Early career
He was born Robin Peter Smith in Swanley, Kent and attended Swanley Secondary Modern School. He learned guitar, and left school in 1954 to become an assistant cinema projectionist. In 1956, he gave his first live performance, as a member of The Hard Travellers. Through the late 1950s and early 1960s, he was a member of The Country Gentlemen, Beat Formula Three, and Peter & The Wolves. In 1964, as a member of Peter & The Wolves, St. Peters made his first commercial recording.
Decca label
St. Peters was signed to Decca Records in 1965. His first two singles on this record label, "Invecto Show" and "At This Moment", proved unsuccessful on the charts. He made two television appearances in England in February of that year, featuring in the shows Scene At 6.30 and Ready Steady Go!
In 1966, St. Peters' career finally yielded a Top 10 hit in the UK Singles Chart, when "You Were On My Mind" entered the listing, eventually hitting #2. The single was then released in the U.S. on the Philadelphia-based Jamie label, but it did not chart at first. However, his fourth release, "The Pied Piper", became forever known as his signature song, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #5 in the UK. No subsequent release would ever match the success of "The Pied Piper", although the latter's success helped boost "You Were On My Mind" into the U.S. Top 40.
In 1967, St. Peters released his first LP, Follow Me, which was followed by his first EP, Almost Persuaded. But by 1970, he was dropped by Decca.
Square label
Later in 1970, he was signed to Square Records. Under this new record deal, St. Peters released a second LP, Simply, that year. Later still they released his first cassette, The Gospel Tape, in 1986, and a second cassette, New Tracks on Old Lines in 1990. His third cassette, Night Sessions, Vol. 1 was released in 1993.
Several CDs also came from this record deal, including Follow Me in 1991, The Anthology in 1996, Night Sessions, Vol. 1 in 1998, The Gospel Tape in 1999, and, finally, Songs From The Attic in 2000.
Personal life
From 1969 to 1974, St. Peters was married to his wife named Collette. The marriage produced a daughter, Samantha, and a son, Lee.
On 1 January 1995, at the age of 56, he suffered a major stroke. His music career was severely weakened by this, and in 2001, he announced his retirement from the music industry. He was hospitalized several times with pneumonia since 2003.
He died on 8 June 2010, after a long illness, at the age of 71.
You're No Good
Crispian St. Peters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I never question you're the answer
I put no one above you holy father
Because you are the only thing that matters, yeah
I'ma give you all this worship
Even though I know that I ain't worthy
You gave your life so you could save mine
Boast in your love, this is my lifestyle yeah
You brought me out of my way
Defeated death every day
I can't repay
Your love is enough for me
You'll never leave me astray
Big facts
Where would I be without you
Even though I had my doubt you always come through
I owe you all my life lord you're so good
That's why I put no other God above you
Yeah
You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh-haha
You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh-It's Godsgift, Good to me
Every morning a blessing
My family is healthy, yeah I ain't stressing-Yeah
Food on the table, clothes on my back
Yeah I'm dressing, my bills paid
Nah I ain't perfect, but I'm progressing-Yeah yeah
Dealt with depression
These battles, let me confess it-yeah
Sitting in that cell
Was charged as an adolescent-yeah yeah
You my lawyer, I'm gifted, you always present-Yeah yeah
In your presence, I fail you
You make me stronger-Yeah yeah
There's no doubt in my mind
Lord I trust you-Aye,
Back against the wall, Believe me you pin that
An awesome God, Believe me you been that
Your sacrifices, your blood, you did that
Nobody greater, believe me that's big facts
Respectfully, I only want what's meant me
They can throw stones
It won't hit me, you protecting me
A mess into a masterpiece
Really it's the love for me
You been so good
Exceedingly, abundantly
You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh-Uh
Good to me
Tell me how would I live without you by my side
Fought so many battles for me
Man! can't even count
From the womb, you've been protecting keeping me alive
Every time I made a mess you never chastise
For every mess, there is a message
And I learn that every stages
How could I ever forget when you pull me out the wreckage
See-I could have been dead and gone
But your blood still works
It covers me till dawn-uh
But yet I doubt you
Even ignored you
Out here doing my thing like I ain't got no sense
But you've been patient and came and find me
Over and over again you stood beside me
Gun to my stomach but he couldn't pull that trigger
Many times I could remember how you save me from my death
I'm no good without you I don't deserve this kinda love
Lord, I thank you for your grace and your mercy every day
You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh
Oh oh
Praise to the most high-You're so good
You're so good
Oh oh oh- Alright
Oh oh oh-Uh
You're so good
You're so good-It's Godsgift
Oh oh
Good to me-Haha
This is Peter,
Yeah
Ahh!
Yeah
Yeah
yeah-yeah
yeah-yeah
Good to me
In Crispian St. Peters's song "You're No Good," the lyrics convey a deep sense of gratitude and devotion to a higher power, often referred to as God or the holy father. The singer praises and worships this divine entity, recognizing them as the ultimate answer and source of glory in their life. They express a humble acknowledgment of their own unworthiness in the face of this divine presence, yet remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to living a life dedicated to honoring and serving this higher power.
The lyrics highlight the transformative power of faith and the belief in a higher purpose. The singer reflects on the profound impact of this divine presence in their life, crediting it with helping them overcome challenges, including battles with depression and personal struggles. They acknowledge the role of this higher power in guiding them through difficult times and providing strength and protection when needed. The theme of redemption and forgiveness is prevalent throughout the lyrics, emphasizing the idea that no matter how many mistakes or failures occur, there is always a chance for renewal and growth through faith and love.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of divine intervention and protection, with the singer expressing gratitude for the countless times they have been saved from harm or danger. They acknowledge the inherent imperfection and flaws within themselves but find solace in the unconditional love and grace provided by this higher power. The singer reflects on the moments of doubt and disbelief they have experienced, yet ultimately recognize the constant presence and patience of their divine protector, always ready to offer support and guidance no matter the circumstances.
Overall, the song "You're No Good" serves as a heartfelt expression of faith, gratitude, and reverence towards a higher power. It conveys a message of redemption, forgiveness, and unwavering belief in the goodness and mercy of this divine entity. Through the lyrics, the singer navigates themes of struggle, perseverance, and ultimately, the transformative power of faith in overcoming challenges and finding strength and guidance in times of darkness.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Peter Joseph, Peter Metayer, Stevens Vilus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Teddy Bear
Well I woke up this morning
You were on my mind
I said you were on my mind
Oh, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I got wounds to bind
So I went to the corner
Just to ease my pain
I said just to ease my pain
Oh, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I came home again
But I woke up this morning
You were on my mind
You were on my mind
Oh, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I got wounds to bind
But I've got a feeling
Yeah, down in my shoes
I said way down in my shoes
Well, I gotta ramble, oh, oh
I gotta move on, oh, oh
I gotta walk away my blues
When I woke up this morning
You were on my mind
I said you were on my mind
Well, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I got wounds to bind, yeah
Teddy Bear
Well I woke up this morning
You were on my mind
I said you were on my mind
Oh, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I got wounds to bind
So I went to the corner
Just to ease my pain
I said just to ease my pain
Oh, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I came home again
But I woke up this morning
You were on my mind
You were on my mind
Oh, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I got wounds to bind
But I've got a feeling
Yeah, down in my shoes
I said way down in my shoes
Well, I gotta ramble, oh, oh
I gotta move on, oh, oh
I gotta walk away my blues
When I woke up this morning
You were on my mind
I said you were on my mind
Well, I got troubles, oh, oh
I got worries, oh, oh
I got wounds to bind, yeah
John Pearce
I have great memories of Crispian St Peters (Pete Smith). I was fortunate enough to be part of his backing band at the time of his chart successes in the mid sixties. Touring with him was always a treat and he had a great sense of humour. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
Mark Ehrlich
@Scott Awcock HI Scott, Good videos. Surprised that you don't mention the GREATEST SINGER AND ENTERTAINER IN THE WORLD DECADE AFTER DECADE AND AT 8O YRS YOUNG AS FABULOUS AS EVER- THE ONE & ONLY SIR CLIFF RICHARD. Another lad who was GREAT & passed on way too early BILLY FURY. CHECK OUT PAUL STANLEY OF KISS WHO ALONG WITH ERIC SINGER OF KISS HAVE A BAND WITH TOP SESSION MUSICIANS & SINGERS CALLED PAUL STANLEY'S SOUL STATION. THEY HAVE A NEW LP OUT CALLED NOW & THEN WITH CLASSIC COVERS OF PHILLY SOUND, MOTOWN, MEMPHIS ( STAX RECORDS) WITH 5 NEW SONGS WRITTEN BY PAUL THAT FIT PERFECTLY WITH THAT SOUND. PAUL & GROUP WILL AMAZE YOU WITH HOW THEY CAPTURE THE SOUNDS OF SUCH GREATS AS THE MIRACLES, TEMPTATIONS, DELFONICS, STYLISTICS , THE 5 STAIRSTEPS, AL GREEN, ETC. ALSO SURPRISED THAT THERE IS NO MENTION OF THE GUY WHO IS KNOWN AS UK'S GREATEST UNKNOWN SINGER- THE GREAT TONY BURROWS THE LEAD VOICE OF BROTHERHOOD OF MAN, THE IVEY LEAGUE, THE KESTRALS, WHITE PLAINS, EDISON LIGHTHOUSE, FIRST CLASS ( THAT ALSO HAD SPENCER JAMES), THE FLOWER POT MEN, & THE PIPKINS. ALSO CHECK OUT AUSTRALIA'S ANSWER TO THE BEATLES - THE TWILIGHT'S WHO WERE FORMED IN 1964 THAT FEATURED GLEN SHORROCK WHO WOULD GO ON TO FORM THE LITTLE RIVER BAND (CHATHAM KENT-BORN) & TERRY BRITTEN (MANCHESTER) WHO WOULD LATER JOIN CLIFF RICHARD AND WRITE WHAT CLIFF HIMSELF HAS SAID IS HIS FAVORITE SONG- DEVIL WOMAN. THE GROUP HAD OBTAINED A COPY OF SGT PEPPER AND WE'RE PERFORMING THE ENTIRE LP IN CONCERT ( SOMETHING THE BEATLES NEVER DID) EMI CAUGHT WIND OF IT AND DEMANDED THAT THEY STOP. THEY WERE AFRAID IT WOULD HURT SALE OF LP IN AUSTRALIA. THE LADS EVEN HAD A TV PILOT THAT WAS LIKE THE MONKEES TV SHOW & A HARD DAYS NIGHT. I AM SURE YOU WILL BE IMPRESSED IF YOU ARE UNAWARE OF THIS FAB GROUP WHO ARE AS GREAT AS BADFINGER WHO WOULD HAVE GONE ON TO FOLLOW THE BEATLES WHEN THE FAB FOUR WENT THEIR SEPARATE WAYS IF STAN POLY WHO MANAGED THEM & ROBBED THEM. PETE HAM & TOM EVANS WOULD STILL BE WITH US AND ALONG WITH JOEY MOLLAND WOULD WRITE AND ADD GREAT SONGS TO THEIR CATALOG. CHEERS & STAY SAFE
Scott Awcock
John Pearce well John I am a massive fan of 60s music and I have been to see neuman 60s bands live over the years The Searchers the Hollies Joe Brown The Ivy League the Hermans Hermits who I must admit are great friends of mine especially the drummer Barry whitwam. I go to every year to see sensational 60s experience 60s gold solid silver 60s and any other 60s tours that are touring the country I go and see them three times when it tours they are great fun if crispian st. Peters alive today and he was touring I'll definitely go and see him as I think the Anthology CD has some fantastic songs from underrated 60s singer. as much as I like the hits from artists of the 60s I like the b sides and the album tracks which are great. my next 60s show I have three coming up first one is the new Amen Corner with special guests Mike adabo and Chris Farlowe the second one is the manfreds at the Millfield Art Centre Edmonton and then the third and final one will be Brian Poole and the tremeloes backed by Vanity Fair at the Millfield Arts Centre Edmonton and then in October I'm off to the O2 Arena indigo to see 60s gold with Gerry Pacemakers would be their final tour and The searches and many more fantastic greats from the 60s.
John Pearce
+Gary Cole Thank you for taking time to comment Gary. Warm wishes John.
Gary Cole
+John Pearce, thanks for the music!
Kristina Rankin
wow....can't believe he sounds just the same as when the song was first released. that's a feat in itself. still love the song after all these years. so sad to hear he passed on.
Moz MWhite
Such a great voice, I've always loved this fella, RIP Mr Smith. Love you.
Larry Wyse
This song reached #6 in the Irish Charts. St.Peters suffered a stroke on New Year's Day 1995, but continued performing until 2001, when he announced his retirement due to his deteriorating health. He died on 8th June 2010, aged 71.
Imran H
Larry Wyse Thank you for the information. So sad. Rest in peace Crispian, Pete Smith.
Theearthtraveler
A great song, I loved his version the most!!