On My Word Explained

On My Word
Cover:Cliff Richard On My Word.jpg
Caption:Cover of the single released in the Netherlands
Type:single
Artist:Cliff Richard
B-Side:Just a Little Bit Too Late
Recorded:25 August 1964[1]
Studio:Columbia Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Genre:Pop
Length:2:30
Label:Columbia
Producer:
Prev Title:Angel
Prev Year:1965
Next Title:The Time in Between
Next Year:1965

"On My Word" is a song written and first released by American singer-songwriter Chip Taylor as a single in April 1964. It was covered by British singer Cliff Richard and released as a single which peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

Cliff Richard version

Cliff Richard recorded his version of "On My Word" whilst in Nashville, Tennessee in August 1964 and features backing vocals by the Jordanaires and an orchestra conducted by Stan Applebaum.[1] It was released as a single in June 1965 with the B-side "Just a Little Bit Too Late" written by Hank Marvin and recorded with the Shadows.

Reviewing for New Musical Express, Derek Johnson wrote: "Considerably snappier than "The Minute You're Gone", it's set to a shuffle rhythm with a subtle Latin flavour, plus brass and chirping girls. Cliff sings in huskily appealing low register, which contrasts effectively with the bouncing beat. The melody's not quite so whistleable as his last one, but it has an insistent quality".[2]

Track listing

7": Columbia / DB 7596

  1. "On My Word" – 2:30
  2. "Just a Little Bit Too Late" – 2:35

Charts

Chart (1965)Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[3] 31
scope=rowHong Kong[4] 6
scope=rowMalaysia[5] 9

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cliff Richard Song Database - Song Details (On My Word). 2021-10-01. www.cliffrichardsongs.com.
  2. 4 June 1965. Snappier Cliff another hit. New Musical Express. 4. 2 October 2021.
  3. Book: Kent, David. Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. David Kent (historian). Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. . 2005. 0-646-44439-5. Kent Music Report.
  4. 17 July 1965. Hits of the World. Billboard. 25. 2 October 2021.
  5. 11 September 1965. Hits of the World. Billboard. 37. 2 October 2021.