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.
Who Cares
Clifford T. Ward Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you know how I love you
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
But you know how you love to.
Don't give up - it's not the thing to do
Keep on tryin' I'm right beside you
There's a lot less to it than you estimate
Who cares if you live, who cares if you die
But you know how I love you
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
But you know how you love to.
Look at me, I'm the optimist
Times I've fallen and the times I've missed
There's a lot less to it than meets the eye
Just wind in the trees, and stars in the sky.
Don't care if you live, don't care if you die
But you know how I love you
Don't care if you give, don't care if you try
But you know how you love to.
INSTRUMENTAL
There's a lot less to it than you estimate
Just slip off the catch - pull on the gate.
Who cares if you live, who cares if you die
But you know how I love you
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
But you know how you love to.
Who cares if you live, who cares if you die
But you know how I love you
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
But you know how you love to.
(Repeat and fade).
Clifford T. Ward's song "Who Cares" appears to focus on the idea of the ultimate insignificance of life with phrases like "who cares if you live, who cares if you die." However, the more optimistic interpretation is that we should not worry about what others think of us, but rather focus on our own desires and goals. The song stresses the importance of self-confidence, determination, and finding joy in the process of chasing our dreams, not just the outcomes. The lyrics also highlight the supportive nature of love and how it can help alleviate our anxieties about our lives.
The song contains a hopeful and encouraging message, despite its initial somber tone. The lyrics indicate that our journeys in life may be difficult, but we must persevere and stay positive. The instrumental break allows the listener to reflect on the song's message and encourages introspection. It highlights the idea that there is beauty in the simplicity of life and the things that surround us.
Line by Line Meaning
Who cares if you live, who cares if you die
It doesn't matter to others whether you live or die
But you know how I love you
But I do care about you and love you
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
Others don't care if you put in effort or give something
But you know how you love to.
But you know your own desires and aspirations
Don't give up - it's not the thing to do
Don't lose hope as giving up is not the solution
Keep on tryin' I'm right beside you
Keep trying and I'll be there to support you
There's a lot less to it than you estimate
Things may not be as complicated as you think
Just put on your best - 'n' leave it to fate.
Do your best and leave the rest to fate
Look at me, I'm the optimist
I am optimistic and hopeful
Times I've fallen and the times I've missed
I have experienced failures and setbacks
There's a lot less to it than meets the eye
Things may look complex but can be simpler
Just wind in the trees, and stars in the sky.
Sometimes the beauty of nature can make things feel lighter
Don't care if you live, don't care if you die
Others may not value your existence in their lives
But you know how I love you
But I value and love you for who you are
Don't care if you give, don't care if you try
Others may not appreciate your efforts or give importance to them
But you know how you love to.
But you know your own passions and motivations
There's a lot less to it than you estimate
Things may not be as complicated as you think
Just slip off the catch - pull on the gate.
Sometimes the solution is simpler than expected
Who cares if you live, who cares if you die
Others may not value your existence in their lives
But you know how I love you
But I value and love you for who you are
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
Others may not appreciate your efforts or give importance to them
But you know how you love to.
But you know your own passions and motivations
Who cares if you live, who cares if you die
Others may not value your existence in their lives
But you know how I love you
But I value and love you for who you are
Who cares if you give, who cares if you try
Others may not appreciate your efforts or give importance to them
But you know how you love to.
But you know your own passions and motivations
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.