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.
Wherewithal
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To attract your attention.
Wish I had the wherewithal
To attract your attention.
You are so nonpareil
You introduce a new elation in my life
But you are so nonchalant
I don't suppose this new sensation will materialise.
I wish I had the wherewithal
To attract your attention.
Wish I had the wherewithal
To attract your attention.
If I hadn't inhibitions enough to cope with
Now you come along beautiful and leave me hoping
If it wasn't complicated enough to start with
Now you're making this feeling so hard to part with.
INSTRUMENTAL
You are so nonpareil
You introduce a new elation in my life
But you are so nonchalant
I don't suppose this new sensation will materialise.
I wish I had the wherewithal
To attract your attention.
Wish I had the wherewithal
To attract your attention.
I wish I had the wherewithal
To attract your attention.
(Repeat and fade).
The lyrics to Clifford T. Ward's song "Wherewithal" express the singer's yearning for the attention of someone he is attracted to, who seems to be out of his league. He wishes he had the "wherewithal," or the means or resources, to make himself more attractive and appealing to this person. The repeated line emphasizes his desire for their attention and indicates that he feels he lacks what it takes to win them over.
The singer contrasts the object of his affections, who he considers "nonpareil," or unsurpassed, with his own sense of insecurity and uncertainty. He sees this person as introducing an exciting new element to his life but doubts their interest in him will lead to anything tangible or lasting. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels intimidated by this person's charisma and effortless charm, and that he struggles with feelings of inadequacy.
Overall, "Wherewithal" captures the frustration and longing that can come with unrequited love, as well as the fear of rejection and the sense of vulnerability that can accompany romantic feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I had the wherewithal
I desire to have the resources or means to do something
To attract your attention.
To make you notice or pay attention to me.
Wish I had the wherewithal
I wish I had the resources or means to do something
You are so nonpareil
You are incomparable and exceptional in every way
You introduce a new elation in my life
You bring me intense happiness and excitement that I've never experienced before
But you are so nonchalant
But you are indifferent, cool or apathetic towards me
I don't suppose this new sensation will materialise.
I do not think this new feeling will become real or tangible.
If I hadn't inhibitions enough to cope with
If I was not already struggling with self-doubt or fear
Now you come along beautiful and leave me hoping
You have arrived and left me feeling optimistic, giving me a sense of longing or desire to connect.
If it wasn't complicated enough to start with
If the situation wasn't complex or challenging at the beginning
Now you're making this feeling so hard to part with.
But now, you are making it even more difficult for me to let go of this emotion.
I wish I had the wherewithal
I desire to have the resources or means to do something
To attract your attention.
To make you notice or pay attention to me.
Wish I had the wherewithal
I wish I had the resources or means to do something
To attract your attention.
To make you notice or pay attention to me.
I wish I had the wherewithal
I desire to have the resources or means to do something
To attract your attention.
To make you notice or pay attention to me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenwright8103
If there is another life I hope I can meet this man and thank him for his beautiful music...
@michaelmccrory2220
Only a heavenly being can write such songs with wonderful music and lyrics.
@bigshed51
Once in a while a great musician who can capture the essence of "englishness" comes along, never perhaps quite reaching the mainstream, but for those of us who have enjoyed what he has given us, we have been the lucky ones. I miss him a lot, so thank you Scalpsie for keeping his star bright.
@debowiec3
Quintessentially English.........isn't it!!!!!!!!
@daveannan
A Fantastic Guy, Wish people had realised what a great Artist , sad he is no longer with us !
@ireneyoung8696
Loved this mans voice and his beautiful songs.Rest in Eternal Peace.Clifford.t.Ward
@1968dps
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
@ruthjohn9771
It is...you have a wonderful ear...gives me goosebumps and tears for my lost youth
@jamesgoble922
Without a doubt one of Clifford's best, so sad he never received the recognition his genius deserved.
@kevinbeck6785
your words so correct he was a brilliant singer songwriter