Streets of London
Ralph McTell
Lyrics currently unavailable…
12 facts about this song
Identifiable Genre"Streets of London" belongs to the genre of Folk music, known for storytelling and soothing melodies.
|
About the SongwriterRalph McTell, born as Ralph May, is an English singer-songwriter and acoustic guitar player who is well-respected in the folk music scene.
|
Song Composition"Streets of London" was written by Ralph McTell himself, reflecting his personal experiences and observations.
|
Release DateThis iconic song was first released in 1969 on McTell's album "Spiral Staircase."
|
Chart Position"Streets of London" achieved significant commercial success, reaching to #2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974.
|
Song ThemeThe song portrays homelessness and isolation, showcasing the plight of marginalized individuals in London.
|
Notable Recognition"Streets of London" is McTell's signature tune and it received the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1974.
|
Cultural ImpactIt has been covered by over 200 artists, thus demonstrating the widespread appeal and success of the song.
|
Song InterpretationMany listeners interpret the song as a call to show compassion to the less fortunate.
|
TriviaMcTell has occasionally changed the lyrics in live performances, providing an evolving representation of the song’s themes.
|
Inspiration For The SongThe song was inspired by McTell's experiences as a young man hitchhiking around Europe, witnessing firsthand the hardships faced by many underprivileged individuals.
|
Legacy of the SongDespite being over 50 years old, “Streets of London” continues to resonate with audiences, reflecting its enduring relevance.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Streets of London Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 17 Jan. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/33812533/Ralph+McTell/Streets+of+London>.
Discuss the Streets of London Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In