Streets of London Ralph McTell



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, hand held loosely by his side

Yesterdays paper telling yesterdays news



So how can you tell me youre 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

Ill 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?

Shes no time for talking, she just keeps right on walking,

Carrying her home in two carrier bags.



N the all night caf at a quarter past eleven

Same old man is sitting there on his own.

Looking at the world over the rim of his teacup,

Each tea last an hour, and he wander home alone.



Have you seen the old man outside the seamans mission,

Memory fading with the metal ribbons that he wears?

In our winter city the rain cries a little pity,

For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesnt care.