@@richardread8281 The song was only recorded as an album track back in 1969 (on Ralphs 'Spiral Staircase' album) ..... he didn't release it as a single until 1974.
My Dad and myself have vastly different taste in music. I virtually listen to none of the songs he played during my childhood. This is one of the very few I revisted in my adulthood.
This song reminds me of the days of learning English in Cambridge from 1974 to 1975. ( when I was 22 years old) I don’t quite remember how this song came to my ears. Probably from the radio. This beautiful song trembled me with excitement, so I rushed to the music shop to buy a sheet of Streets of London. I still have it and sometimes I sing this song with the guitar at home in Japan. I am 69, and I miss my those days in UK.
This song is so famous that, it is made into a book and the tunes are sold into children's music books. I think I remember I sang this in my school, during morning assemblies... I think it was. It is so wonderful to actually even hear the original singer of the music too. Really special.
@@philipleworthy7871 Maybe you have to be a Londoner to understand why! And covered, I read, by over 200 other artists. 10's of thousands if you count the rest of us as it is a staple in our repertoire.
The old woman carrying two carrier bags was a real person. Known as Meg and frequently seen in London's West End including by me in the 1960s. Beautifully crafted and sung song. And Ralph's finger picking is absolutely appropriate yet deceptively simple.
I've seen him live a couple of times. One memorable performance was in the 1970s at Birmingham Town Hall. A wonderful singer, song-writer and guitarist.
Wonderful as always Ralph - I've been singing this song for years but have never got close to his performance. Great song and great singer, whom I'm so lucky to have met a few times x
Beautiful song and a genuinely nice chap. I was 19 when this song was a hit, meant so much in those days, and possibly even more today.....Thank you Ralph!
I've just met Ralph in the last few days, he was playing in the Guildhall Derry. And what a concert his performance was amazing, you could have heard a pin drop when he was singing this #memories 💚
Legend....probably remembered by this song alone but his other stuff is remarkable like 'from Clare to here'..another awesome performance especially the version of clare done on RTE irish tv with orchestra.
Just as relevant today as it was then. Jesus said "you will always have the poor, but you won't always have me". Things, sadly won't change. Its still going on. Change hasn't happened in over 40 years of this song was first out in the 70s.
Ralph McTell - Streets of London 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 And held loosely at his side Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news. 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. 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. In the all night cafe At a quarter past eleven Same old man is sitting there on his own Looking at the world Over the rim of his tea-cup Each tea last an hour Then he wanders home alone. 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. And 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. 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...
This song was very much connected to the SHELTER organisation formed in 1968. I was in a group of 60 Merchant Navy Cadets based in London when we did a charity walk from London to Brighton in March 1968 to raise money for SHELTER for the homeless of London. Our Shipping Companies pledged £1 per mile for the walk for each cadet. We set out on a Saturday morning in March 1968 with banners and flags. After overnighting in some church hall halfway to Brighton we arrived on Sunday late afternoon. 62 miles. We had staff members patrolling the main Brighton Road for stragglers and casualties ( after 2 years on ships we were not very fit). But I made it without car assistance. Shoes full of blood. Wrong shoes. Arriving just on darkness at the Brighton promenade I was pulled into a seaside pub full of the lads and we really pissed it up. I was the last dude in and one of only 6 who walked the whole 62 miles. But the Shipping Companies were generous to their cadets in those days and still coughed up. We raised nearly £4000. Not bad for 1968. The lad who organised it, Dave Birley,from Ellerman Lines ( same as me) deserves so much credit for his liason with SHELTER.Ralph McTell produced "Streets of London" the followng year. God bless all those lads who did their bit for the homeless of London and I hope life treated you all well. Vincent Baseley.
Hi Koma, Ralph's playing a Yamaha L Series acoustic guitar in this video. For more information about our L Series models, please follow this link: www.yamahamusiclondon.com/Guitars/Acoustic-Guitars/L-Series/ Best wishes, Yamaha Music
Yamaha Music London with this performance by Ralph Mctell what speakers and other equipment was he using to get that sound...and what mike..what model no. of yamaha guitar..
its probably an LL6MARE - I have an LS6MARE - these are great instruments - my 35 year quest for a decently priced fingerstyle guitar has come to an end - and its great to see one of my guitar heroes playing a Yamaha...
What a beautiful song. Doesn’t matter how many times I here this song I never get tired of it and it always brings tears to my eyes. Sung by a fantastic singer, great guitar player and nice guy.
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 And held loosely at his side Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news 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 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 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 Show you something to make you change your mind 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 teacup Each tea lasts an hour And he wanders home alone So how can you tell me you're lonely Don't say for you that the sun don't shine Let me take you by the hand and Lead you through the streets of London Show you something to make you change your mind 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 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 Show you something to make you change your mind
Possibly one of the best songs of the last 50 years.......
1969 - 53 years gone by ......
This is really so!
This is really so!
His other songs are wonderful too!
@@richardread8281 The song was only recorded as an album track back in 1969 (on Ralphs 'Spiral Staircase' album) ..... he didn't release it as a single until 1974.
Sadly a song that will remain timeless. And one that every human can identify with.
at his age he sings even better - miles better than the original and beauty of it all - a live performance 10/10
Ralph is more relevant today than ever. Respect
Saw Ralph in 1994 at the Portsmouth Folk Festival, so good to see him still waking us up to reality in his gentle way
My Dad and myself have vastly different taste in music. I virtually listen to none of the songs he played during my childhood. This is one of the very few I revisted in my adulthood.
This song reminds me of the days of learning English in Cambridge from 1974 to 1975. ( when I was 22 years old) I don’t quite remember how this song came to my ears. Probably from the radio. This beautiful song trembled me with excitement, so I rushed to the music shop to buy a sheet of Streets of London. I still have it and sometimes I sing this song with the guitar at home in Japan. I am 69, and I miss my those days in UK.
i bet it reminded you of a few of your fellow students
This song is so famous that, it is made into a book and the tunes are sold into children's music books. I think I remember I sang this in my school, during morning assemblies... I think it was. It is so wonderful to actually even hear the original singer of the music too. Really special.
It’s a beautiful song and your English is beautiful too!
@@lindachen271 Thank you for reply to my comment!
Thing is......this song is more relevant today as ever !!!!! Ralph is a true National Hero !!!!!!!!
Fantastic song and so well written. But how, exactly is he a national hero?
@@philipleworthy7871 Maybe you have to be a Londoner to understand why! And covered, I read, by over 200 other artists. 10's of thousands if you count the rest of us as it is a staple in our repertoire.
The old woman carrying two carrier bags was a real person. Known as Meg and frequently seen in London's West End including by me in the 1960s. Beautifully crafted and sung song. And Ralph's finger picking is absolutely appropriate yet deceptively simple.
deceptively simple. only if you know what you are doing. not easy at all and not when singing and performing at the same time
What a Beautiful Song. Lots of LOVE from An Iranian to you Beautiful English people.....:)
Thank you, I hope you are well 👍👍
And lots of love back to you and yours 💖🙏
I've seen him live a couple of times. One memorable performance was in the 1970s at Birmingham Town Hall. A wonderful singer, song-writer and guitarist.
Wonderful as always Ralph - I've been singing this song for years but have never got close to his performance. Great song and great singer, whom I'm so lucky to have met a few times x
Beautiful song and a genuinely nice chap. I was 19 when this song was a hit, meant so much in those days, and possibly even more today.....Thank you Ralph!
...whenever i start to feel sorry for myself, ...i think of this song. reminds me that i haven't earned the right to feel sorry for "me".
One of those songs that seem to have always existed, as if there was a need in nature for it to be written and sung.
What a beautiful sentiment!
One of the most prolific folk song ever written, sung by the writer
Thanks for sharing....yes one of the best songs written & beautifully performed.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
I've just met Ralph in the last few days, he was playing in the Guildhall Derry. And what a concert his performance was amazing, you could have heard a pin drop when he was singing this #memories 💚
That man could play on a tennis racket and still sound brilliant.
Love this song, very deep lyrics ❤❤❤
Absolute quality .....both Ralph and the Streets of London!
blessed to have great folk musician like
Ralph ! thank you!
loved this song when I was a child, and even more meaning today. he's still a great performer.
First heard this song in the 1970s. Still in love with it.
This is beautiful
Legend....probably remembered by this song alone but his other stuff is remarkable like 'from Clare to here'..another awesome performance especially the version of clare done on RTE irish tv with orchestra.
Weltklasse!!!!!!
The best, all time.
Absolutely fantastic ❤
Really love this beautiful song, and the way Ralph interprets it. Genius.
Utterly beautiful!
Timeless...absolute Amazing..
Love this song , beautifully performed , your voice is better now Ralph and it was great before!
We're all getting older but damn ralph you sound strong. Come to America!
He is like a good wine . Gets better with age.
he is a great artist, more can i not say!!! i love his voice and songs forever!!! willi from germany
Listening to this song always make me to check on the time bar....just to make sure it didn't come to an end
Great song 🎶 still trying to play it properly!
This is greatest song ever. Ralph you are amazing
Long Live Ralph! And Thank you!
So lovely song ralph
Tear times three to the eye, and that after 15 yrs in the city of 200 nationalities and far far far more good and sad stories...
love it ooyes thank you ...uh very nice,,,,,,,what a beautiful song ,,,wow
Priceless
Timeless music heals 🎼🌈🙏
Beautiful...My Mammy sang it to me when I was a boy
Timeless song.
Still magic. 2022 ❤
Bloody marvellous.
Wow!
beautiful..very nice
fantastic
It gets me. It just gets me.
Beautiful
thıs songs very soft and awesome
Because of this song, I would like to take a walk on the streets of London.
Absolutely love this ❤
Just as relevant today as it was then. Jesus said "you will always have the poor, but you won't always have me". Things, sadly won't change. Its still going on. Change hasn't happened in over 40 years of this song was first out in the 70s.
Adoro questo pezzo dolce e rilassante non passa un giorno senza che non lo ascolto almeno una volta
I love it, thank you!
Hammer 👌
Awesome
Epic
Legend.
now that's fucking beautiful
Que maravilha
Amazing written at was it 17 yrs old?.. Fantastic.
Yamaha is the best 😉 pour les instruments et équipements de sons
Ralph McTell - Streets of London
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
And held loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news.
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.
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.
In the all night cafe
At a quarter past eleven
Same old man is sitting there on his own
Looking at the world
Over the rim of his tea-cup
Each tea last an hour
Then he wanders home alone.
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.
And 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.
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...
Tks
Not only possibly - for sure
I love this! Can you try a Dylan or Joan Baez song? I am not sure you do requests. Have a wonderful evening.
This song was very much connected to the SHELTER organisation formed in 1968. I was in a group of 60 Merchant Navy Cadets based in London when we did a charity walk from London to Brighton in March 1968 to raise money for SHELTER for the homeless of London. Our Shipping Companies pledged £1 per mile for the walk for each cadet. We set out on a Saturday morning in March 1968 with banners and flags. After overnighting in some church hall halfway to Brighton we arrived on Sunday late afternoon. 62 miles. We had staff members patrolling the main Brighton Road for stragglers and casualties ( after 2 years on ships we were not very fit). But I made it without car assistance. Shoes full of blood. Wrong shoes. Arriving just on darkness at the Brighton promenade I was pulled into a seaside pub full of the lads and we really pissed it up. I was the last dude in and one of only 6 who walked the whole 62 miles. But the Shipping Companies were generous to their cadets in those days and still coughed up. We raised nearly £4000. Not bad for 1968. The lad who organised it, Dave Birley,from Ellerman Lines ( same as me) deserves so much credit for his liason with SHELTER.Ralph McTell produced "Streets of London" the followng year. God bless all those lads who did their bit for the homeless of London and I hope life treated you all well. Vincent Baseley.
Makes me want to get on a plane in California and go to London.
... and say for you ... jk born 66' in L/Westm. ... thnx a lot 4 8 ...
I never knew Rick Stein could play and sing this well.
did he do The Grand Affaire at that gig ?
What a sad song, Cleo Laine covered this . It’s different but she knocked it out of the park. She had an amazing voice.
A brilliant song, to be sure - looked for it especially. Never saw Ralph before... Love you, man... but you look like a minstrel Hoggle.
which model about this guitar
Hi Koma,
Ralph's playing a Yamaha L Series acoustic guitar in this video. For more information about our L Series models, please follow this link:
www.yamahamusiclondon.com/Guitars/Acoustic-Guitars/L-Series/
Best wishes,
Yamaha Music
Yamaha Music London with this performance by Ralph Mctell what speakers and other equipment was he using to get that sound...and what mike..what model no. of yamaha guitar..
its probably an LL6MARE - I have an LS6MARE - these are great instruments - my 35 year quest for a decently priced fingerstyle guitar has come to an end - and its great to see one of my guitar heroes playing a Yamaha...
What a beautiful song. Doesn’t matter how many times I here this song I never get tired of it and it always brings tears to my eyes. Sung by a fantastic singer, great guitar player and nice guy.
Young Dreamers write songs like that.
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
And held loosely at his side
Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news
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
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
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
Show you something to make you change your mind
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 teacup
Each tea lasts an hour
And he wanders home alone
So how can you tell me you're lonely
Don't say for you that the sun don't shine
Let me take you by the hand and
Lead you through the streets of London
Show you something to make you change your mind
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
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
Show you something to make you change your mind
Mind the gap!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds slightly out of tune....but who cares....it adds even more character to it.
The Big Train Comedy sketch immediately springs to mind 😂