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.
To an Air Hostess
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
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The aeroplane soared
And I waited with baited breath for the worst
But everything connected
There was nothing unexpected
Until she appeared looking calm and collected.
I fell in love with an air-hostess
I wanted to give her a copy of my record
But I did not have the self-confidence.
I fell from such a great height
And wonder if I will ever land.
INSTRUMENTAL
I fell in love with an air-hostess
Together we flew the skies with 'Air France'
I wanted to give her a copy of my record
But I did not have the self-confidence.
I fell from such a great height
And wonder if I will ever land.
(He fell in love with an air-hostess
Together they flew the skies with 'Air France'
He wanted to give her a copy of his record
But he did not have the self-confidence).
(He fell in love with an air-hostess
Together they flew the skies with 'Air France'
He wanted to give her a copy of his record
But he did not have the self-confidence).
The song "To an Air Hostess" by Clifford T. Ward reflects on a turbulent plane journey that initially filled the singer with apprehension. However, his anxiety dissipated when he was attended to by an air hostess who exuded calmness and composure. From this point on, he fell deeply in love with her and the two of them shared many adventures in the skies. Despite his strong feelings, he was unable to build up the courage to give her a copy of his record due to his lack of self-confidence. The song ends with the singer wondering whether he will ever land from the great height of his love for the air hostess.
The lyrics are a captivating representation of love at first sight, as well as the potent mixture of infatuation and self-doubt. They bring to life an aura of adventure and thrill that one may feel while flying. The song suggests that the air-hostess represents the poetry of the sky, embodying a sense of freedom, glamour, and excitement. The singer's insecurity contrasts with the confidence and professionalism of the air hostess, and this highlights the vulnerability of those who have fallen hard for someone.
Line by Line Meaning
The engines roared
The loud and ominous noise of the airplane engines filled the air.
The aeroplane soared
The airplane lifted off the ground and rose higher and higher into the sky.
And I waited with baited breath for the worst
He was extremely anxious and fearful, expecting something terrible to happen during the flight.
But everything connected
The airplane operated properly and all systems worked perfectly.
There was nothing unexpected
There were no surprises or malfunctions during the flight.
Until she appeared looking calm and collected.
The air-hostess appeared and she seemed calm and in control of the situation.
I fell in love with an air-hostess
He developed romantic feelings for the air-hostess during their time together on the flight.
Together we flew the skies with 'Air France'
They flew together on an Air France flight, traversing the skies.
I wanted to give her a copy of my record
He desired to gift her with his musical album.
But I did not have the self-confidence
He struggled with self-doubt and lacked the courage to give her his album.
I fell from such a great height
He experienced a profound emotional fall in the realm of love.
And wonder if I will ever land.
He was uncertain and fearful of how his romantic pursuit would end.
(He fell in love with an air-hostess
He continued to express his affection for the air-hostess.
Together they flew the skies with 'Air France'
They continued to fly together on Air France flights.
He wanted to give her a copy of his record
He still had the desire to present her with his album.
But he did not have the self-confidence).
However, he remained too timid and unsure of himself to follow through with his plan.
Contributed by Christopher E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.