When Cliff Richard released Some People in 1987, it wasn’t just another pop song from a veteran singer. It was a quiet declaration — a message for a world that was already losing faith in kindness, loyalty, and love that lasts.
A song for those who still believe
Written by Alan Tarney, Some People carries a deceptively simple melody wrapped around lyrics that gently remind us: “Some people lead, some people follow / Some people stop and some people go.” Beneath its pop sheen lies a philosophy — a belief that no matter how modern or cynical the world becomes, there will always be some people who choose sincerity over convenience, and faith over doubt.
At the time of its release, Cliff was nearly 30 years into his career. Many artists of his generation had faded or reinvented themselves, but Cliff continued to sing about values that never went out of style: honesty, faith, and love. Some People became one of his biggest hits of the 1980s, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and reaffirming that decency still resonated with millions.
A reflection of Cliff’s own life
Cliff Richard’s life mirrored the song’s message. Throughout his career, he remained famously scandal-free, humble, and committed to his faith. He resisted the chaos of fame, preferring to live quietly and devote himself to music that uplifted rather than shocked. In interviews, he often said he was grateful for those who “still believe in something good.”
“Some People” feels autobiographical in that sense — a gentle reassurance that not everyone needs to chase headlines or trends. Some just need to stay true. For Cliff, the song was less a love song than a love statement: a vow that good people still exist, even if they’re not always seen.
A timeless truth
More than three decades later, the song still feels relevant. In a world driven by fleeting fame and virtual affection, “Some People” reminds us that real love and loyalty are quiet, steady, and enduring. It speaks not only to romantic faithfulness but also to friendship, family, and the courage to hold onto what’s right when the world looks the other way.
When Cliff performed it live on stage, his voice carried that familiar mix of warmth and conviction — not as someone trying to preach, but as someone who’s lived long enough to know the truth behind those words.