Ralph McTell's "Streets of London" (1969) is a poignant acoustic ballad highlighting the isolation of elderly homeless people in cities, featuring iconic lyrics about "an old man closed in a world of his own" and "an old girl who walks the streets of the city".
A folk ballad highlighting the hidden struggles of marginalized people in cities,
popularized in the 1970s. Often covered as a protest song against social indifference.
A poignant folk song addressing themes of loneliness and unseen poverty in modern cities, often covered by various artists.
A poignant folk ballad highlighting urban poverty, written by Ralph McTell in 1969. Its simplicity and universal message have led to countless covers and translations worldwide.
"Streets of London" is a seminal folk song by British troubadour Ralph McTell, written in 1969. Its poignant lyrics depict overlooked homeless individuals in London, serving as a social commentary on urban isolation. The song gained international fame through numerous covers by artists like Sinéad O'Connor and gained renewed popularity during the 1990s. Characterized by its fingerpicked guitar accompaniment and melancholic melody, it remains McTell's signature work.
