Co-write with Stephanie Chaiken
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Backing vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Denny Ilett
Saxophone: Paul Booth

Verse 1:
Do you know how loved you are?
Let me tell you so
Have you heard how loved you are?
Everyone should know
I'm singing you this heartfelt song
To mark this special day

Pre-chorus:
Near or far 
I'm where you are
And I'll be there for now 
and always

Chorus:
Raise a glass 
And celebrate 
Break out the cake, No time to wait
It’s a brilliant day, today
So, raise a glass 
To everything you do 
We wish you health and happiness 
May all your dreams come true

Verse 2:
Its easy in this busy world
To miss so many things
We’re caught up in the nine to five
And the chaos that it brings
I'll shout it from the mountain tops, 
to the canyons deep below

Pre-chorus:
Near or far 
I'm where you are
And I'll be there for now 
and always

Chorus:
Raise a glass 
And celebrate 
Break out the cake, No time to wait
It’s a brilliant day, today
So raise a glass 
To everything you do 
We wish you health and happiness 
May all your dreams come true

Saxophone  solo

Pre-chorus:
Near or far 
I'm where you are
And you can always count on me to

Chorus:
Raise a glass 
And celebrate 
Break out the cake, No time to wait
It’s a brilliant day, today
Let’s raise a glass 
To everything you do 
We wish you health and happiness 
May all your dreams come true

Finale:
May the stars align
And the sun always shine
And may all your dreams come true

Raise A Glass

Co-write with Gernot Schmitt
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Guitar: Jeremy Cook
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Drums: Simon Price
Trumpet & flugelhorn: Tom Walsh
Trombone: Nichol Thomson
Saxophone: Paul Booth

Intro
Syncopated raindrops beat against the window
While she taps her phone to sort out clothes returns
I stir my third cortado absent-mindedly
Wond'ring why it is I'm feeling so concerned

That warming glow of loving conversation
Has gone, and I just don't know where I stand
It's plain to see, that I may soon be
passed on, out-moded, second-hand

A1
You despatch your surplus purchases so nonchalantly
If the garment isn't right, it's quickly history
Could it be just as easy to get rid of me?
Would you really trade me in?

A2
What's the reason that you'd highlight, what's the claim you'd make?
Maybe I’m no longer needed, or delivered by mistake?
Did you order me by accident? Did I turn out to be fake?
Would you really trade me in?

B
We used to be the perfect combination
We fit so well like we were tailor-made
I hope we're still sat here when we're vintage gear
And the colours never fade

A3
You and me, will we ever go out of style?
I think I'm that wardrobe staple you'll wear all the while
But if I'm just a one-night party dress, a passing smile
then go ahead and trade me in

Solo

B
We used to be the perfect combination
We fit so well like we were tailor-made
I hope we're still sat here when we're vintage gear
And the colours never fade

A3
You and me, babe, we'll never go out of style
I'm that wardrobe staple you'll wear all the while
But if I'm just a one night party dress, a passing smile
then go ahead and trade me in
But If I'm just a one night party dress, a passing smile
then go ahead and trade me in
then go ahead and trade me in
then go ahead and trade me in

(Would You Really) Trade Me In?

Composition; lyrics & arrangement: Graham McGregor-Smith
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocal and whistle: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Denny Ilett
Trumpet: Tom Walsh
Trombone: Nichol Thomson
Saxophone: Paul Booth

Do you recall
The first time
you caught sight
Of the love of your life?
I remember that first time
like it was yesterday

The Empire State lights
Burned so bright,
Overwhelming the night,
And danced ’til dawn
On the Hudson’s inky waters

Do you recall 
That moment
When you knew 
You were hers
For the rest of your days?
Oh, in so many ways
Wherever you stay

Whatever the season
the rhyme or the reason
Whenever I come in to port
I remember that first time
I saw New York

[solo]

Was it the hollers and honkers
From Brooklyn to Yonkers
Bagel stands or bright Yellow Cabs?
Was it the hucksters and hustlers
Or just how they’ll cuss ya
If ever you give them a chance?

Oh, whatever the season
the rhyme or the reason
Whenever I come in to port

I remember that first time
I remember that first time
I remember that first time
I saw New York

The First Time (I Saw New York)

Composition; lyrics; arrangement: Graham McGregor-Smith
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Backing vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Graham McGregor-Smith

I’m on the road... to anywhere
Where it’s goin’, I don’t much care
And the place where it’s bin?
Never goin' back there again
I’m on the road... the road to anywhere

I’m on my way... my way to paradise
And that’s anywhere, anywhere they treat you right
No need for goodbyes
To all the hurt and the lies
I’m on my way... my way to paradise

[Guitar solo]

I’ve cut all my ties
No need to think twice
At last, I’m back in the fray
I'm so outta here
And while I ain’t no seer
My future, my future it starts today

I’ve got to be strong, on the road to anywhere
There’ll be no bed of roses
Life’s not that fair
But I know I’ll survive
And thank God I’m alive
I’m on the road, the road to anywhere

[Whistle]

I’m on the road
I’m on the road
To anywhere
(yeah, yeah, yeah)

Road To Anywhere

Co-write with Vicky White
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Jeremy Cook

Intro
It started so well
I was head over heels
she seemed head over heels with me

Things were oh so conducive 
to going exclusive
She said we were destined to be

But before too long
Things had all gone wrong
Once again I’d been too blind to see

My whole world imploded
When the mails I downloaded
Were to someone other than me

A1
I’m not sure I can trust my heart anymore
It’s let me down, too many times before
And this time 
is no exception
Her deception 
was plain to see

A2
I’m not sure I know where to start anymore
My head mutters "beware", my heart shouts "je t'adore"  
My confidence
is at rock bottom
Regret and remorse, 
of course, I gott'em

B 
I used to believe what don’t kill you makes you stronger 
Not any longer
Gotta change my ways
I used to believe what don’t kill you makes you stronger 
Gotta change my ways
One of these days

A3
I'm not sure I can change my heart anymore
That romantic in me I cannot ignore
Go on admit it
Just can't kick it
I can't trust 
this heart any more

Instrumental / solo

B reprise
I used to believe what don’t kill you makes you stronger 
Not any longer
Gotta change my ways
I used to believe what don’t kill you makes you stronger 
Gotta change my ways
One of these days

A3 reprise
I'm damn sure I can't change my heart anymore
That hopelessly romantic me, I cannot ignore
No need to admit it
I know I just can't kick it
I can't trust my heart 
I can't trust this old heart 
I can't trust this heart any more

I'm Not Sure (I Can Trust My Heart Anymore)

Co-write with Bryan Matthews
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocals and whistle: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Jeremy Cook

Intro
It’s 2 am in this big old house
The others have long gone to bed
I’m nursing one last glass of wine
Here's to you, my absent friend

The party’s over, the laughter’s died
Empty bottles crowd the room
My deepest wish that you’d come tonight
Plays in my head like a sad, sad tune

A
I could have cried over you
But my pride would not allow me to
I could have cried over you
When you didn’t show tonight

All those other guests, 
Would not have guessed
That my interest in them was so slight
That this evening, 
Was all about you

A
Well, my heart had missed a beat 
When you reached out and said “hey, let’s meet” 
In all those years since school
You’d never been far from my mind

So when we all piled back 
To your tiny mews flat 
At the end of that legendary night
It seemed the friendship I’d wanted so
Might just come true 

B
They say you’ll never miss what you never had
Whoever said that is a fool
They also say you can choose your friends
Turns out you can’t after all

A - whistle solo

B
I’ve always been one for the ladies
You know just how many I’ve pursued
But I never shed a tear over any of them 
But I sure could’ve cried over you

A+
I could have cried over you
But pride would not allow me to
I could have cried over you
When you didn’t show tonight

All those other guests
Could not have guessed
That my interest in them was so slight
It hurts but its true
This evening was all about you
Oh it hurts but its true
That I could have cried over you

I Could Have Cried Over You (Full version)

Lyrics: Graham McGregor-Smith and Gareth Mills
Music and arrangement: Gareth Mills
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Backing vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith and Bridin Mills
Keys: Julian Hinton & Gareth Mills
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Graham McGregor-Smith
Guitar: Andy Evans; Gareth Mills


I’m thinking of all those we left behind
I’m thinking of us all we’re deaf and blind
I’m in a Fly-y-y-y-y-y-y-over state of mind

They’re queuing for a hound to nowhere fine
They’re out of sight, they’re always out of mind
I’m in a Fly-y-y-y-y-y-y-over state of mind

Ooh we are travelling
Ooh I am travelling blind
I’m in a Fly-y-y-y-y-y-y-over state of mind

Flying in a bubble with my cousins from the coast
For cocktails with the Miami girls and boys
Caviar, champagne, cohibas, nothing’s out of reach
Weekends at South Beach
Oh, life’s a peach

Cruising here at 30,000 feet
Sipping Cristal in my G5 seat
I’m in a Fly-y-y-y-y-y-y-over state of mind

Land at Teterboro Airport, on my private jet
For late night poker with the Jersey boys
Early hours back home to the shore
Got my own private beach
Oh, life’s a peach

With fifty mill in bread I’m bulletproof
No need to get involved, just stay aloof
I’m in a Fly-y-y-y-y-y-y-over state of mind

Flyover State Of Mind

Co-write with Andy Evans
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Jeremy Cook

A1

First day, First job, no time for goodbyes
She'll have to do her make-up on the train
Anxious, so nervous, Of course she'll be alright						
Been dreaming of this day since God knows when

It came so quickly, seems like only yesterday
that little girl was pulling at my cuff
Leaving me behind her as she heads into the world					
I'm certain that she's more than good enough

A2

First day, first job, know just how she feels
My rookie heart was pounding fit to bust
Big day, big world, feeling out of place
Can't remember when I felt so lost

Anxious, so nervous, had to hide away
Surely someone's going to call my bluff?
Put on big boy's trousers, found my bravest face
Still doubting I was close to good enough

Bridge

Suddenly, I'm back at her first day in the world
Rememb'ring how I felt right there and then
The dawning realisation 
She's my real job now
And life will never be the same again

A3

No peace, no sleep, she put me through the mill
That kind of worry never goes away
Hang on, back up, I know what I signed up for
And I wouldn't have it any other way

I tried my best, it was all that I could do
Never perfect, that always felt so tough
But when I see her and how she's taking on the world
Guess that I was close to good enough

Yeah I was close enough to good enough
Close enough

Close To Good Enough

Co-write with Dave Knight
Production: Julian Hinton
Vocals: Graham McGregor-Smith
Keys: Julian Hinton
Drums: Simon Price
Bass: Raph Mizraki
Guitar: Denny Ilett
Clarinet: Paul Booth

Verse
I held you by the hand 
and smoothed back your hair 
You opened the gate
And left without a care

I stayed beside your bed
And saw in the dawn
I never thought 
we’d be together again

Chorus
And yet you’re always here, by my side
Here In my whistle, and in my mind’s eye
As the red kite soars above me in the sky

Verse
All the schemes, and all the dreams
And all the ones that got away
I miss you Dad, but you’re with me 
Every step of the way

In all those you touched
And all you left behind
You may not be at home
But you’re always by my side

Chorus
And yet you’re always here, by my side
You’re here in my whistle, and in my mind’s eye
As the red kite soars above me in the sky

You’re always here, by my side, 
Here in my laughter and here in my tears
I miss you, but you're always here
You’re always by my side
By my side
By my side
You’re always by my side

Always Here

Composition; lyrics; arrangement: Graham McGregor-Smith
Piano part by Julian Hinton

Produced by Julian Hinton
Mixed by Simon Bloor
Mastered by Dick Beetham

A
I’m on the road... to anywhere
Where it’s goin’, I don’t much care
And the place where it’s bin?
Never goin' back there again
I’m on the road... the road to anywhere

A
I’m on my way... my way to paradise
And that’s anywhere, anywhere they treat you right
No need for goodbyes
To all the hurt and the lies
I’m on my way... my way to paradise

B
I’ve cut all my ties
No need to think twice
At last, I’m back in the fray
I'm so outta here
And while I ain’t no seer
My future, my future it starts today

A
I’ve got to be strong, on the road to anywhere
There’ll be no bed of roses
Life’s not that fair
But I know I’ll survive
And thank God I’m alive
I’m on the road, the road to anywhere

[Whistle solo]

Coda
I’m on the road
I’m on the road
To anywhere
(yeah, yeah, yeah)

Road to Anywhere

Road to Anywhere (Acoustic version)

Road To Anywhere (Acoustic Version)

Do you remember when we used to write
To each other all of the time
The only question I could never ask
Was “do you love me?”
“Do you love me?”

I remember when we used write
I’d be waiting for the mail to arrive
The only question I was waiting for
Was “do you love me?”
“Do you love me?”

We spent our lives apart
Living with a broken heart 
Little gods to help us through
It’s so good 
To see you 
Again

Just think if we had met today
We’d be connected in every way
Would I still be too shy to ask
“Do you love me?”
“Do you love me?” 

I wonder if we’d met today
And were connected in every way
Would I still be wondering
“Do you love me?”
“Do you love me?” 

We spent our lives apart
Living with a broken heart 
Little gods to help us through
It’s so good 
To see you 
Again

We spent our lives apart
Living with a broken heart 
Little gods to help us through
It’s so good 
To see you 
Again

Written by Patrick Phelan, Marie Jose (MJ) Tiemstra & Graham McGregor-Smith
Vocals: Graham and MJ
Guitar: Patrick

Little Gods (It's so good to see you again) *DEMO*

Singer | Songwriter | Performer

Graham grew-up in rural Worcestershire, raised on an eclectic mix of jazz, pop and opera before diving headfirst into the world of New Order and The Haçienda whilst studying at uni in Manchester. After a successful business career, he realised that the itch to make music had never really left him and he started writing the songs that eventually went on to make up his superb debut album, Road To Anywhere, launched in March 2024.  

A lyric-led musician, Graham writes and performs life-affirming songs with a vintage vibe that blend classic pop and swinging jazz, seamlessly blurring the lines between Gilbert O’Sullivan, Jimmy Webb and João Gilberto.

Graham McGregor-Smith

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks