About the song
Released in 1983, “Ocean Deep” by Cliff Richard stands as one of the most poignant and introspective tracks in the legendary British singer’s extensive catalog. Featured on his album “Silver”, this song marked a significant moment in Cliff Richard’s career, blending his familiar pop style with a more mature, reflective tone that resonated deeply with both long-time fans and newer listeners. The album itself was a commercial success, but “Ocean Deep” in particular became one of the standout tracks, with its lush instrumentation and emotionally charged lyrics.
The song’s central theme revolves around deep emotional longing and the complexity of love. In “Ocean Deep”, the narrator expresses a profound yearning for a lost love, with the imagery of the ocean serving as a metaphor for the depth of their emotions. The lyrics suggest that no distance or obstacle can diminish the intensity of these feelings, and the narrator would go to great lengths—”across the ocean deep”—to find reconciliation or closure. Cliff Richard’s delivery of these lyrics is nothing short of captivating, his voice rich with both vulnerability and strength. His ability to convey the deep sorrow of the character is a testament to his vocal maturity and emotional range, qualities that have endeared him to generations of fans.
From a musical perspective, “Ocean Deep” features a lush orchestral arrangement that complements its lyrical content. The swelling strings, gentle piano, and delicate percussion create an atmosphere of longing, perfectly framing the emotional weight of the song. The production, helmed by Bruce Welch, enhances the track’s sense of grandeur without overwhelming its intimate nature. The song’s pacing and dynamics take the listener on a journey, starting quietly and building to a crescendo of emotion, a hallmark of Cliff Richard’s musical artistry.
On a broader scale, “Ocean Deep” represents a significant moment in the evolution of Cliff Richard’s career. By 1983, Richard had already achieved international fame, but this song showcased a more mature side of him, appealing to listeners who had grown with him through the decades. It marked a departure from his earlier, more upbeat pop hits and was seen as a shift towards a more reflective, adult contemporary style. The song also captured the cultural and musical landscape of the early 1980s, a period when many artists were exploring deeper emotional themes in their work. “Ocean Deep” is not only a personal reflection of love and loss, but it also speaks to a wider societal mood, with its themes of vulnerability and emotional depth resonating during a time when pop music was beginning to embrace more mature and introspective subject matter.
“Ocean Deep” continues to be a beloved track in Cliff Richard’s extensive discography, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. Its lasting impact can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and longing—experiences that transcend time and place. The song has also cemented its place as a classic ballad in the pop music world, one that remains as emotionally relevant today as it was when it was first released. Through its lyrical beauty, orchestral elegance, and Cliff Richard’s masterful performance, “Ocean Deep” stands as a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to craft songs that speak to the heart of the listener.
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Lyrics
Love, can’t you see I’m alone?Can’t you give this fool a chance?A little love is all I askA little kindness in the nightPlease don’t leave me behindNo, don’t tell me love is blindA little love is all I askAnd that is allOoh love, I’ve been searchin’ so longI’ve been searchin’ high and lowAnd little love is all I askA little sadness when you goMaybe you’ll need a friendOnly please don’t let’s pretendA little love is all I askAnd that is allI wanna spread my wingsBut I just can’t flyAs a string of pearlsThe pretty girls go sailin’ byOcean deepI’m so afraid to show my feelingsI have sailed a million ceilings in mySolitary roomOcean deepWill I ever find a lover?Maybe she has found anotherAnd as I cry myself to sleepI know this love of mine I’ll keepOcean deepLove, can’t you hear when I call?Can’t you hear a word I say?A little love is all I askA little feelin’ when we touchWhy am I still alone?I’ve got a heart without a homeA little love is all I askAnd that is allI wanna spread my wingsBut I just can’t flyAs a string of pearlsThe pretty girls go sailin’ byOcean deepI’m so afraid to show my feelingsI have sailed a million ceilings in mySolitary roomOcean deepWill I ever find a lover?Maybe she has found anotherAnd as I cry myself to sleepI know this love of mine I’ll keepOcean deepI’m so lonely, lonely, lonely (baby, baby)(Ocean deep) on my own in my room (baby, baby)I’m so lonely(Ocean deep) I’m so lonely, I’m so lonelyThis love of mine, I’ll be ocean deepI’m so lonely, lonely, lonelyIn my room, on my own