Have you seen the old man
Outside the closed-down market
Picking up the paper with his worn-out shoes?
In his eyes you see no pride
Hands held loosely by his side.
Yesterday's papers 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
I'll lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something that'll make a change of mind.

In the all night cafe, quarter past eleven,
Same old man sitting there on his own
Viewing the world over the rim of his teacup.
Each tea lasts an hour, then 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
I'll lead you through the streets of London.
I'll show you something that'll make you change your mind.

Have you seen the old girl who walks the streets of London?
There's dirt in her hair and her clothes are in rags
She's got no time for talking, got to keep on walking
carrying her world in two carrier bags

So how can you tell me you're lonely?
Say for you the sun don't shine
Let me take you by the hand
I'll lead you through the streets of London.
I'll show you something that'll make a change of mind.

Have you seen the old man outside the seaman's mission?
His memories fade like the medals that he wears.
In our winter city, the rain cries little pity
One more discharged seaman (forgotten sailor)
In a world that doesn't care.

So how can you tell me you're lonely?
Say for you the sun don't shine.
Let me take you by the hand
I'll lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something that'll make a change of mind

Yes and how can you tell me you're lonely?
Say for you the sun don't shine.
Let me take you by the hand
I'll lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something that'll make a change of mind
Yes and I'll show you something that'll make you change your mind.

words and music by Ralph McTell