2026 Competition Entry:
Behind Closed Doors by Cath Harney
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Lyrics
Behind Closed Doors
He was a gambler all his life
Wasn’t just money, he gambled with life
When he drank whisky
The demons rose
Livin’ life like this, so dark
And nobody knows, what goes on behind closed doors
He drank whisky to soothe his soul, he drank whisky because it was cold
He drank whisky to ease his mind, He drank whisky just to pass the time
A pillar of society
They didn’t see it
He was charm itself
When he drank his whisky
The demons rose
Like Jekyll & Hyde in the movie
This wasn’t a show
No-one knows what goes on behind closed doors
He drank whisky to soothe his soul, he drank whisky because it was cold
He drank whisky to ease his mind, He drank whisky just to pass the time
They were battered they were bruised
When they went to school
Teachers looked away
When he drank his whisky
The demons rose
He was a giant
Mama was frightened, it’s how it goes
No-one knows what goes on behind closed doors
Chorus x 2
he only loved whisky
He was a gambler all his life
Wasn’t just money, he gambled with life
When he drank whisky
The demons rose
Livin’ life like this, so dark
And nobody knows, what goes on behind closed doors
He drank whisky to soothe his soul, he drank whisky because it was cold
He drank whisky to ease his mind, He drank whisky just to pass the time
A pillar of society
They didn’t see it
He was charm itself
When he drank his whisky
The demons rose
Like Jekyll & Hyde in the movie
This wasn’t a show
No-one knows what goes on behind closed doors
He drank whisky to soothe his soul, he drank whisky because it was cold
He drank whisky to ease his mind, He drank whisky just to pass the time
They were battered they were bruised
When they went to school
Teachers looked away
When he drank his whisky
The demons rose
He was a giant
Mama was frightened, it’s how it goes
No-one knows what goes on behind closed doors
Chorus x 2
he only loved whisky
Author
Bio
Cath Harney is a West Yorkshire-based singer‑songwriter and performer whose warm vocals and thoughtful lyrics have found a cherished place in the local folk and acoustic music scene.
Musical Journey
Solo & duo artistry: Cath performs under her own name and as one‑half of the acclaimed duo Mockingbirds, alongside Pam Johnson. They’ve been writing, harmonising, and performing together for over eight years, weaving folk, country, bluegrass, and pop into their unique sound
Community and workshop leadership
Beyond performance, Cath spent more than a decade leading songwriting workshops for individuals with long‑term mental health challenges, using music to rebuild confidence and self‑esteem . She also runs a community based ukulele group
Cath’s music shines a light on both intimate reflections and community stories, blending personal songwriting with meaningful outreach. A constant in the regional folk scene, she champions local narratives through song—and uplifts others through creativity.
Cath is currently a semi finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition and was a finalist in the 2025 Talent is Timeless International Songwriting Competition (Lyrics Section)
Musical Journey
Solo & duo artistry: Cath performs under her own name and as one‑half of the acclaimed duo Mockingbirds, alongside Pam Johnson. They’ve been writing, harmonising, and performing together for over eight years, weaving folk, country, bluegrass, and pop into their unique sound
Community and workshop leadership
Beyond performance, Cath spent more than a decade leading songwriting workshops for individuals with long‑term mental health challenges, using music to rebuild confidence and self‑esteem . She also runs a community based ukulele group
Cath’s music shines a light on both intimate reflections and community stories, blending personal songwriting with meaningful outreach. A constant in the regional folk scene, she champions local narratives through song—and uplifts others through creativity.
Cath is currently a semi finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition and was a finalist in the 2025 Talent is Timeless International Songwriting Competition (Lyrics Section)
Leave a comment
I can imagine this song! Great storytelling, Cath.
Thanks Fiona. Much appreciated