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 Would That Leave Me ?
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
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Why don't you say that you care?
I might do something extravagant
Like play with your hair.
Where would that lead me?
Up to your bedroom and into your arms
Would you please me
Or would your conscience save you?
Where would that leave me?
Where would that leave me?
I won't pretend to be perfect
If you won't pretend that I should
We might do something indiscreet
Ah, you know we could.
Where would that lead me?
Up to your bedroom and into your arms
Would you please me
Or would your conscience save you?
Where would that leave me?
Where would that leave me?
Where would that leave me?
Where would that leave me?
(Repeat and fade).
In Clifford T. Ward's song "Where Would That Leave Me?", the lyrics explore a yearning for love and affection from someone who remains distant and non-committal. The singer reveals his desire for the other person to express their love and care for him. He contemplates doing something extravagant, like playing with their hair, in the hopes of sparking a deeper connection. However, the singer wonders where such actions would lead them.
The repeated refrain, "Where would that leave me?", reflects the singer's concerns about what would happen if they were to fully invest themselves in this potential relationship. The lyrics suggest a sense of uncertainty and fear of rejection, as the singer questions whether their actions would please the other person or if their conscience would prevail, leading to a rejection or withdrawal.
The verses convey a sense of raw and honest vulnerability. The singer acknowledges that neither of them is perfect and explicitly expresses the willingness to engage in something indiscreet. This highlights their desire to take a risk and seek a more intimate connection with the other person, even if it means disregarding societal norms or potential consequences.
Overall, "Where Would That Leave Me?" captures the internal conflict and longing for love, while also questioning the outcome of taking those risks and revealing one's true feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Why don't you tell me you love me?
Why don't you openly express your feelings of love towards me?
Why don't you say that you care?
Why don't you verbalize your concern and affection for me?
I might do something extravagant
I might engage in a gesture of grandeur or extravagance
Like play with your hair.
Such as playfully running my fingers through your hair
Where would that lead me?
What would be the outcome or consequences of my actions?
Up to your bedroom and into your arms
Possibly ending up in your bedroom, embraced in your loving arms
Would you please me
Would you satisfy and fulfill my desires?
Or would your conscience save you?
Or would your conscience prevent you from giving in to temptation?
Where would that leave me?
What would be my position or situation as a result?
I won't pretend to be perfect
I won't feign or pretend to be flawless
If you won't pretend that I should
If you won't falsely assume or expect me to be perfect
We might do something indiscreet
We might engage in an action that lacks discretion or caution
Ah, you know we could.
Ah, you are aware that it is a possibility
Where would that lead me?
What would be the outcome or consequences of our indiscretion?
Where would that leave me?
What would be my position or situation as a result?
Where would that leave me?
What would be my position or situation as a result?
Where would that leave me?
What would be my position or situation as a result?
Where would that leave me?
What would be my position or situation as a result?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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