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 at his side

Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news

2

So how can you tell me you're lo - ne - ly

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

5

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

2

So how can you tell me you're lo - ne - ly

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

 

BREAK

 

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

2

So how can you tell me you're lo - ne - ly

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

5

Have you seen the old man outside the seaman's mission?

Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears

And in our winter city the rain cries a little pity

For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesn't care

2

So how can you tell me you're lo - ne - ly

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