Ralph McTell
Streets of London
[Verse 1]
Have you seen the old man in the closed down market
Kicking up the papers with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride
And held loosely by his side
Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news

[Chorus]
So how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind

[Verse 2]
Have you seen the old girl who walks the streets of London
Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?
She's no time for talking
Just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags

[Chorus]
So how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind
[Verse 3]
In the all-night café at a quarter past eleven
Same old man sitting there on his own
Looking at the world over the rim of his teacup
Each tea lasts an hour
And he wanders home alone

[Chorus]
So how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you that the sun don't shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind

[Verse 4]
Have you seen the old man outside the seamen's mission?
Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears
In our winter city
The rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesn't care

[Chorus]
So how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you that the sun dont shine?
Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something to make you change your mind