Streets of London (From "100 Streets") - Beth McCarthy

Have you seen the old man in the closed down arcade?

Kicking up the paper with his worn-out shoes?

In his eyes you see no pride, hands 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, the sun don’t shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

And show you something to make you change your mind

In the all-night café 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

And say for you, the sun don’t shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

And show you something to make you change your mind

And have you seen the old man outside the Seamen’s Mission?

Memory fading with the medals that he wears

In our winter city, the rain cries a little pity

One more forgotten hero, and a world that doesn’t care

So how can you tell me you’re lonely

And say for you, the sun don’t shine?

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London

And show you something to make you change your mind