Brendan Graham

Acclaimed Irish songwriter and lyricist. Co-creator of the worldwide hit You Raise Me Up. Writer of two Eurovision-winning songs, Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids and The Voice.

Brendan Graham - Celebrated Songwriter & Bestselling Irish Novelist

A masterful storyteller in both literature and music, Brendan Graham has left an indelible mark on the world stage. As the songwriter behind two Eurovision-winning classics, Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids and The Voice and the global hit You Raise Me Up, his contributions have cemented Ireland’s legacy in the creative arts.

Celebrating his 80th year in 2025, Brendan is set to release his highly anticipated debut album, The Arrow of Time, in October 2025. This special collection revisits some of Brendan’s most cherished songs, including Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids, reimagined with Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan. The Voice in a captivating spoken-word rendition alongside Eimear Quinn, and You Raise Me Up, featuring co-writer Rolf Løvland’s exquisite melody beneath Brendan’s heartfelt narration.

Read more about Brendan’s Debut Album The Arrow of Time

Click here to Pre-Save the new album now on Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music & Soundcloud

Press Release

1st October 2025

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Kid” Raised Up by Debut Album

Brendan Graham Releases - The Arrow of Time.

Celebrating 80 Years of Story and Song

About Brendan Graham and The Arrow of Time

Internationally acclaimed Irish songwriter and bestselling novelist, Brendan Graham is set for an early October release of his debut album, The Arrow of Time. The album will be available to stream across all platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud from 3rd October 2025.

Graham is best known for writing two Eurovision-winning songs, Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids and The Voice, as well as penning the lyrics of the global anthem You Raise Me Up, the latter made famous by artists including Josh Groban and Westlife.

Beginning his recording career in 1968, Graham marks a milestone with The Arrow of Time, a powerful album that coincides with his 80th birthday and reflects a profound, personal journey through music and memory.

The Arrow of Time revisits some of Graham’s most loved compositions, reimagined with fresh emotional depth and creative collaboration. Highlights include:

● A moving re-recording of Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids, with Graham reuniting with Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan, whose unforgettable Eurovision triumph in 1994 propelled the song to fame

● A spellbinding, spoken-word rendition of The Voice with Eimear Quinn, blending Graham’s lyrical poetry with Quinn’s ethereal vocal grace.

● A powerful interpretation of You Raise Me Up, where Graham’s narration is set against composer Rolf Løvland’s solo piano performance of his timeless melody, offering listeners a new, intimate connection to the beloved classic.

Graham’s songs have reached audiences worldwide, performed and recorded by artists such as Josh Groban with Aretha Franklin, The Gipsy Kings, Johnny Mathis, Secret Garden, and Karen Matheson. His music has also featured at major events, from the Olympic Games and the opening of the Northern Ireland Assembly to the Super Bowl and the White House.

The Arrow of Time is produced by the highly respected musician and producer, Feargal Murray. Murray is no stranger to Graham's work, having recently recorded a highly acclaimed album of Graham’s songs with the current Gradam Ceol winner, Cathy Jordan.

Graham is a master storyteller in both literature and song, whose work has helped shape Ireland’s cultural identity. Through songs such as Orphan Girl, Crucán na bPáiste, The Coast of Labrador (Sean Keane), and Across the Rio Grande (The Chieftains and Liam Neeson) as well as his best-selling ‘documentary novel’ of the Great Famine, The Whitest Flower, Graham has brought Ireland’s history vividly to life.

Quote from Brendan Graham

The Arrow of Time marks a special moment in my journey, my debut album, released to celebrate my 80th birthday. Until now, I have been the songwriter behind the songs, never the voice on the albums. What better way to honour this milestone than by collaborating with the extraordinary artists who have brought my words to life? Creating this album has been a joyful and deeply emotional experience, filled with gratitude for the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I hope these songs continue to find a place in your heart, just as they have in mine.

Media Contact: Niamh Kearney

kearney.niamh@gmail.com +353834600627

Download full Press Release here

“One of the biggest songs in the world”

- Simon Cowell - America’s Got Talent

(Speaking about You Raise Me Up)

“Musical Midas in the Mayo silence”.

- Irish Times