The Streets Of London

U-Tube video of Ryan's Fancy live at The Strand
by Kelticknots ©2007. Used with permission.

Let me take you by the hand
And I'll lead you through the streets of London
I will show you something to make you change your mind.

Well, have you seen the old man in a closed down market,
Kicking up the papers with his worn out shoes?
In his eyes you'll see no pride and, held loosely by his side
Are yesterday's papers, telling yesterday's news.

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

And have you seen the old girl who walks the streets of London
With the dirt in her hair and her clothes all in rags?
She's no time for talking; she just keeps right on a-walkin',
Carryin' her home in two carrier bags.

And in that all-night cafe at a quarter past eleven
The same old man is sitting there on his own
Looking at the world over the rim of his tea cup
Each tea lasts an hour, and then he wanders home alone.

And have you seen the old man outside the seaman's mission
His memory fading like the ribbons that he wears?
Yes, and in this winter city, the rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero in a world that doesn't care.

####.... Ralph McTell [b.1944] in Famborough, Kent, UK. First recorded on McTell's album Spiral Staircase, 1969 ....####

See more songs by Ryan's Fancy.

A variant was also recorded by Chris Hennessy of Torbay, NL.