A selection of... me

In 1975 I wrote my first song, I remember going to college and playing it. 

Now nearly 40 years later I spent some time working on it, added a chorus and finished it :)

Note: 2022 Updated Track - Arranged and produced by Patrick Mckenna.

You and Me

You and Me - RD

Album Taster - Stupid Train
Written & Composed by Kirby Howarth
Musical Arrangement by Mark Cottrell

Stupid Train

The song expresses feelings of hope and optimism about finding love and how it can turn one's life around, touching on the vulnerability and fragility of the heart. 

The words convey the importance of being strong and carrying on after experiencing heartbreak. 

Overall, the song has a message of hope, resilience, and the power of love to heal and inspire.

Breathe

Baby's Gone

'Time it Was' which has lots of words... that's what comes from a wordy kind of guy.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Time it was I had a vision
Time it was I knew her face
Time it was, oh
What a time to chase
Looking back on what I had
Looking back on what I missed
Looking back well
It never seemed that bad
So many things I should have done
So many things I should have said
So many things
Just little things inside my head
So where where did my dreams go
and where where did my life go
and where where do I go
Where do I go from here
Well, your dreams run around inside your head
Like a million roads that never end
They curve they turn into many ways
And mould your life to the present day
They’ll never die they’ll never stray
You know it’s always meant to be this way
Well you’ve got so much in your life
Beautiful kids and a loving wife
They’ll drive you nuts from time to time
But you’ll get what you give along the line
you don’t wanna lose, there’s so much to gain
Cause you know their always there to keep you sane
I had a dream that led me away
from the dirty streets where I used play
Burnt out lives and burnt out cars
high as a kite and ride in the park
But it might seem good but I know better
I got the proof in a certified letter
It’ll screw you up, and screw you sideways
Chase you round and drive you crazy
It’ll kiss you on the arm then slap you in the face
and drag you down to the darkest place
But if you get lucky you might find the door
That opens your mind to so much more
Time it was I had a vision
Time it was I knew that place
Time it was
Oh what a time it was
So where, where do your dreams go
Where, where does your life go
And where, where do you go
Only you know

Time it Was

My Melancholy Valentine

Look at me
waiting for the earth to move
beneath my feet
waiting for the moon to take my heart
cause the sun just tore it apart
I guess that’s just a sign
My melancholy Valentine

Look at you
wandering in and out
of things to do
looking for the time to say hello
To those feelings deep down below
I guess that was the sign
My melancholy valentine

So where are you now 
my love
has your happiness gone 
the way it should
and are your days 
filled with sunshine
and through our love 
you’ve drawn a line
I guess that was the sign
My melancholy valentine

So look at us
we drifted slowly through our 
days of love
and I remember how you were
you were never quite as sure
I guess that was the sign
My melancholy valentine

2016 Kirby Howarth

My Melancholy Valentine - RD

The girl they call Daisy May

How many times have I heard those words
Work hard settle down,  find a nice girl
Don’t waste your time on silly little pipe dreams
They’re never ever what they seem

You can blow of steam on Friday night
But watch your mouth and treat those girls right
They’ve seen you around and think your a heartthrob 
But don’t give up your day job

Because it’s all you got 
to see you through
Happy’s just a word 
in a room with a view
and when your eyes are closed
and the lights are out
There’s nothing but darkness 
to dream about

It seems harder by the day
Listening to the words they say
But she’ll be my saviour one of these days
The girl 
They call Daisy May

Now so many people think they know best
They want to make sure your life’s just a mess
They’ll fill your head with their own mistakes
And tell you that it’s just to late

So move yourself away from the fast lane
Take it slow to avoid the pain
And if you want, you can pray to your god
But don’t give up your day job

Because it’s all you got 
to see you through
Happy’s just a word 
in a room with a view
and when your eyes are closed
and the lights are out
There’s nothing but darkness 
to dream about

It seems harder by the day
Listening to the words they say
But she’ll be my saviour one of these days
The girl 
They call Daisy May

Cause she’s the only one 
Who’ll see me through
Holding my hand
in this room with a view
Yeah she’ll be my saviour one of these days
The girl 
They call Daisy May

2016 Kirby Howarth

The Girl they call Daisy May

The girl they call Daisy May

The Girl they call Daisy May - RD

Back in the late seventies early eighties I frequented a club in Stonegate York. Thursday night if I remember correctly was 'Student night' this is a small insight into that club 'The Old World'

Remember student night 
in the Old World
Upstairs downstairs 
we were chasing those girls
Waiting for a second glance
A slow dance
Your last chance     
before the lights go up
Waiting for a second glance
Your last chance

There's a guy on the dance floor
dancing to cars
Thinks he's Gary Numan 
as he lip sinks the words
Waiting for the first sign 
The right time
That says 'She's mine'
Before the lights go up
Waiting for the right time

And as the disco ball 
spins around and round
reflecting the lights 
on a beautiful crowd
but all I can see 
is a wonderful girl
dancing on the floor in the 
Old World 

I loved the way she danced 
in her split skirt
She played with the buttons 
on my torn shirt
Waiting for the first kiss
Don't wanna miss
A moment like this 
before the lights go up
Waiting for the first kiss
And a moment like this

And as the disco ball 
spins around and round
reflecting the lights 
on a beautiful crowd
but all I can see 
is a wonderful girl
dancing on the floor in the 
Old World

08/12/2017

The Old World - RD

I try so hard to keep my head above the waterline
To keep afloat of this turmoil that I hide
Looking up then looking down 
I see my future all but drown
As I try to fight these demons to the ground

Well it’s always one step forward two steps back
And the harder that I push the less I have
Looking right I’m looking left 
Feels like I’m stepping of a cliff
I’ve only got this life… I wanna live!

It’s never black and white
Just perceptions in the night
I’m drifting in I’m drifting out of my dreams
It’s never black and white
Just perceptions in the night
I’m drifting in I’m drifting out…

Well this music in my mind it keeps me sane
As it echoes through the rails of this subway train
Spinning round I’m falling down 
But I’d be lost without this sound
Listening to the call of the underground

It’s never black and white
Just perceptions in the night
I’m drifting in I’m drifting out of my dreams
It’s never black and white
Just perceptions in the night
I’m drifting in I’m drifting out of my dreams
I’m drifting in I’m drifting out of my dreams
I’m drifting in I’m drifting out…

2017 Kirby Howarth

Black and White

Black and White - RD

So Complicated

Why is this world so complicated
So many minds to make it work
We drift against this pushing tide
To try’n embrace the good we see inside

I saw a light shinning in the distance
It guilds me from this bloody shore
But our lives are full of hateful words
That we use to try and fight our wars 

So why is this world so complicated
Why does it drag me down 
where I don’t want to go
So why is this world so complicated
All your lies just blending into one

Let’s not pretend we’re only here for the ride
We’ve got to find away to change our lives
Reach out with love and take my heart
Let destiny led us to a brand new start

Kirby Howarth 2018

So Complicated

This is where I sit... and think of you.

For anyone who has felt loss.

This is where I sit
Reflecting on my past
This is where I sit 
and put the world to rights

I remember how we were
before you went away
Now this is where I’ll sit 
and think of Yesterday

Now all that’s left of you, is me
Memories of love they’ll always be
Wherever you are I hope 
you can see
You’ll always be there
Be there next to me

So this is where I sit
with just my love to show
Yes this is where I’ll sit 
and always think of you

2018 © Kirby Howarth

This Is Where I Sit - RD

When Will I See You

Just Another Place


Just a little truth
Just a little reason
Just a little lie
That sent me to prison

Just a little heart
Just a little soul
Just a human being
That I didn't know

Just another time
Just another place
I thought you were my friend
But now I see your face

Just Another Place

Kirby Howarth is a talented singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque city of York in the United Kingdom. With a captivating blend of folk, indie, and blues influences, Kirby's music weaves together heartfelt storytelling, soulful melodies, and raw emotions.

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the world around him, Kirby creates songs that resonate deeply with listeners. His lyrics are poignant and introspective, offering a glimpse into the human condition and the complexities of life. Accompanied by his soul-stirring acoustic guitar, Kirby's warm and emotive voice carries his melodies with a graceful authenticity that leaves a lasting impression.

Kirby's talent has garnered recognition beyond the local scene, with his music being featured on esteemed platforms such as BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6, as well as receiving widespread airplay on various local radio stations. His performances are characterised by an intimate and genuine connection with the audience, where each song becomes a shared experience that touches hearts and lingers in the memory.

“Acoustic laid back new wave punk indie folk with a sprinkle of deep meaningful day to day observations on how the world goes round and round and round and sometimes I actually notice this happening and decide it’s worthy enough to write a song about.”
- Kirby Howarth

"In the years I’ve been tracking the progress of York singer songwriter Kirby Howarth it’s been fascinating to hear him refining his approach and zeroing in on the sound he’s been hearing inside his head all these years.
As a result, his songs grow ever more focussed and appealing"
- Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6

" A strong collection of songs, well written and delivered. The vocal styling is distinctive and appealing - you connect emotionally with the listener."
- Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6

" That's another fantastic song everyone's a gem from you, you write really really nice songs Kirby."
- Alan Raw, BBC Radio Leeds Introducing