Ralph McTell
Streets of London
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 there loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper, telling yesterday's news
So how can you tell me that you're mourning
And you 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
Have you seen the old gal, who walks the streets of London
Dirt in her hair, and her clothes in rags?
She's no time for talking, she just keeps right on walking
Carrying her home, in two carrier bags
So how can you tell me that you're mourning
And you 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
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 tea-cup
And each tea lasts an hour, then he wanders home alone
So how can you tell me you're lonely
And say for you the sun won'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
And have you seen the old man outside the Seamen's mission
Memory fading with the medal ribbon that he wears?
In the winter city, the rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero, and a world that doesn't care
So how can you tell me that you're mourning
And you 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