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.
Where's It Going To End
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
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Makes me wonder whether she will wait
And where's it going to end?
Our love is just another broken down motor car
I need your help to get it back on the road
It's brought us such a long way and we could still go far
But for the fact that the engine is cold.
If you love me why don't you get out and help me push?
We could get it started if we really wanted to
I know the steering's not much good but we can get it fixed
All it needs is just a little overhaul
(Little overhaul).
Our love is just another broken down motor car
Our love is just another broken down motor car.
Caught up in an endless stream of traffic
Makes me wonder whether she will wait
And where's it going to end?
Where's it going to end?
In Clifford T. Ward's song "Where's It Going To End," the lyrics reflect the struggles of a stalled relationship. The singer compares their love to a broken-down car, suggesting that while they have come a long way, they are unable to go any further due to the coldness of their feelings. The song expresses the singer's frustration with the relationship, as they are stuck in a "stream of traffic" and uncertain about their future. They plead with their partner to help restart the relationship, even though the "steering's not much good."
The lyrics also touch on the idea of perseverance and the potential for growth in the face of obstacles. The singer acknowledges that their love may be struggling, but they express a desire to work through it and get the relationship back on track. Despite their doubts and uncertainties, they remain hopeful that they can still "go far" with some effort and cooperation.
Overall, "Where's It Going To End" is a poignant reflection on the ups and downs of romantic relationships, conveying the push-and-pull of feelings and the need for collaboration to keep a relationship moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Caught up in an endless stream of traffic
Being stuck in a never-ending traffic jam
Makes me wonder whether she will wait
Questioning whether the person he loves is still willing to wait for him
And where's it going to end?
Asking himself where their situation will lead to
Our love is just another broken down motor car
Comparing their love to a broken-down car
I need your help to get it back on the road
Asking his loved one for help to fix their broken relationship
It's brought us such a long way and we could still go far
Their love has taken them a long way and still has potential for a bright future
But for the fact that the engine is cold
Their lack of love is the reason why their relationship is not moving forward
If you love me why don't you get out and help me push?
Asking why their loved one isn't working with them to fix their relationship
We could get it started if we really wanted to
Believing that they can fix their relationship if they both put in effort
I know the steering's not much good but we can get it fixed
Acknowledging that their relationship has some flaws, but believing they can be resolved
All it needs is just a little overhaul
Stating that their relationship only needs a little work to be fixed
(Little overhaul).
Reiterating that only small changes are needed to mend their relationship
Our love is just another broken down motor car
Repeating the comparison of their love to a broken-down car to emphasize its state
Caught up in an endless stream of traffic
Repeating the earlier sentiment of being stuck in a never-ending traffic jam to show how stagnant their relationship is
Makes me wonder whether she will wait
Reiterating his doubts about his loved one's patience and commitment
And where's it going to end?
Asking the same question again to emphasize his worries about their future
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.