Streets Of London
Streets of Compassion: Unveiling the Heartfelt Tales Hidden in Roger Whittaker's Melody
Lyrics
Have you seen the old man in the closed down market,
The speaker asks if the listener has noticed an elderly man in the closed market.
Kicking up the papers with his worn out shoes?
Describes the man's action of kicking papers with his worn-out shoes.
In his eyes you see no pride, hand held loosely by his side
Highlights the lack of pride in the man's eyes and his casual hand position, indicating his despondency.
Yesterday's papers telling yesterday's news
References how the newspapers he handles are old, reflecting outdated news.
So how can you tell me you're lonely
The speaker questions someone's claim of loneliness while insinuating contradiction due to the rich experiences in a city like London.
And say for you that the sun don't shine
Challenges the notion that the sun doesn't shine for the listener, suggesting opportunities exist.
Let me take you by the hand
Expresses willingness to guide and support the listener.
And lead you through the streets of London
Offers to lead the listener through the city streets.
I'll show you something
Promises to reveal something that might alter the listener's perspective.
To make you change your mind.
Implies the revelation could change the listener's mindset or viewpoint.
Have you seen the old girl who walks the streets of London,
Mentions an elderly woman seen walking the streets of London.
Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags?
Describes her appearance with dirt in her hair and ragged clothing.
She's no time for talking, she just keeps right on walking,
States she avoids conversation and continues walking, possibly carrying her belongings in bags.
Carrying her home in two carrier bags.
Illustrates her situation, potentially homeless or carrying all she owns.
In the all night café at a quarter past eleven
Depicts a scene in an all-night café at a specific time.
Same old man is sitting there on his own.
Reiterates the presence of the elderly man, alone at the café.
Looking at the world over the rim of his teacup,
Describes how he observes the world over his teacup, indicating contemplation.
Each tea last an hour, and he wanders home alone.
Highlights his prolonged stay at the café, and his solitary return home.
Have you seen the old man outside the seaman's mission,
Asks if the listener has noticed another old man outside the seaman's mission.
Memory fading with the metal ribbons that he wears?
Describes his fading memory and the ribbons he wears, suggesting his past achievements.
In our winter city the rain cries a little pity,
Reflects on the rain in the city, empathizing with the forgotten hero and the uncaring world.
For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesn't care.
Expresses pity for the overlooked hero and a world lacking compassion.
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