard enough in the 70,s and now with a sort of longing for things of substance we have found him again
steve double u
Clifford t's songs are not played nearly enough. I feel a lot of people could be missing out on this fine 'musical wine'
steve double u
@felinefanII Yes indeed, and for many people, as yet to be fully discovered.
felinefanII
An absolute treasure trove of gems.
ushoys
My favourite Clifford T. Ward song. The melancholic music and photo take me right back to when I was the same age as those schoolgirls, a very long time ago. Time the Magician....
Patrick Jordan
it's great to see you uploading so may of Clifford's songs. Thank you.