Streets of London
The Streets of London was written by Ralph McTell in 1969. The song contrasts the common problems of everyday people with those of the homeless, lonely, elderly, ignored and forgotten members of society. It is telling a story and so we call it a Ballad, i.e. a song or poem that tells a story.
Type of song - A Ballad which is a song that tells a story.
Tempo - Moderate
Metre - 2 (2 beats in each bar)
Form - Verse (A,A1) and Refrain (B,A1) A, A1, B, A1
Mood - Thoughtful or reflective
Lyrics
Have you seen the old man In the closed-down market Kicking up the paper, With his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride Hand held loosely at his side Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news
Refrain
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
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, She just keeps right on walking Carrying her home in two carrier bags.
Refrain
In the all night cafe At a quarter past eleven, Same old man sitting there on his own.
Looking at the world Over the rim of his tea-cup, Each tea lasts an hour, then he wanders home alone
Refrain
Have you seen the old man outside the Seaman'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.
Refrain
Have you seen the old man In the closed-down market Kicking up the paper, With his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride Hand held loosely at his side Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news
Refrain
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
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, She just keeps right on walking Carrying her home in two carrier bags.
Refrain
In the all night cafe At a quarter past eleven, Same old man sitting there on his own.
Looking at the world Over the rim of his tea-cup, Each tea lasts an hour, then he wanders home alone
Refrain
Have you seen the old man outside the Seaman'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.
Refrain
Choice songs
Love Story (Taylor Swift)
City of Chicago (Christy Moore) composed by Christy Moore - about thousands of Irish who emigrated to Chicago during the famine - metre 4 - tempo moderate - guitar (acoustic) - syncopation - verse and chorus
The A team (Ed Sheeran) - living on the street etc. - syncopation - tempo moderate - verse and chorus - guitar - 4/4
City of Chicago (Christy Moore) composed by Christy Moore - about thousands of Irish who emigrated to Chicago during the famine - metre 4 - tempo moderate - guitar (acoustic) - syncopation - verse and chorus
The A team (Ed Sheeran) - living on the street etc. - syncopation - tempo moderate - verse and chorus - guitar - 4/4
Spanish Train (Chris de Burgh)