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High Girders

Late December, seventy-nine,
Dundee train, northbound line.
River Tay, a mile from land
High girders stand.

Storm is fierce, night is wild,
Front of the carriage: father and child.
Has him close, holds his hand,
High girders stand.

Lead me, be my guide.
Take me o'er to the other side.
When it's dark I cannot see,
Stay here with me.

Since Burntisland all is well.
Pace is steady, none can tell
In the darkness miles away
High girders sway.

Train steams on into the night
Boy holds to his father tight
How much longer none can say:
High girders sway.

Late December, seventy-nine,
Dundee train, northbound line.
Storm bears down upon them all
High girders fall.

Jan 2014

Based on the fateful journey of December 1879 . . .


Daisy

The view from here is tremendous
It's amazing what you can see.
People far below us
Have no idea about you and me.

The world is far behind.
Oh, let's just take our time.

Daisy, can I take you out tonight?
Daisy, let's go walking when the moon is big and bright.
Your eyes still sparkle despite the fading light.
Daisy, can I take you out tonight?

The path to here was horrendous
But it's amazing what you can do
With some imagination
You can build your dreams and make them come true.

The world is far behind.
Oh, let's just take our time.

When you're still so high above
The place where you belong
Choose to do something you love
Feed the fire that burns to make you strong.

Jan 2014

Written while walking our wee dog Daisy


Day Job

Don't give up the day job,
you've got to pay the bills somehow.
Don't give up the day job,
you need to live your life in the here and now.
Don't give up the day job,
it makes you smile, so why would you quit?
Don't give up the day job,
you're living the dream, so just get on with it.

Early morning, buzz buzz
Push snooze, back to sleep.
Can't stop yawning, get up
Stand up on your feet.

Find your mojo
Work your magic
Get into the groove.
Nowhere to go:
Climbed the ladder
Nothing left to prove.

Did you notice
In the rat race
The winners are still rats?
Did you see a
Smile on their face,
Did you notice that?

2013


Way It Goes

You spend so long on wondering why it is you're losing place.
Maybe you put it down to living life at such a pace.
Sometimes late at night you somehow start to feel alone.
That's just the way it goes.
Don't let it get you down when you're so frail.
Don't cry if you try but you fail.
When you hurt and the dirt really shows, they say
That's just the way it goes.

This is not quite how it's meant to be.
You can't see where you're going till
you know just you're coming from.
This is not the way it's meant to be.
Need a fundamental alteration don't you see?

In all the songs you sing you're crying out - you're all alone.
Believing everything till innocence is all but gone.
One by one your dreams are fading then there's nothing left,
but that's just the way it goes.
You hear the echo of a multitude of contemplations.
All the voices only lead to further complications.
All the things you do are reflections of the way you chose
- that's just the way it goes.

Through the smile, beyond these eyes,
Glimpse of truth beneath your disguise.
Through the mask, behind the lies,
Show the face that you'd rather hide.

2014


Off the cliff

Trying to live up to what the people expect
trying to keep in with them or
you'll be going next.
You only worry about being OK,
Always making sure you've got the easy way.

You think you're in charge
but you really don't know
that the crowd you belong to is
deciding where you go.

You say you're living by yourself
but you're going off the cliff with everybody else.
They don't care if you fall,
They only want to get there - that's all.

Stumbling through the pieces of your broken life,
you feel the pain that cut you like a knife.
You were dashed on the rocks
and crushed by the tide,
but someone comes to meet you
and his arms are open wide.

You think you're in charge,
but you really can't see
that there's more to life than this
more than you can ever be.

You said you were living for yourself
but you went off the cliff with everybody else.
Now you've heard the voice
now you've heard the call
Now you've got the choice - that's all.

1993/96

the first song I wrote at the age of 16...


Well worthwhile

Don't you know you've turned my life around?
Used to be so lost, but now I've found
There's so many different ways to fall in love with you.
Baby if you want to leave, then go.
But if you got to stay, say so,
Though I need you near, I'm not gonna keep you here
You made the waiting well worthwhile.

Everybody's breaking up, making up, making out
they know what it's all about
Truth is that it's happenstance, pure blind chance, pure blind luck
Then you've got to make it work.

Things may not be what they seem:
All your dreams, all your hopes
Look like going up in smoke.
But you've got to reach down deep, take a leap, take a chance,
Take the floor for one more dance.

2001/12


Cold stares

You're an arctic escalator, baby,
All you can give me is cold, cold, stares.
And I know you've been feeling low,
Thinking that nobody cares.

Just dropped by to let you know,
I'll be here to help you through.
And I see you've been hating me,
Well I've been loving you.

When I wake in the morning light
All I see is your smiling face.
And I feel like you're almost real
Nothing can take your place.

Dropped verse: As I walk through the city streets
I travel back in time.
And I lie to the passers-by -
My face says I'm doing fine.

I can't forget how we used to be
When we were starting out.
And I should, suppose I could,
If I could shake this doubt.

You give me cold stares, baby,
Chill me to the soles of my feet.
And I try, sometimes I cry
But I know it's you I need.

My soul's so sore
Hurting like I can't explain.
And I'll sing about anything
To try to make it right again

Winter 1999

- the first true "blues" song I wrote. 12-bar blues in A major - inspired by a woman I worked with in Forfar...


Where is the love?

The poor get poorer the rich get richer;
the powerless are oppressed
and the rest, well they don't care no more.
They see the sadness in the eyes of
the child in the picture
in the news story, yet, they still forget
because they don't really care.
They say it's not really fair.

Tell me, What's going on?
What's gone wrong?
Where is the love now?

The sad get sadder the smiles disappear;
They say God's far away
but nobody's thought to pray
because they don't really know.
Their lives are full of emptiness,
their hearts are full of fear.
"Stick with the crowd
so you don't get left out",
because you don't really know
why you're feeling so low.

The world is moving faster, no time for waiting here;
You're caught in a rush,
you're crushed and broken
and forced into a mould.
The deceiver's working overtime,
the end is getting near.
Temptation strikes again, and then you fall
because your heart has grown cold.

1993/95


Two kinds of blue

Got me a feeling, I just don't know what to feel.
My head's so mixed up; I don't know what is real.

Went to the doctor, said, "Doc, what can you do?"
He said, "Son, all you need to know is there is two kinds of blue".

"The first is a teardrop, the second is a scream."
"I know you've been crying, but don't you lose your dreams."

Moving on now, you know I'm feeling better
Then she hit me with her 'Dear John' letter.

She says, "I've been thinking I'm not the one for you".
Leaves me wondering about these two kinds of blue.

"The first is a teardrop, the second is a scream."
As we say goodbye, I lose another dream.

2000 - a blues break-up song.


When you sleep

When you sleep, will you dream?
Will you cry, will you scream?
Will you wake to find you're all alone, again?

Don't hide (turn) from the sky,
I know you can fly.
Don't cry, don't cry.
Don't cry, don't cry.

Can you tell me the answers,
can you sense when I say
that I'm searching
I'm just moving away?

Will you stop me from drifting,
will you hold me so tight
that I can't run for cover,
that I can't leave the fight?

Oh . . . do something new
you need to change your ways
Time won't wait for you
You're finding out these days.

Today I heard the news
You said you fear the blues
You want to choose
A new way to believe in what you know.

Don't turn from the son
Say you hate everyone
Don't run, don't run.

1997/98


Walking down the road

Walking down the road to loneliness,
Stumbling through the streets of fear.
Trying to find the right way,
just living to get out of here.
This journey goes on and on, day after day.
Can't see where it's going to end,
too busy just losing my way.

Walking on the wide road, going with the flow.
This is the way to a good time, this is the way to go.

All we hear is,
"These avenues lead to the same place".
And the fear is a failure of communication.
Take your chance now,
"It could be you but who's to say.
So live by your feelings,
still looking for the real thing".

It's all coming to an end in the
middle of the crossroads of doubt.
The dream has faded and I still can't get out
of this little cell they call my soul,
and I'm locked inside of me.
Doing wrong, can't do right;
need somebody to set me free.

Standing waiting for a sign I hear a call from behind.
Wake up, turn round this lost soul's just been found.

1994/95


Harder I Work

You say it's a coincidence, you think that it's a fluke:
I'm just sitting pretty, but take a closer look.

People say I'm lucky, I suppose it's true,
But I've got a secret that I'll share with you:

The harder I work, the luckier I get,
The more I remember, the less I forget.
This journey is long but it's not over yet,
The harder I work the luckier I get.

You know you can learn all along the way
It means you can earn much more than you're paid.

Just take it all in, but don't take it to heart,
Take it all in and make a new start . . .

So when you see somebody doing really well
Stop to think before you speak, before you give them hell.

Jumping to conclusions is a dangerous sport
Do it once too often and you're bound to get caught.

2013/2015


World May End

The world may end tomorrow,
And if it really does,
We'll be gone before I've done
The bridge and second verse.

The world may end tomorrow,
If so, I won't be here.
But then again, you too my friends
Will all have disappeared.

Oh, where did our world go?

The world may end tomorrow
Forget all you have planned.
The seas may rise up to the skies
And cover all the land.

The world may end tomorrow
And we'd lose all we know:
Our love and laughter, in the hereafter
Above or down below.

Oh, where did our world go?

So far the world's not ended
But if you knew just when,
The things you'd change or rearrange
Would all be done by then.

So far the world's still turning
Despite the shape it's in,
So grasp the nettle, put on the kettle
And let the fun begin!

Dec 2012

written for the Mayan calendar's end...


Ballad of Lorraine and Frank

Great-Grandpa Frank came to these plains
to find his fortune, make his name.
And with his lover, sweet Lorraine
they'd live the life they dreamed of.

They sailed upon the great Atlantic,
struck an iceberg, nearly sank.
But young Lorraine held on to Frank,
they'd live the life they dreamed of.

The winters came down harsh and cold
but love was warm and bright and bold.
They thanked their Lord as they grew old.
and lived the life they dreamed of.

-

They lost a child in Nova Scotia,
swapped their faith for raw emotion.
Found faith again, and deep devotion
to live the life they dreamed of.

And when they finally settled down
in this small Alberta town.
Lorraine and Frank did make a vow
to live the life they dreamed of.

-

Way up north the land gets wild,
lonely roads that stretch for miles.
The soul-crossed lovers had a while
to live the life they dreamed of.

They worked the land for thirty years,
gave it all: blood, sweat and tears.
Fair and true through joy and fear,
they lived the life they dreamed of.

-

They say the old man lost his sight,
then his hearing and his mind.
But he still had his true delight
and lived the life they dreamed of.

And when I think about those two
despite the hard times they saw through,
they showed a way for me and you
to live the life we dream of.

2013

This song was sparked by the true story of my great-grandparents who emigrated to Canada, though they didn't settle and came back to Scotland - it's a what-if story of hope and dreams


Do and Don't

Do what you do
Please stay true
Don't take for granted
Love shown to you

Even though the days are long
Feeling that you can't go on
Everything you say turns out wrong
I'll be here
I'll be here

Do what you love
Love what you do
Don't be afraid
Love pulls you through

Even though the days are long
Feeling that you can't go on
Everything you say turns out wrong
I'll be here
I'll be here

Jan 2012


On Magdalen Green

On Magdalen Green, I stare at the scene:
The Tay and the bridge before me.
This river is bright, reflecting the light,
A tiny white bird flies over me.

I cross over the track, with just a glance back
The sparkling water is calling me.
This river is bright, reflecting the light,
The wee dove of peace still follows me.

Now where do you go, what do you know?
Up in the clouds, in the sky
What can you see as you stare down on me?
How does it feel when you fly?

On Magdalen Green, I stare at the scene,
My wee bird has flown o'er the river now.
She's gone without trace, and leaves only grace.
And peace, oh peace like I've never known.

2013

Inspired by the view of the Tay from Magdalen Green.


Le Pain, Du Vin

The roads all lead to places you don't know.
The people smile but their faces are for show.
How far you've come, but so much is the same.
The past is gone, you can't go back again.

Le pain, du vin, c'est tres bien
Eat it up while you still can
The bread and wine are both divine
Drink up while you have the time.

To love and lose your love is hard,
It shakes your soul and breaks your heart.
To love and choose to turn your back,
Is harder still, your heart's attacked.

And all the games that you played
You never won, never won.
And all the promises you made
They came undone one by one.

The paths we take to places we don't know,
They twist and turn when faith is running low.
How far we've come, but so much still to learn,
The past is gone, you can't go back again.

Written in southern France, summer 2012


Simple Life

Once upon a time I had a simple life
A fishing boat, a dog and a wife
A son and daughter, we lived by the water
We had no worries in our simple life.

When the weather was right I would grab my net
Kiss farewell to my Juliet
Down to the shore, off once more
Out on the waves, see what I get.

O'er the waves
O'er the sea
O'er the waves
Oh, a simple life for me
Oh, a simple life

Then one morning a man came by
Smiled as he passed and caught my eye
We sat together, enjoyed the weather
Talking about work and the simple life.

He said, "Maybe I could share some tricks I know,
Help your fishing business grow:
Buy more boats, hire more men
Catch more fish, make more profit
Be your own boss: kick back and enjoy life more..."

I thanked the man and took his card
Wished him well, said, "Don't work too hard"
Back to my net, and Juliet
My children, dog and simple life.

My son said, "Dad, that man had style
The two of you sure talked for a while.
Did he offer money, or say something funny?"
"You're right both times son", I said and smiled.

"He made me an 'offer I couldn't refuse'
But I did, and told how it was in my shoes.
He had to go, but I'll let him know
If I ever tire of the simple life".

Jan 2012

I heard the outline of this story on the radio, wrote the song in my notebook, then afterwards looked it up, it's quite an old story, probably from Europe.


Hold on

You hold on to your heart so tight
somehow it doesn't seem so right
when all your friends have left and gone away.
You want to clutch it to yourself
sometimes you wish you'd asked for help, but
now it's all too late is all you say.

You lose the tears you can't hold back
as your heart of stone begins to crack,
and the wounded cries for mercy flood your soul.
Don't wait until these cries are gone,
don't lose the tears you've held so long,
don't let the fear deception take control.

Hold on, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on, hold on.

Even if your heart's not there,
You've heard them say that God still cares,
but who would want a heart that breaks like yours?
You close your eyes and give up hope
and soon you know you'll never cope,
but somehow now your empty heart's made pure.

And the mystery of your endless flight
from a darkness filled with candlelight
through memories of the brokenness of dreams.
You still hold on, you won't let go,
now you're living like you'd never known
that the broken life is better than it seems.

Hold on, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on, hold on.

You hold on to your heart so tight
somehow it doesn't seem so right
when all your friends have left and gone away.
You want to clutch it to yourself
sometimes you wish you'd asked for help, but
now it's all too late is all you say.

Summer 1995


Stolen Moment

A stolen moment is more precious than hours and hours of time that's wasted.
So take those hours and hours and make them count, make them count.
Until a stolen moment comes about.

A kiss of passion is more precious than heartless lips and cold embraces.
So take these heartless lips and make them count, make them count.
Until a kiss of passion comes about.

A pinch of true love is more precious than buckets full of good intentions.
So take those good intentions and make them count, make them count.
Until a pinch of true love comes about.

Apr 2012

runner-up in Nairn Festival 2013 Songwriting competition


Ode to the Kingsway

Many years ago Great Britain's first ring road
Was built around Dundee
On the banks of the Tay, the mighty Kingsway
A super sight to see

Kingsway, oh Kingsway, you save us so much time
Kingsway, oh Kingsway, your circles are so fine

Now the jewel in the crown some would say
Was the double-circle at the top of the Kingsway
From north to south, from east to west
The double circle was the best

You could come in from Arbroath
And choose one circle or both
Turn down to the town, or west to Perth
Or north to Forfar and Aberdeen
But if you take a figure of eight
You'd be back to where you'd been

Kingsway, oh Kingsway, you save us so much time
Kingsway, oh Kingsway, your circles are so fine

But the double-circle didn't last
Their concrete curves are a thing of the past
Now junctions fill that space
And too many traffic lights take their place

From the flow of the circles to the stop of the lights
Progress marches on
And the cars and the lorries and the day and the night
Keep the Kingsway rolling on

Kingsway, oh Kingsway, you save us so much time
Kingsway, oh Kingsway, your circles are so fine

Many years ago Great Britain's first ring road
Was built around Dundee
On the banks of the Tay, the mighty Kingsway
A super sight to see

Early 2013

Inspired by the UK's first ring-road, and its legendary double circle, sorely missed :)


Promises are broken

The promises are broken now,
the dreams are all shattered,
and sad hearts are crying like nothing else mattered.
The storm has come again,
the stronger winds are blowing.
Everything else disappears,
but the light is still glowing. Oh...

Cold souls on the edge of a bitterness inside.
Some found it long ago, just here for the ride.
Trying but always never quite coming through.
Going round in circles, but that's nothing new. Oh...

Everybody's out there for what they can get,
need to stay ahead of the game.
Caught in the rat race and missing the point,
yet they all end up just the same.
Has nobody told them - there's another way?

A lot of open minds at the market place tonight,
hoping for a hand or a guiding light.
Now and then the price of love gets lower and lower,
try to satisfy but find you're still wanting more. Oh...

Everybody's out there for what they can get,
need to stay ahead of the game.
Caught in the rat race and missing the point,
yet they all end up just the same.
Has nobody told them - there's another way?

1994/95


He says, she says

He'll be there for her he says.
He'll be there for her he says.
He'll do what she wants him to,
And stay as long as she is his.

He may hold her hand and smile.
He says he may hold her hand and smile.
Give her comfort for a while,
But he's not walking down no aisle.

Here's a thought, have you ever seen him cry?
Here's a dream, he could fly. . .

She is looking for something. She says she is looking for something.
To hold her up or keep her thin
Or just to make her young again.

She will love him "to the end".
She says she will love him "to the end".
If she can't she'll just pretend
The two of them can still be friends.

Here's a thought, have you ever seen her cry?
Here's a dream, she could fly. . .

You're acting like you don't know
where you are or where you come from.
You seem to think that this new way
is somehow still the same.
Can't you see the one you're with now
is the one you live for?
It's plain to me you still don't know...

After all he's just a man.
After all he's just a man.
Pretty soon she'll understand
If she can't save him no-one can.

Here's a thought, have you ever seen us cry?
Here's a dream, we could fly. . .

1999/2000


Paradise

I want to go where the sun shines
And the rain clouds fade away
I want to know that I'll see your face
Forever and a day

When I look into your eyes
It's a view of paradise
But I know that there's a trace of doubt
Here in my heart

When it seems I'm going down
And there's no-one else around
Will you hold me in your arms
As I am torn apart?

I want to go where the sun shines
And the rain clouds fade away
I want to know that I'll see your face
Forever and a day

Everything melts into time
As history repeats the rhyme
And we hesitate as days
And nights are turned to years

When I know that you are right
There is more than just tonight
And the dreams that once seemed real
Will surely end in tears

How long can I wait till I get to see?
How near I can come to where you'll be?
How far can I go before you'll reach out?
How much can I know, how much can I doubt?

When I look into your eyes
It's a view of paradise
But I know that you still
Make me feel the way you make me

I want to go where the sun shines
And the rain clouds fade away
I want to know that I'll see your face
Forever and a day

I want to go where the sun shines
And the rain clouds fade away
I want to know that I'll see your face
Forever and a day

1998


Cage for the Clouds

Last time you called me, I didn't want to know.
All I cried for was freedom,
thought you wouldn't let me go.
Though I failed to make the feelings last,
the mountain-top has all but passed, and
the good time's gone so fast I don't realise it's you.

Can't see the cage for the clouds.
Don't have the privilege of standing out in the crowd.
Won't change as long as I can hold on.
Sometimes wonder who I'm running from.

Reaching for a reason to change my point of view.
Follow the rainbow and smile to see it's true.
Now I've used up my second chance,
flown past the final dance, but
I can't blame circumstance, I've known all along it's you.

They call it freedom
but I would call it loneliness,
a silent cry for mercy in the darkness of the night.
Now the time has come,
shake off this cloak of self-defence;
with eagle's wings the bird will take to flight.

As I come to my senses I begin to see
all I need now is freedom, there's nothing here for me
Only the pain of my selfish lies,
the bitter tears I can't disguise
And the look of love-light in your eyes
is calling me home to you.

Summer 1995


She's Gone

And still she's gone

The time's not right, you say
You're waiting for the magic
When things work out okay
And no-one has to say goodbye
And no-one has to cry
Don't tell me now, it's tragic
You pick three chords and try
To rhyme these words and make a song
So we'll all sing along
And still she's gone

Oh oh da da da da da da da oh oh oh oh

This love is broken too
It seems the fire just doesn't burn
Like how it used to do
Like something changed for you and me
But no-one needs to see
The crying heart that doesn't learn
And these three words are free
So play the chords and make a song
And we'll all sing along
And still she's gone

Oh oh da da da da da da da oh oh oh oh

And you watch and you wait
And you hate when it's like this
When no-one ever calls you at all
And you hope you can cope
And you try not to cry when it's like this
Like no-one wants you
Like no-one needs you, no-one, no-one

She says she is confused
And would you give her time to think?
Till she knows what to do
Till then she'll fight on through the day
And no-one needs to see
The rats will leave this ship to sink
Forget the words and play
Just pick three chords and make a song
And we'll all hum along
And still she's gone

Oh oh da da da da da da da oh oh oh oh

She's gone

1999/2000


Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?
Can you feel what I feel
When it's clear this is the rough end of the deal?

Do you know me?
Do you know what I need
Could you give me a chance to get up on my feet?

Can you hear me?
Do you know what it means
To disappear, or be watched yet unseen?

...

Do you know me?
Does your heart break with mine
When the ones that you trust step over the line?

Can you hear me?
Are you listening now?
Do the things you believe in seem clearer somehow?

Do you know me?
Would you stand up and speak
For those who are seen by the rest to be weak?

...

Can you hear me?
Can you pinpoint my voice?
when I call from the crowd don't I drown in the noise?

Do you know me?
Have you not heard my name?
Will you walk on in silence will your life be the same?

Can you hear me?
Do you know what I say?
Will you listen and answer or just walk away?

Spring 1997


Without you

I really don't know what I should do about you.
Don't know if I should laugh or cry.
Can't see how I can live without you.
But you know I'm going to try.

I can see the tears you're crying
But I know they're not for me.
I don't care if you've been lying
I just hope that you can see
That I don't want to leave you hurting,
I don't want to give you pain.
You can go ahead, desert me,
I just want to see you smiling again.

I really don't know what I should do about you.
Don't know if I should sink or swim.
Can't see how I can live without you.
But you know I've fallen in.

You say you're so sad and you're so lonely,
You just feel like you're the only
One for me and I'm the only one for you.

These days it's hard to be free
Of the crap that holds on to me
I don't know if you'll ever see what I mean.

I really don't know what I should do about you.
Don't know if I should run or hide.
Can't see how I can live without you.
Cause you know I've gone and died.

Though the waiting lasts forever,
I will watch and I will wait.
When the sometimes fades to never,
And we say goodbye to fate.
I can only wish you well
With a life that's full of love.
As I lay this thing to rest now,
I just hope you find what you're dreaming of.

I really don't know what I should do about you.
Don't know if I should laugh or cry.
Can't see how I can live without you.
But you know I'm going to try.

2000


You see her

You see her, you want her
You know that you really shouldn't be here.
The war's on, they're fighting
But you stayed home, you really shouldn't be here.

But you see her, say you need her,
and you get her, because you get what you want.

And you make love into something cheap
Like you don't care, but you're in too deep.

You try to forget her,
But you hear that the baby's on the way.
And you don't know what to do now,
because you're scared of the things that people say.

You're making love into something cheap
And you can't stop now, because you're in too deep.

And you've fallen from grace
And you lied.
And you hide your face
And you cry.

You're crying, you're sorry
You're ready to take the blame for what you've done.
You know that, though it's over,
the consequences will go on.

When you make love into something cheap,
Before you know you're in too deep.

2000

based on the story of David and Bathsheba


When Angels

He's got a new sister,
he knew he would miss her,
as soon as they said goodbye.
There's nothing between them
so what does it mean then?
She's leaving him asking why.

The thing about being on top of the world
the next step is always down.

All you need is a long term plan
and a cynical view of the common man.
You're going to be up and you're going to be down,
but you've got to get used to this hanging around.

She's got a new hero,
she wants to be near now,
but he only wants a friend.
There's nothing between them
so what does it mean then
and why does it have to end?

All you want is to take a stand
and all the people in the palm of your hand
But you've got to be good and you've got to be kind
and you've got to get used to being left behind.

Leave him to his pride
he thinks he's so right
he won't wish for the beautiful things.
Leave her to her dreams
she'll see what it means
when angels lose their wings.

There's nothing between them
so what does it mean then
and why does it have to end?

Summer 2000


Alibi (Show you care)

Show you care, help me see
That every prayer is going to reach you
You'll be there, you will make sure
I don't cry alone

Take my heart, please watch over me
I'll start to turn around
If this part of me is heavenbound
You can take me home

I'm calling out, yeah I want to shout
Sanity says I'm not allowed
Don't be shy, you say, let me cry
Vanity says I'm your alibi

Alibi, alibi

The tears may dry, and as you find yourself
You wonder why you still feel the pain
Time goes by, but the sadness remains
Will we ever learn?

If you lost it all tonight, would you care?
If you had the chance right now, would you dare?

Alibi, alibi

I'm calling out, I want to shout
Sanity says I'm not allowed
Don't be shy, you say, let me cry
Vanity says you're my alibi

Alibi, alibi

1999


Like Like Unlike

It used to be that friends were people that you really knew
Maybe there were many, maybe just a few
Now by clicking buttons you can build a list of friends
Keep your broadband busy, while your boredom knows no end.

Like like unlike, tweet tweet share
Like like unlike, show them that you care
You don't have to leave your couch, electronic word of mouth.
Like like unlike, tweet tweet share

When you were younger you'd be playing in the park or street
Going adventures, having picnics, playing hide and seek
The days were long, the times were good, you had the greatest fun
In winter snow was deep, in summer there was endless sun.

2011

written after leaving facebook and re-joining . . .


Midnight Clear

Christmas Carol - words by EH Sears 1849, tune 'Noel', traditional English melody.

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men from heaven's all- gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats o'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long,
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled two thousand years of wrong;
And man at war with man hears not the love-song which they bring:
Oh hush the noise ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on by prophet bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years comes round the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendours fling,
And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.


Orion's Belt

Looking at Orion's Belt
Makes me feel how I felt
Way back when I first stared at the sky.

In the dark, three points of light
Orion's belt shines so bright
Way up there, so far from here, so high.

Stars shine down upon us all.
No matter where you are, or how small,
Stars shine down upon us all.

Flying saucers, passing planes
Coming back to earth again,
Who knows where those shooting stars are bound?

In the darkness, travelling light
Planes and saucers, shining bright
Way up there, so far above the ground.

Wherever you are, see the stars above you
Wherever you go, know that I love you.
Wherever you find yourself,
Look up and remind yourself
That each of us has a place
Our own time and space.

2015

from walks in the park in the dark...


Sidecar

Will you be my sidecar, maybe, will you come along with me?
We'll ride the roads together, and see what we shall see.
If the road is hard, or if the road is clear,
Will you be my sidecar maybe, will you go with me from here?

Will you be my umbrella, will you shield from the storm?
We'll walk the roads together, we'll keep each other warm.
If the days are short, and the nights go on too long,
Will you be my umbrella, give me shelter from the storm?

Will you be my faithful compass, will you help me find my way?
We'll walk the wilds together, and say what we shall say.
If the skies grow dark, and the clouds are ashen grey,
Will you be my faithful compass, will you help me find my way?

Will you be my baked potato, will you keep me warm and fed?
Will you be the voice of reason to the nonsense in my head?
And when it seems the world has got me on my knees,
Will you be my baked potato, I'll be your grated cheese.

I can be your sidebar, baby, I can go along with you,
We'll ride the roads together, and do what we shall do.
If the road is rough, or if the road is smooth,
I can be your sidecar, baby, I can go along with you.

2018


Where the heart is

My name is Charles, I live alone,
This broke Mercedes is my home.
I'm on the verge of calling time,
Here on the verge of the A9.

They say that we shall have no martyrs,
They say that home is where the heart is.

Her name's Marie, she's fair and kind,
Though I've heard tell she lost her mind.
But I don't care, cos she's got heart,
And love and soul and joy and art.

His name is Jack, he'll make you freeze,
He'll have you down upon your knees.
He comes with winter, snow and frost,
He counts the days, you count the cost.

So count the blessing, not the curse,
Live for better, not for worse.
Share and care, near and far,
Love and be loved as you are.

Here's to you Charles, to you,
Stay strong, stay true.
Here's to you, my sweet Marie,
Stay true, stay free.

Oct 2013


Starlit Sky

The moon shines bright in a starlit sky.
It's dark tonight and I wonder why
I still see your face in the darkest places,
Will I see your face again?

I heard today you're gone for good
It got too much for you.
I can't believe you're gone for good,
I thought you'd make it through.

The moonlight fades and the stars go dull.
The price I've paid doesn't hurt until
I can see your face in the darkest places,
Can I see your face again?

I guess the shock was too much dear,
You lost the one you loved.
We used to be such good friends dear,
My angel from above.

The moon has gone and I cannot see,
The night is done and I can't believe
I still see your face in the darkest places
Will I see your face again?

Falling stars in our dark sky
Are but tears from the eyes
Of one who's gone before.

Feb 2013/Jan 2014


Bay View Blues

Now Wayne's got the rhythm
And Jim's got the blues,
Mix it all together and you're never going to lose.

Here at the Bay View we got the Bay View Blues. . .

Ally's got this place
In Dundee's wild west,
For whisky, beer and atmosphere and banter it's the best.

The fitba's on the telly,
They've missed a penalty,
And now they snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

If you look out the window,
You see Invergowrie Bay,
Maybe the best pub view this side of the Tay?

The Bay View is the place
That gave The View their name,
They used to sing their songs here before they found their fame.

2013


Tip of the iceberg

This is the tip of the iceberg
Calm waters run deep.
The signs that surface
Hide the secrets we keep.

It's the show of the actor
On the stage of the soul.
Empty smiles fool no-one,
A vacant heart plays an empty role.

Anyone would think you'd reached your life's ambition,
But no-one needs to know that now.
Anyone can see you're living in a contradiction,
Your sophistications given out.

And I can see you're losing touch,
Ask where you made the mistake.
Complain about how life is bad;
Still you join the line of heartbreak.

A hundred broken hearts in a line holding hands,
Waiting for somebody to show the way.
We don't have what our heartache demands.
Still wonder why the smile never stays.

When the curtains fall,
And the late-show ends,
How do we keep our dignity
When we can't even keep our friends?

1996


Don't Give In

Hang on to that little bit about you that says
You won't lay down and die.
Stand up for what you believe in
Don't give in to a lie.

Don't you know you're losing ground?
Only time will tell the tale of being lost or found.
Never nearer now you're facing up to what you've seen.
The clock is ticking ... can you tell me what it means?

Give some thought to what you need.
In the case of captive comfort only lost or freed.
Very clever now you're starting to look like you know.
Even still it seems there's nowhere left to go.

Into the darkness as it covers your face.
Now you know how to find the tears,
tears that time can't replace.

Summer 1997


It shows

I can tell by the way that you look at me
There's a lot more to you than I can see.
There's something about you that makes you free,
And it shows.

It's a while since I've known what a smile can do,
So long since I've seen what I've found in you.
Whatever's inside is just bound to shine through,
Because it shows.

Maybe everything is black or white,
Sometimes I can't see what's wrong or right;
And every day it seems I'm losing sight
Of this road I'm travelling on.

As the time goes by I begin to explain
I recognise your face but I don't know your name.
The currents of change have proved you're not to blame,
and it shows.

As I hear all the words that you have to say,
I see why the fear and doubt have gone away.
I know now the love I've found is here to stay
Because it shows.

Maybe this is no coincidence
Sometimes I can't find my common sense,
And there's never time to sit on the fence -
It's this road I'm travelling on.

Maybe there is no way to hide,
And keep all the secrets locked up inside;
And if you live depending on your pride,
Believe me, it shows.

1996


Lifeline

Nobody wants to listen
to what he's trying to say.
He starts talking
and the people are walking away.
They say he's making it up
and they're bringing him down all the time.
Nobody wants to listen,
but they're missing the lifeline.

He is the lifeline, he is the only way.
He is the lifeline,
and his love for us will never fade away . . .

He says he wants to bring justice
and peace to the trouble of the soul.
but they don't believe him,
they're just gonna leave him out in the cold.
And the doors are all locked now,
there's no way of getting inside.
Nobody wants to open the door,
but all they're hoping for's waiting outside.

Why are you standing here all on your own?
Are you afraid because your friends have all gone?
Don't be scared now, there's no need to cry.

1993/96


The Riots

They say a man was shot by police,
A hundred gathered in the street.
They wanted truth, they came in peace,
But nothing hard comes easy.

The word got out, "There's trouble brewing,
Tottenham High Road's getting mad..."
Before I knew what I was doing
I was down there with the lads.

Cracking windows, smashing doors
Now we're stronger than before.
Stealing stuff, and back for more
But nothing hard comes easy.

Who knew things could get so wild?
Kicking off in Brixton too.
Riots, riots city-wide.
Police got nothing they can do.

The looting and the fighting starts
Burning buildings, burning cars.
Didn't think I'd see prison bars,
But nothing hard comes easy.

Who knew things could get so wild?
Kicking off in Salford too
Riots, riots nationwide
Police got nothing they can do.

So they caught me after all
Saw my face on CCTV
Busted down my door this morning,
Nothing hard comes easy.

Sep 2011

after the riots around England in Aug 2011


Make Memories

When I press this button could you all say cheese?
Pose for the pictures and smile too, please.
You want to look right? Just try copying me.
And make your memories here...

The woman with the tickets has fun for sale
The fast pass queue is moving slow as a snail
There's smiles and screams on the rollercoaster rails
So make your memories here.

Your feet complain after all the walking
The food's not great, and the prices are shocking.
But the gates are open, and the crowds are flocking
So make your memories here.




2012

holiday parks and family photographers


Miscellaneous songs in progress

Cry the tears of a broken heart
Weep for the weight on your soul
The river of compassion starts
And flows to make you whole.

The waters reach the sea of peace
And the guilt is washed away
The worries and the panics cease
As your new life kneels to stay.

You say you hear, but do you really understand?
Open your ears, lift up your head, reach out your hands.
Don't let suspicion hold you back, open your mind.
Turn round look forward now and leave the past behind.

You're sure that you're pure, that you can make it through.
Don't know what you're feeling, but you know that it's true.

I had nothing, you had it all
I was desperate, nowhere to fall.

You were smiling, looked in my eyes
You were honest, didn't pass by.

It used to be that I knew the truth,
now I'm not so sure.
You could call it foolish youth,
but at least our hearts were pure.

Now I'm older, should be wiser,
there's one thing still worrying me:
Even though I'm not so sure now,
people seem to think I should be.


Grace and Mercy

Grace has gone, she left today,
When nobody was looking she just slipped away.

Grace has gone, without a sound,
Nobody was listening, now she's not around.

If you see Grace, tell her from me
That we miss her more than she would believe.

Grace has gone, so has her sister:
Mercy went too, and nobody missed her.

Mercy has gone, we miss her so,
Still can't believe that she had to go.

Till they return, let's build a place
That would feel like home for Mercy and Grace.

Grace has gone, she left today
When nobody was looking she just slipped away.

Grace has gone, I know that she
will come back here to comfort me.

2015/2019


All o'er the world

I've worn a shirt and tie in Shanghai, in Mumbai and in Dubai.
On the southern coast of Norway and several states of the USA.

I've been all o'er the world, but where I love to be
Is here with you, with me.

I've been a hi-tech, low-budget wild rover
Who flies the skies the world over
From the concrete of Houston
To a farmyard in Hannover.

Oh the Indian Ocean is so sweet,
And those small towns in the south of France are hard to beat.
But you're the one who sweeps me off my feet.

I've walked the streets of Norfolk and New Orleans,
Met the greatest people that I've ever seen,
Here and now is the best place that I've been.

Hopped aboard a speedboat on the Dutch coast
Rode the fastest train in China but I can't boast.
Here in your arms is where I love the most.

Nearly melted in the Abu-Dhabi midday sun,
Couldn't believe the Texas foodstore selling guns.
Seen so many but I still know that you're the one.

May 2016


Selfish

I'm selfish, I want you to know that I'm selfish.
I care about my stuff, but no-one else's.
All I can think about is what I am thinking, and it's all about me!

I'm careless, I think you should know that I'm careless.
I don't even care if you could care less.
All that I care about is just what I care about: it's all about me!

You'll hear me complain that things are not fair,
But I won't do a thing cos I just don't care!

I'm selfish, you've probably discovered I'm selfish.
Under the covers I'm useless.
I've fallen to pieces, please can you help me to get back together?

Lately I've tried to swallow my pride,
And it doesn't taste quite as bad as you'd think.
Lately I've tried to change from inside,
It's enough to drive you to drink!

June 2016


Bonnie Dundee

Climb the Law on a sunny day and tell me what can you see?
From Strathmartine to the Tay: Bonnie Dundee.

At the back Cox's stack and Lochee,
To the east, Broughty Castle and the sea.
To the south, is the mouth of the river,
The road bridge and the high girders.

Climb the Law on a sunny day and tell me what can you see?
From Mid Craigie to Perth Road: Bonnie Dundee.

To the west, see the crest of Balgay hill
To the north of there, Menzieshill

2015/2016


He's Growing Fast

He's growing fast, where has time gone?
He'll be a man before too long.
When he was wee it used to be
so easy to pick him up,
and that was good enough.

He's growing fast, he's not a child
Says he's been grown-up for a while.
He has dreams, and he has schemes
They start shaking when it's tough,
It's not good enough.

He'll fall apart right in front your eyes.
He'll steal your heart and he'll steal your lies.
As you turn away he'll steal your stuff,
If it's good enough.

He's growing fast, where has time gone?
He'll be a man before too long.
I love him so, and let him know
In between the other stuff.
Is it good enough?

All the time that the two of us spend.
Goes so fast, though we think it won't end.
When all is said and done will we be friends,
Is that good enough?

2017


Get Up

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Get On

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Get Away

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Get Even

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Get Out

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Get Lost

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


The Dighty Burn

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Walking to Loch Brandy

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


You can see the planets from here

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Salisbury Crags

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Lost at Loch Wharral

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Across the Tay

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Horse Chestnut

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Climbing the Branches

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Slowly Growing

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Leaves are falling

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Squirrel!

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


If a tree falls in the forest . . .

Original piano music, written during lockdown . . . instrumental tracks, featuring blue notes and jazz chords . . .


Sing them anyway

You're walking down a street
It's a strange town.
You hear a man, it seems he's talking to himself
He looks up, stares you down. He says:

I don't know the words to this song
But I'll sing them anyway.
I don't know just where to belong
But I'll say what I say.

You walk on by, you cry
These are strange tears.
You hear the words, it seems you're talking to yourself
Listen up, believe your ears. You say:

I don't know the words to this song
But I'll sing them anyway.
I don't know just where I've gone wrong
But I'm sure I'll find the way.

Don't give up
Don't look down
Don't give up
Turn around.

You count the stars at night
It's a strange dream.
You wake up crying, find you're singing to yourself
It's not what it seems. You say:

I don't know the words to this song
But I'll sing them anyway.
I don't know how I've been here so long
But I'll get there someday.

You're walking down a street
It's a strange town.

Summer 1997


First World Problems

She told me about the people with "first world problems"
That was the first time I heard about those.
Seemed to me that first world problems
Weren't really problems like the rest of the world knows.

The wi-fi signal is painfully slow,
My phone just died, my likes are low.
Can't get a skinny frapuccino for miles,
And I'm just not cool like harry styles.

My TV remote has given up the ghost,
Can't change the channel with the C-list host.
Don't know my password for love nor money,
And my jeans don't fit - it's just not funny.

Calling them problems seems absurd
Maybe that's the difference between the first world and third?
Are you in need, is your life on the line,
Or do you just want to have a good whine?

2015/2020


Pebble

I walked on the beach,
Picked a pebble to remind me of you.
I know you're out of reach,
I'll go on now, it's all I can do.

Time goes by faster than you think
Don't cry, don't blink.

I walked on the track,
Rails have rusted, weeds are growing through.
The train's not coming back,
Factory shifted, people have gone too.

I walked up the Law,
Sun was shining, brightening the view.
I loved what I saw,
I was standing right beside you.

I'm walking back home,
Streets are golden, sky is deepest blue.
It's taken years to roam,
Best of all were those I spent with you.

2000/2012


Grow, thrive

Will you grow and thrive, will you bend or break?
Will your soul survive the turns you take?

We grow we thrive, we bend we break
We stay alive in all we make.
And in the hours of light and dark
We have the power to make our mark.

You take your turn, you make your choice
Your bridges burn, you find your voice.
And as you speak, your tongue takes flight.
The path you seek comes into sight.

Will you grow and thrive, will you bend or break?
Will your soul survive the turns you take?

In time you see; you use your mind
Your choice to be true and kind.
In time you learn to trust your heart
And patience earns a deeper art.

Will you grow and thrive, will you bend or break?
Will you keep alive the dreams you make?
And in the hours of light and dark
Will you have the power to make your mark?

Jan 2014/Jan 2021


Stick Together

Let's stick together through thick and thin
We'll prove the doubters wrong
Let's brave the weather, we'll fight and win
And write our own love song.

You smoothed off my rough edges
It took some grit to do that
The time we have is precious
Here's hoping it won't fall flat.

Green shoots of growth appear
Deep roots way down below that
Who knows what fruit will show here?
Let's hope it won't fall flat.

Breathe deep, let it out
Breathe deep, take it in

Jan 2014


Go against the grain if you dare
See where it takes you
Try and change it if you care
Don't let it break you

When the weight of the world
Is getting you down

Jan 2014


Acorn

Give me an acorn, I'll grow an oak tree
Though it may take a while.
Give me a true word, I'll grow an idea
And sing it to make you smile.

Give me a chance, some faith and you'll see
We'll do it whatever may be,
Give me an acorn,
We'll grow an oak tree.

The world is so wide, the people and places
On every side, so many faces.
I know that one so small could feel insignificant.
Please know that you can make a difference.

So plant your acorn, and grow your oak tree
Though it may take a while.
Give me your word, you'll grow your idea
It will make you smile.

Take your chance, have faith and you'll see
You'll do it whatever may be
Plant your acorn,
And grow your oak tree.

Jan 2014 / Feb 2021


Feel again

I met a man, he seemed so calm,
He wore his heart upon his arm.
And if you asked him, "how do you feel?"
He'd answer quietly, "nothing's real".

The truth is no-one could tell,
He hid his feelings very well.
And though they seemed so clear and plain,
He never dared to feel again.

I met a woman, she believed,
She wore her heart upon her sleeve.
She told me everybody knew
How she would feel, what she would do.

The truth is no-one could tell,
She hid her feelings very well.
And though they seemed so clear and plain,
She never dared to feel again.

2017


Head Held High

She walks in, head held high
Confidence personified
You just think she's doing fine
Living life, enjoying time.

But you can't read her mind just yet
There's more beneath you can't detect
You assume that all is well
But watch out, she'll give you hell...

He walks by, head bowed low.
He's not like you, he's 'one of those'.
You assume he's down and out,
Struggling with fear and doubt.

But you can't see his soul just yet
There's more beneath you can't detect
You assume that you can tell
But you may not know him so well...

You sense your heart beat in your chest,
You feel the burden of being blessed.
You may think you're about to burst,
Twisted blessings become cursed.

But you don't know your heart just yet
There's more beneath you can't detect
You just think you broke the spell
But you may not know it so well...

2011/20


Some people say

Some people say you should never give your love away,
but I see now that's all wrong.
In these last few days I realise from what you say
I've been lost far too long.

Maybe turning was leaving the race
now there's an empty place
hidden beneath this so-called success.
Searched in vain for the words to say,
found a lonely child fading away
living through a mask just like the rest.

Try to smile, don't want to see
the vacant stare of reality,
Need to cover up this broken heart.
No use hiding these empty lies,
can't continue the compromise
Make your escape now before the dream falls apart.

Though the bright shining lights have gone
I can still see the new day dawn.
I can feel the fire in my bones.
No more waiting for pots of gold,
no more trying till you're too old.
It's all past now I know I'm not alone.

1994/95


Listen before talking

Do you have time to listen before talking?
Do you need help to hear the words I say?
Please receive my heart now before walking away.

Do you need time for freedom now you're thinking?
Won't you just follow all the other sheep?
Please believe I'll reach you before sinking too deep.

When I wrote these songs, I was dealing with my feelings
Waiting took too long and praying seemed like stealing.

Do you know if you'll take it any more?
Do you care if you'll make it all the way?
Will you feel like this tomorrow, and struggle through the day?

Do you need time to make up happy endings?
Do you need help to start a brand new page?
Can't you see it's no use pretending things will change?

Do you have time to listen before talking?

1999/2001


Time to change

I've taken the hint that it's time to change,
Mistaken your smile and I'm feeling strange.
It's breaking my heart and I know now I've been wrong.
We're playing the games that we knew we'd play,
Chasing the fear and the guilt away.
I'm laying the blame and I see where I've been wrong.

Time to change, time to change...

I'm listening to seashells and hearing the sea,
Talking with good friends who care about me,
Building up bridges to cross self-made divides.
Knocking on doors without any sound,
I wake from the dream and just coming round
I see that there's one bridge from here to the other side.

Time to change, time to change...

You're holding my hand, I can see from your face,
It's time for a change, it's the right time and place.
I'm losing my pride now I see that you've been true.
You're smiling again, and your honesty shines,
It shows in your eyes that this love isn't blind.
The answer to all I ask is you.

1995/96


Give and take

"What you gonna do with it?"
"Where you gonna go now you know that it's true?"
"Do you really feel you can deal with a bit of give and take?"

When what you make is not so much
and what you take will only hurt you.

You say you need more than your heart can afford, that's all.
When the nearest star is still too far and the tears still fall.

You're searching your mind for memories of love.
And all that you find is the smile you're dreaming of.

Anyone can feel this way.
Anyone can leave and believe they know just what they're doing.
Then you cry at the part where you're in the dark . . .

When all you hold is bought and sold
Can't you see it's going to hurt you?

1999


Beautiful boredom

Give me two of your reasons to stay,
And I will give you three
Why things just can't go on this way,
Why things can't work out for you and me,
And things can't be how they used to be.

You say that we used to be so good,
And now we never talk at all.
I know I don't always do what I should
But maybe, it's not all my fault
Maybe things looked good but if that's all we got,

Let's be the ugly ones, having fun,
Don't want no beautiful boredom.
When the prettiness goes,
Everybody knows that all the ugly ones are having fun.

You say I taught you to love again
You say I opened your eyes.
But I'm not sure how to play your game,
And I don't know if you're telling lies,
I'm not surprised that we said goodbye.

You say you want all the pretty things,
They are so cute and they look so nice.
Now I can't argue with the joy they bring:
They may have made my day once or twice,
But in the long run this is my advice.

2000/01


Understanding eyes

She looked through her photographs
with pride, with tears, with pain
She remembered the times she laughed,
they helped her smile again.

As she looked she noticed memories
woven through the web of time.
They were golden, grey and silver,
They were glimpses of her life.

Smiles . . . and honest answers
Tears . . . and angry words
Faces . . . and understanding eyes

From trying too hard she let go
to rest, to laugh, to care
She lay back in the arms of comfort
and found her comfort there.

Smiles . . . and honest answers
Tears . . . and angry words
Faces . . . and understanding eyes.
Real life and extra-mile love

1999


Sometimes

Sometimes we lose it: we lose our love
Sometimes it's us who's lost
Sometimes we pull so hard it breaks
We're left to count the cost.

Sometimes we choose it: we choose our path
Sometimes it's not our choice
And then we walk a different way
We heed a different voice.

Sometimes we use it: we use our chance
Sometimes it's all but blown
Sometimes we can't remember why
We have the things we own.

Sometimes there are no words to say
Sometimes there's nothing quite enough
To let you know, to make your day
To share in this thing we call love.

Sometimes the piece is missing, and
The hardest thing to do
Is to find out where it's gone
Before it gets too far from you.

And when you cry or turn away
I'll wish I was made of sterner stuff
When neither knows quite what to say
To share in this thing we call love.

Jan 2014


Let me smile

Let me smile and for a while
Let me feel that this is real
Let me hold you
and know that you are here.

Be my prayer, let me hope
Be my friend when I can't cope
In the end it's all worthwhile
Let me smile.

I've heard you say you'd rather go than stay,
The time is right, you made up your mind.
I've heard you cry, and as you say goodbye,
Don't forget what you leave behind.

When you take the time to think things over,
Remember, please remember what I said.
When you take the time to think things over,
Don't let the memories mess your head.

I've seen your heart, you're tearing it apart
Hold on to what once made you strong.
I've seen you smile, and I know it's not my style.
But I have to say that I was wrong.

1998/99


Sleeping in the sun

Lying there, sleeping in the sun
Not a care for what may come.

And when you open up your eyes
It may come as no surprise
I'll be here by your side
By your side.

Mar 2021


The Plight

The plight of "I Don't Know"
Where did it ever go?
It faded rather gradually
Like late November snow.

The plight of "I Believe"
When did it ever leave?
It slipped away quite silently
With little chance to grieve.

Looking back, it seems the past
Has come along and gone too fast.
Maybe those rose-tinted lenses
Weren't meant to last.

The plight of "ifs and buts"
Has suffered heavy cuts
A life of hopes and dreams is there
For those who have the guts.

The plight of honesty
What has it done for me?
It flew away the other day
Now we're all free.

2013


The Bones of You and Me

Beneath the branches of this tree
Lie the bones of you and me
We've been gone a century
There's nothing left to see
But the bones of you and me.

We lived for all that we were worth
We travelled lightly on the earth
And ever since we've fed the turf
There's nothing left of any worth
But the bones of you and me.

Beneath this apple tree we lay
Propping up the roots
Not much else to do or say
But fertilise the fruit.
Above us growth and life
The spreading branches of the tree
No matter how they grow
Planted in a cemetery
Like you and me.

I loved the very bones of you
You loved the very bones of me
And ever since then
We have always been together
Beneath the branches of this tree
You and me
Beneath the branches of this tree.

[Em - up - Cmaj7 / A C9]

Jun 2021


Highest Mountains

You climbed the highest mountains
With a sparkle in your eye
Life and soul of the party
Your tales could make us laugh or cry. Cry cry.

But there was something more to tell
Somewhere deeper down inside
Despite the smile you wore so well
All alone you'd often cry. Cry cry.

You hid the darkest secrets
From the people by your side
Life and soul of the party
The truth would surely make them cry. Cry cry.

But there was always more to tell
Somewhere deeper down inside
Despite the smile you wore so well
When all alone what made you cry? Cry cry.

Nobody knew the pain
No-one could feel it
Nobody knew the pain
Or how your life could deal it.

You fell the greatest distance
With a teardrop in your eye
Now without a party
Your tale would surely make us cry. Cry cry.

But there was always more to tell
Somewhere deeper down inside
Despite the smile we wear so well
When all is said and done why do we cry. Cry cry.

[D C G / Em G / Am C D ]

Jun 2021


Weather-watcher

Rain falls fast
The sunshine didn't last
But this too shall pass.
The storms won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.
The storms won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.

Weather-watcher stands
Nothing in her hands
A mind that maybe understands.
The clouds won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.
The clouds won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.

She's seen it many times before
Walked this path in every season
She sees the weather changing more
For no apparent reason.

From her perspective it may be
The planet breathing out and in,
From her perspective it may be
The planet getting ready to give in.
Or the growing pains
of our next catastrophe.

Wind blows fast
The summer didn't last
This too shall pass.
The storms won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.
The storms won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.

Snow melts fast
The winter didn't last
This too shall pass.
The clouds won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.
The clouds won't be around for long
Before you know it, they're gone.

[Am Fmaj7 / C F Am F]

Jun 2021


Do You Ever Think?

We've been here before
We've been behind this closed door
What you did and what you said
Are a tattoo on the inside of my head.

We've been here before
We've been on this office floor
What you try and what you say
Are a part of my everyday.

Do you ever think
About me and my feelings?
Do you contemplate
The hurt I'm concealing?
Do you consider
Effects of what you do and say?
Do you ever think?

We've been round the block
We've heard all those people talk
What you did and how I feel
Are what they say like it's not real.

We've moved on since then
We both went our separate ways
I'm doing a whole lot better now
I hear you're just the same.

[Amaj7 E / F#m7 E]

Jun 2021


Dig

The road reached so far
Then momentum dropped
No sign of a car
Round here ever since they stopped.

They said it may continue
Sometime, the job is not so big
But for now, I'll take my wheelbarrow
I'll take my shovel
And I'll dig
And I'll dig
And I'll dig

It won't take long I tell myself
If I don't do it
Why would anyone else?

It won't take long I tell my friend
If I don't do it
It will never end

[Dm C Bb A / Bb C]

Inspired by the story of Calum's Road on the Island of Raasay, constructed by Calum MacLeod using a shovel, pick and wheelbarrow.

Jul 2021


Thunderstorm

Never saw it coming
Never knew it could happen
Never felt like this before
So strong: what's so wrong
With a thunderstorm?

Never saw it coming
Never knew it could happen
Never thought it would all disappear
So quick: what's that trick
You're playing on me?

Everywhere I look I see shadows
Everywhere I go I feel almost alone
Everywhere I look I see shadows
Everyone I meet has something of their own
To say, to say, to say.
It's okay, okay, que sera, what will be will be.
That's what they're telling me.

Never saw it coming
Never knew it would happen
Never been like this before
So long: what's so wrong
With a thunderstorm?

Never saw it coming
Never knew it could happen
Never thought it would all fade away
So dark, where's the spark
There used to be?

Never saw it coming
Never knew it could happen
Never thought it could go up in smoke
So fast, you're the last
Thing I saw.

[Bm7 / F#m7]

Jul 2021


Roots

The roots go deeper than you think
Underfoot looking for a drink
For years they grow
And most of us will never know
How far the roots go.

The branches spread into the sky
You see them proudly fly
They hold the leaves
But most of us would not believe
How far the roots go.

I've seen trees felled by gales
A few were wrenched from the earth
But most were split through or torn in two
As if the storm did not know
How far the roots go.

We stretch ourselves as we grow
Above as well as below
Even in youth
There's a brief glimpse of the truth:
How far the roots go.

[E A / E G A]

Jul 2021


Gold (People Get Along)

The city streets are paved with gold
Kids all do what they are told
Politicians listen.
Everyone has what they need
There are no signs of greed
People get along.

The city streets are paved with gold
The food banks have all closed their doors
There's no hunger any more.
Every person has a place
There's no wrong kind of face
People get along.

[capo 3 Em G Am7]

Jul 2021


Light at the end

Here is a message
That looks like an answer
To a question that nobody asked.
Here is a new song
That sounds like an echo
Of something way back in the past.

Where is the sunshine
That follows the rain
Where is the light
At the end of this tunnel?
Where is the joy
That comes after pain?
Where is the light at the end?
Where is the light at the end?
Light at the end.

Here is the good news
That everyone hoped for:
A better day than we've ever known.
Here is the story
That seems to be written
By those who call this place home.

Where is the sunshine
That follows the rain
Where is the light
At the end of this tunnel?
Where is the joy
That comes after pain?
Where is the light at the end?
Where is the light at the end?
Light at the end.

Here is a feeling
That this is not over
There's more to see and there's much more to do
Here is a new way
To deal with the problems
That stop you from just being you.

Here is the sunshine
That follows the rain
Here is the light
At the end of this tunnel
There is a joy
That comes after pain
There is a light at the end
There is a light at the end
Light at the end.

[Dm - down]

Jul 2021


Telling on Me

Never too far from the action
Always in sight when the time is right.
If you're ever in doubt
Just give me a shout
And I'll be there.

Guaranteed satisfaction
Always enough when you're feeling rough
If you ever feel low
Just let me know
And I'll be there.

Look in my eyes
What can you see?
Are my lies
Telling on me?

Never too far in the future
Always a day or two away
If you ever get free
Just wait for me
Cos I'll be there.

[Eb]

Jul 2021


Soundly at night

Every now and then you can hear the sound
Of a roof caving in,
A wall falling down.
Every time they fall there's a moment's silence
Then a moment's peace
In between the violence.

I can't tell you what it's like
To sleep soundly at night.
I don't want a happy future
Want to sleep soundly at night.

Every now and then you can feel the pain
The wound opens up
And it hurts again
Every time it hurts there's a rush of panic
Then a rush of darkness before the manic.

I can't tell you what it's like
To sleep soundly at night.
I don't know what it means
To have sweet dreams.

Every now and then you can find some peace
You can cope some more
As the struggles ease
Every time you cope better, you can find
A fresh direction
A new frame of mind.

Jul 2021


How Long?

How long will it be
Till we see
How things could be?

How long will we wait
Till we're too late
To say goodbye to hate?

How long,
How long?
From right
To wrong?
How long?

I've been keeping track
Of the way things unwind.
I've been hanging back
Biding my time.

But I can't stay quiet any longer
I can't do nothing as hate grows stronger
I won't stay quiet any longer.

Now I'm losing track
Wasting my time
Should be getting back
To the choice that was mine.

[capo 4 Am]

Jul 2021


We Take

We take care of each other
One heart to another
We are bonded together
Together

We take chances we're given
Each day that we're living
We are holding together
Together

We take the time
With the seeds we sow
Who can tell if we'll reap what we planted.
We may have found
All we need to know
We take nothing for granted.

We take some of the burden
Some we don't when we're hurting
We go onwards together
Together

We took all that together
Sometimes leaning on each other
We can rest here together
Together

[D G D Bm A / G D Bm A]

Jul 2021


She Expects

She protects her own interests
She's a raging lioness
At two foot tall or less

She expects no sympathy
She will tell you so, just wait and see
Rather you than me.

She respects herself
If I was you
I would too
It's so good for your health.

She expects attention please
She won't be ignored with ease
Those who do end on their knees.

She connects with everyone
Who's worth her time
And if you're not
You may find
You're left behind.

She forgets her place sometimes
She has strayed over the lines
After many fights she knows she's right.

She protects her own interests
She's a raging lioness.

[A - up]

Jul 2021


All He Needed

He was a small-time player
He had no idea what was possible
He only knew
That it was true
That he had all he needed.

He used to feel their stares
He had no idea what they were staring at
He only knew
That it was true
But he had all he needed.

He was going strong
He was doing well
Never did anything wrong
But you never can tell.

He only found out after
He had no idea what had happened there
He only knew
That it was true
And he had all he needed.

He was doing fine
He was going well
There was trouble down the line
But you never can tell.

He had a hard time later
He had no idea how much he had changed
He stood his ground
That's when he found
That he had all he needed.

[Eb (capo 3) C F C G F C / Am G]

Jul 2021


Worry to Wonder

The journey may be harder than you thought at the start
Your best laid plans will alter as you follow your heart.
And every time you worry just what could happen next
Change your worry to wonder.

Worry to wonder

The nonsense that you face sometimes may leave you for dead
Your best made case will falter as you follow your head.
And every time you worry just what could go wrong next
Change your worry to wonder.

Worry to wonder

The path is steeper
the darkness deeper
But don't go under
The plot thickens
Your pulse quickens
Worry to wonder

The journey turned out harder than it seemed at the start
Your best laid plans altered as you followed your heart
And any time you worry how much better it could be
Change your worry to wonder

Worry to wonder

[G#m down (capo 6 Dm)]

Jul 2021


Getting Going First

Step by step, that's what they say
Step by step, that's how it works
Can't go too far in one fell swoop
Hard to go anywhere without the getting going first.

Piece by piece, that's the puzzle fit
Piece by piece, that's how it works
Never solved anything in one fell swoop
Hard to go anywhere without the getting going first.

Bit by bit, that's how it goes
Bit by bit, that's how it works
Rare to get it all worked out in one fell swoop
Hard to go anywhere without the getting going first.

[A blues]

Jul 2021


You May Be Close

All this time I've been waiting
Waiting all this time.
Everything I get close to
Just goes too,
Though why, I don't know.

If you try and tell me why
You may be close
You might be right
I don't know, but
You may be close.

All this time I've been thinking
Thinking all this time.
Everyone I get close to
Just goes too
Though why, I just don't know.

All this time I've been wandering
Wandering all this time.
Everyone who had me worked out
Just walked out
Kept me on the run.

[B E G#m / E F# B G#m]

Jul 2021


Done and Dusted

Maybe this is what you need
You won't know until it's all done and dusted
In the meantime
Who knows if you need anything at all?

Maybe that's what you want
You won't know until it's all done and dusted.
In the meantime,
Who knows if what you want is what you need?

When it's all done and dusted
We can kick back and reminisce
When it's all done and dusted
You can tell me why
I should have done that
Instead of this

Maybe you were right all along
We won't know until it's all done and dusted.
In the meantime,
You know that I'm happy to be proved wrong.

When it's all done and dusted
We can look back on how it went
When it's all done and dusted
You can give it a shot
See if what you got
Was just what you were looking for.

In the meantime nobody knows
In the meantime nobody knows
In the meantime nobody knows
Till it's all done and dusted

[F#m Bm / D E F# (capo 2 Em)]

Jul 2021


Flying so High

From here you can see
For many miles around
It's clear you may be
A while off the ground.

Flying so high
You rise up through the clouds
Flying so high
Your chance to let it out
Flying so high.

From here you can dream
You've left the world behind
It soon starts to seem
You love the peace you find.

The engines cut out and our tail's in a spin
I panic but your cool head kicks in
And we glide through the air.

From here you can go
Anywhere you wish
It's clear that you know
Freedom like this.

[C (capo 5 G Csus4 Cadd9]

Jul 2021


Out on the Road

Out . . on the road
Out . . with the sunshine in your eye
Out on the road
Out . . in the storm when the hail stones fly
Out on the road.

The north wind blows against her coat
She pulls it tighter, she's a fighter,
She won't let the cold wind chill her now.

Since going out there on the road,
She's travelling lighter, she's a fighter,
She won't let the hard miles grind her down.

Out . . on the road
Out . . with the sunshine in your eye
Out on the road
Out . . in the storm when the hail stones fly
Out on the road.

She travels all across the land
Strength inside her, she's a fighter
She won't settle for a quiet home.

She's gone out there to lend a hand
She helps any, she helped so many
She won't let them struggle on their own.

[Fm Eb/G Ab / Dbadd9 (capo 1 Em D/F# G / Cadd9)]

Jul 2021


You'll Get There

You'll get there, you will get through, I know you will
You can do it if you're not distracted
You can do it if you set your mind
As for me, I will be fine.

You will see the other side before too long
You'll be back on your feet, believe me
You'll be back without a single care
Believe me, you will get there.

You'll get there, you will make it eventually
People care if you make it, wait and see.

You'll get there, tomorrow you'll look back on now
You will see it with a new perspective
You may have another point of view
And you'll know that you got through.

[D G D A Bm A G]

Jul 2021


We Looked Good Together

We looked good together
That's what everybody says
We looked even better
Through a filter or a haze
Just don't look too close
You may find the ways
We were hiding in plain sight

We looked good together
That's what everybody thought
We looked even better
The further off you got
Take a closer look
You may find the ways
We were living separate lives

We looked good together
That's what everybody said
We looked even better
Once we sorted out our heads
Took the time to talk
Worked on love
We've come so far, so far

Jul 2022


Unsung Hero

You have so much you could say
But so little time to say it
You have so much in your way
Try and take the time
I will make the time
We can take our time

You have so much you could tell
From the years that went before
Deeper water in the well
And a taste of something more
Try and take the time
I will make the time
We can take our time

You have given it your all
And rarely got attention
First to stand up, last to fall
And barely got a mention

I can hear the echoes
Sounding through the decades
You remember the choices you made
I can tell the difference
Between pride and kindness
Pray we choose well

Jul 2022


He steals wheels

He steals wheels
Doesn't feel
It's really wrong
The chance was here
The coast was clear
The car was his before too long

When he was young
When this begun
He played the hand he was dealt
The path he chose
No-one knows
His story's never been tellt

He steals wheels
Doesn't feel
It's really wrong
What does he need
Is it for greed
Why did he tag along

His sense of wrong
And right has gone
It's faded through the years
The path he chose
No-one knows
The dark is ever near

Jul 2022


Sunday Serenade

Part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Blackbirds at Dusk

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Bikes to Balranald

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Red Robin

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Ferry Boat Jig

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Dog Among the Pigeons

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Go and Discover

Exploring on a Saturday, part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Common Chiffchaff

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Thoughtful Thursday

Part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Nearly Stranded (by the rising tide)

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Puncture!

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Monday Morning

Part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Wednesday Woofs

Part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Friday Fun!

Part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Shoo Sharpish Seagull!

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Where does the sun go to bed?

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


How far do the roots go?

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


What does this sound like?

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Kayaking Round the Bay

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Tuesday's Tune

Part of the Daily Tunes Series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Beware the Paddle

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Startling Starlings

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Flight of the Magpie

From the Feathered Friends series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


A hike around the Hermitage

Inspired by a walk by the River Braan in Perthshire. For music, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


When did you last look off into the distance?

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Why do the clouds move?

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Clachan Sands

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Passing the Cliffs of Canna

From the Hebridean Holiday series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Tell me what you see

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Daffodils

Written one spring day! For music, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Where will you be in five years time?

From the What do you Wonder? series of piano pieces, see dundeepiano.co.uk/music


Calm C

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


28th December 1879

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Dennis the Menace

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Tangerine / Blue

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Log Boat

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Standing Stone

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Cash Register

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


No Poll Tax

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Do You Bear?

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


The Old Town

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Penny Farthing

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Gloaming

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Tea Pot

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Tay Whale Bones

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Sailors Gift

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


The Mask

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


The Miles Tae Dundee

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Sterling Silver

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Dundee Marmalade

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


The Mars

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


The Ninth Wonder of the World

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Prison Door

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


View from Balgay

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Winkie the Pigeon

From Exhibition Pieces, see edmuirhead.co.uk/exhibition


Ba Cottage, On Rannoch Moor

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Garadhban Forest

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Buachaille Etive Mor, The Great Herdsman of Etive

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Glencoe in the Springtime

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Lairig Mor, The Great High Pass

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Propelled by Tears and Tunnocks

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


First footsteps

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Boldness grows

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Sunrise will come

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Skip and jump

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Best is yet to come

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Bee in your bonnet

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Let there be light

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Cheerful?

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


The sky's the limit

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Meandering

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Sledging time

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Close of day

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Sombre, no?

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Up with the bell

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Cold blows the wind

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


The fire still burns

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


March of the monkeys

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Flowing to the sea

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Having a laugh

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Get to Dens

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


When the light fades

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Sailing on an endless ocean

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Into the darkness

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Jump up

From Piano for the Wild in Spirit, see edmuirhead.co.uk/wild


Leaving Milngavie

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Garadhban Forest

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Lochan Maoil Dhuinne

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Propelled by Tears and Tunnocks

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Ba Cottage, On Rannoch Moor

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Buachaille Etive Mor, The Great Herdsman of Etive

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Glencoe in the Springtime

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Lairig Mor, The Great High Pass

From West Highland Way Suite, see edmuirhead.co.uk/whw


Gourdie Brae

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Clepington Road

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Balunie Avenue

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Marketgait

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Strawberrybank

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Stobsmuir

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Happyhillock

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Loons Road

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Blackness Road

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Claypotts

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Sugarhouse Wynd

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Long Lane

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Yarrow Terrace

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Baldovie Toll

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Birkdale Place

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Caldrum Street

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Peep O'Day Lane

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Whitfield Drive

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Buttars Loan

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Ode to the Kingsway (Orchestral)

From Streets of Dundee, see edmuirhead.co.uk/streets


Last orders at the old barn door

Last orders at the old barn door
Horses have all bolted and there's blood on the floor
Everybody knows that they could care more
Last orders at the old barn door

Heavenly winds are howling as we all get back
The boss is scowling and her eyes are black
She asks us, "why did you take so long
With a simple task, tell me what went wrong?

Archangel spoke, and his words were few
Didn't dare to joke, just spelled out the truth:
"There's no one listening on that world you love
They're all too wrapped up in the push and shove"

And it's last orders . . .

She took the news harder than I thought she would
Surely saw it coming, surely knew how things stood
She said, "how could they be so blind?
Won't you tell me how they missed the signs?"

I step forward and I say my piece
Tell them that I have a few ideas
Instead of sending all us angels there
Go and show them how much you really care

Cos it's last orders . . .

She heard my words and she gave me a nod
Said I was bold for talking straight to God
She'd think it over and it could be a plan
Heading down to see them in the shape of a man

She sent Gabriel to spread the news
Made a new star to shine,
I was in the choir that sang in Bethlehem's sky
The stage was set for the baby's cry

Mar 2024


Any chance?

Any chance you'll change your mind?
Any chance you'll help me to change mine?
Any chance we'll prove each other wrong?
I've been waking in the middle of the night
and wondering how we got lucky for so long.

Lucky, lucky, lucky for so long.

Any chance you know what I'm saying?
Any chance it's over now, or am I wrong again?
Any chance we'll make it out of here and move on?
I've been counting my blessings all my life
and wondering how I got lucky for so long.

Lucky, lucky, lucky for so long.

When your luck runs out.
And the truth is shown as doubt.
You look back at what has been and gone.
That's when you realise you're only lucky for so long.

Any chance we'll change our track?
Any chance we'll leave aside what's holding us back?
Every chance we will rise above and find ourselves in the arms of love.
And then I'll rewrite this song.
Cause we were lucky for so long.

Lucky, lucky, lucky for so long.

[G Em D G C D Em Am7 G/B C etc]

May/Jun 2024


Break the habit

Break the habit, change while there's still time.
Before they make the final cut.
Move along before you lose your mind.
And the groove you're in becomes a rut.

Plan in the evening, sleep on it all night.
And in the morning you may see what's right.

Break the mould, change your point of view.
Trust yourself, go with your gut.
Move along before it gets to you.
And the groove you're in becomes a rut.

When it all falls apart, all you hear is hate.
There's something down the road, just you wait.

Break the cycle, change how you react.
Be strong, though you feel anything but.
Move along before your pain comes back.
And the groove you're in becomes a rut.

[D Bm7 Cadd9][Bm Bb]

Jun/Oct 2024


Call it what you want

Call it what you want, I'd say it's true.
I'll take care of me, and you do you.
Everything will fall apart, except the battle hardened heart.
Even when there's nothing you can do.
Call it what you want, I'd say it's true.

Catch me if you can, out in the dark.
Yes, the dogs may bite, but they don't bark.
Everything is almost done, even the twilight is gone.
There is not a prospect of a spark.
Catch me if you can, out in the dark.

Oh, there is nothing we can do about it.
Oh, there is something very sad about it.
Oh, we'll go on regardless, I don't doubt it.
Call it what you want, I'd say it's true,
I am still in love with you.

Take it slow, don't rush, you have the time.
There is more than one life on the line.
Everything is coming true, everything is green and blue.
Tell me if there's something on your mind.
Take it slow, don't rush, you have the time.

[capo 3 Am G F etc, then C G F . . . E]

Jun 2024


Don't forget

Don't forget to fake it.
They say you'll never make it.
But you will, eventually.
Even if you can't see it,
you can still believe it.
And you will, eventually.

Don't you try to take it.
They say you'll only break it.
And you will, eventually.
Even if you can't feel it,
you may well receive it.
And you will, eventually.

And then you'll know what we're all talking about.
And then you'll realise that you've been missing out.
Eventually.

[A /G F E ][F E A]

Jun 2024


Every time we say goodbye

Every time we say goodbye, we fly
a little higher from the fire,
a little further, a little higher.

Every time we turn around, we're bound
to rise up from the ground,
to rise up, to be found.

Everything that held us down,
Everything that called us liar,
Everything that pulled us away,
a little further from the fire.

Every time we say goodbye,
we try a little harder next time round,
to rise up from the ground.

Every time we turn our head,
we shed another skin that bled,
a little further from our bed.

Everything that held us down,
Everything that called us liar,
Everything that pulled us away,
a little further from the fire.

[capo 3 Am7 C Em7 G]

Jun 2024


Free yourself

Free yourself from good intentions.
It'll help you out, not to mention
all the virtue signalling
that you could do without.
You could do without it.
You'd be better off without it.
Free yourself. Free yourself.

Get back to your own invention.
Give yourself your own attention:
all the virtue signalling
will be found out someday.
You can do without it.
You'll be better off without it.
Free yourself. Free yourself.

Get on with your best adventure.
Give it up as you surrender
all the virtue signalling
that you will miss.
You will thrive without it.
You are better off without it.
Free yourself. Free yourself.

Jun 2024


Give up on the game

Give up on the game of getting more
Move on to the better things that you are longing for
Don't go chasing instant fame
They're replacing the latest name
Give up on the game.

Give up on the game of pleasing them
Move on to the better plans that you dreamed of back then
While you're chasing a worthy aim
Time's erasing a dying flame
Give up on the game.

Give up on the game of your regret
Move on to the better days that haven't happened yet
As you lay aside the blame
You see through a different frame
Give up on the game.

[A riff][D G C A]

May 2024


Here it is: your beating heart

Here it is: your beating heart.
Don't forget that this is where you start.
When the time is up, and you've played your part.
Will you remember your beating heart?

Go out there and do your best.
Don't give up on it, though you may rest.
When the time arrives, and you face your test.
Go out there and try to do your best.

And all the anger that you may feel.
Can keep you grounded, and keep you real.
And all the shadows that you may see.
Will be no match for what you can be.

Here it is: your wounded soul.
Don't you realise the pain can make you whole?
When the time turns up with the years it stole
Will you remember your wounded soul?

Jun/Oct 2024


It takes a bit of grit

It takes a little grit to make a pearl
You need a bit of hurt to make a world
When you're feeling **it, and your dreams don't fit
It takes a little bit, a little bit of grit

When I look back at where I've been
The rear view may show a tragic scene
But hard times don't come alone it seems
A poet's pain is the stuff of dreams

When good times roll, make the most of them
They fly so fast, you will coast through them

Nov 2024


Just go ahead

Just go ahead and take that step.
What are you waiting for?
Do you need something more?
Would you rather
hunt and gather
all the happy thoughts outside your head
To somehow bring them inside instead?
And line them up like speckled frogs.
Before we throw you to the dogs.

If you make it,
You can make it,
You can make it that far.

Just go ahead and make that move.
What are you trying to prove?
Would you rather
hunt and gather
all the acclamation and the praise
From those of us who have seen better days?
We'll build you up to tear you down.
And it may stop the next time round.

Hold your head up, it doesn't have to feel this way.
And the people who disagree don't seem very kind to me.
Hold your head up, you've already made it this far.
And the people who doubt you don't seem to care about you.

Jun 2024


Kill me with kindness

Kill me with kindness.
Bind my heart.
Show me what joy is.
Bare my art.
Give me a reason.
Make me whole?
Kill me with kindness.
Touch my soul.

If you see me wandering,
point me to the path.
Kill me with kindness.
Bind my heart.

If you know I'm struggling,
help me if you can.
Kill me with kindness.
Take my hand.

If you hear me doubting,
come alongside.
Kill me with kindness.
Just abide.

If you feel I'm losing it,
stay close by.
Kill me with kindness.
Let me cry.

Jun 2024


Love may be overrated

Love may be overrated, who can say?
You take your chance, you find your way.
Every choice you make, every heart you break.
Love may be overrated, who can say?

You may be overthinking every thought.
It's easy done, it's harder not.
Every second guess, every woeful mess.
You may be overthinking every thought.

And now it's gone, what can you do?
Can you summon it all back to you?
Now it's gone, where can you go?
Onwards and upwards as you've always known.

Time may be disappearing from your grasp.
The good old days have gone so fast.
Every fading hour, every failing power.
Time may be disappearing from your grasp.

And now it's gone, what can you do?
Can you summon it all back to you?
Now it's gone, where can you go?
Onwards and upwards as you've always known.

[capo 1 C Am G/B C][F Am E F]

Jun 2024


Make the most

Make the most of the ghost you fear.
Give your best to the ones you're near.
Whatever comes your way, don't lose hope my dear.
There will come a time when you look back on here.

And you will dance like no one is watching you.
And you will swim in a clear blue sea.
And there's a chance I may not be there with you,
Either way save a dance for me.

Make the most of the love you feel.
Give your time to the ones who're real.
Whatever comes your way, don't cheat or steal.
There will come a time when your wounds will heal.

Make the most of the ghost you knew.
Give your love to the ones you do.
Whatever comes your way, don't let it crush you.
There will come a time when this all comes true:

Jun 2024


Never mind the doubt

Never mind the doubt, it'll help you out.
Never mind the thought of the pain you've got.
Never go where you would rather not.
Never say never until you get what you've got.

Jun 2024


People like us

People like you are hard to find.
A steady hand and a made-up mind.
A knack for leaving the world behind.
People like you are hard to find.

People like me are easy to miss.
Heart in my hand but never been kissed.
Didn't really plan to end up like this.
People like me are easy to miss.

People like us know people like us.
We just don't realise they're people like us.

People like us are all around.
Head in the clouds and feet on the ground.
Seldom noticed but sometimes found.
People like us are all around.

[capo 2 D Cadd9 G]

Jun 2024


Really don't want to

Really don't want to talk about it.
I would rather scream and shout about it.
Before I realise the lows and highs don't come on their own.
Before the tears I cry have nearly dried and I go on home.

I don't want to talk it over.
I would rather find another.
Before I get too close to one of those who could make a difference.

I don't want to talk about it.
I would rather live in doubt about it.
Before I realise the tales and lies you spun all along.
Before the tears I cry have left my eyes and I'm in the wrong.

Jun 2024


See what you can do

See what you can do when you try.
See where you can get to, when you spread your wings and fly.
See how this will go, when you don't ask why.
There's more to explore when you try.

See what happens next when you go.
See where you end up, when it's somewhere you don't know.
See how this works out, from the high to the low.
There's more to explore when you go.

And you may find that it is hard.
And you may feel like you're not understood.
Oh you may fall, and lose your way.
Or you may live better than you thought you could.

See what lies along the road you're on.
See where it may lead, when the past has come and gone.
See how far you've come, how many miles you've done.
There's more to explore as you go on.

Jun 2024


Tomorrow has more

Tomorrow has more than we know.
There's so much we can discover.
So put away your thoughts of yesterday.
And say goodbye to your wayward lover.

Tomorrow is close, can you feel?
There's so much we can ...
So put away your thoughts of yesterday.
And say hello to your new found freedom.

Jun 2024