Folk legend Ralph McTell performs West 4th Street & Jones on Later… with Jools Holland

[@poguie]

Just beautiful. I saw Ralph in Sydney last week... this was his last song. The concert was just so awesome, perfect sound quality and very intimate. Ralph's personality and stories between songs just filled the room, the depth of his lyrics amazed me and still linger a week later. He's such a legend.

[@justinwebb3117]

Omg!! Jealous! ❤😂😊

[@peterthompson1932]

My daughter took her husband and infant son on a trip to NZ and Australia recently. I got her a ticket to see Ralph in Adelaide and sent emails to Ralph whose songs Terminus and Grande Affaire I covered on my first CD. Somehow the message reached him and he graciously dedicated to latter song to Mimmi and posed for a couple of photos with her. He is class personified and I will always be grateful for his kind gesture.

[@BrendanCarroll-ld3xk]

Nice . . . Grande Affaire was a staple for me when I played solo in Oz, AMAZING song that !

[@peterthompson1932]

@@BrendanCarroll-ld3xk kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIm3lmSgirGjbqMsi=xcgy8K16AxlE9URF Thanks for writing!

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Still listening to this in '24 and the more I listen to it the better it gets !

[@m42tyn]

I saw Ralph on two consecutive nights a GLIve Guildford - this made me very tearful...loves lost and loves cast away. I have made some huge mistakes and hurt some beautiful ladies along the way but amazingly finished up with a lovely wife and family.Thanks all for you love and forgiveness if you can. x

[@Joe_Roberts]

Thanks for posting this. I was fortunate to see him play last night in a local church and this was the last song of the evening. What a delight that was…we walk amongst giants. 🤠👍

[@meldevlin3385]

I first saw Ralph play a crazy Irish festival named Lisdoonvarna in the late 1970's were he absolutely destroyed anyone who came before or after him that weekend and I was hooked for life and of course when he played From Clare To Here (the Irish county that the town of Lisdonvarna is in ) well you can just imagine, Ralph actually stopped playing and singing in mid song as he was crying and then the crowd at the concert brought the song home to its finish for him.A magical moment in music that I'll never ever witness again.

[@ericcampus7910]

His songs just take your breath away ….I always take my hat off 🤘

[@CBGuitars]

1974 the very first song I learnt to play was Streets Of London. Where have all those years gone? Ralph's voice is as sweet as ever, and his guitar playing is effortless.

[@mickymcl8359]

Another classic from Ralph, a true Artist. What a line, to remind the World when democracy died in the USA "spring came late in 63 it faded like a kiss and winter came in early and landed like a fist when Kennedy got shot in that open limo and drenched us all in blood and splintered bone right on our TV screen" Just brilliant. Thank you Ralph.

[@reic0002]

many years ago Ralph played at Bristol Colston Hall, where I saw him. I still have the ticket tucked inside my vinyl copy of Spiral Staircase.

[@jj-uk]

Few musicians have impacted a generation in the same way as this down-to-earth singer-songwriter. Still thinking, writing, recording, and performing. Master musician.

[@robertlevinson9188]

I sat on the stoop of the apartment on that corner, where they lived. Still makes me cry.

[@keithharris1270]

Lancaster university 1974 genius then genius now , thank you for the music Ralph

[@jeffpassaro6349]

Just heard of him, a big fan of American folk, he is really good and refreshing

[@hiitsmehereagain]

I grew up listening to him and seeing him in concerts he has been part of my life I’m 60 now

[@julies5462]

What a talent this man is

[@robertnorfolk6072]

The man's a genius, a true poet. Think it was 1968 Cambridge Folk Festival I first saw him. (It was his physical height which struck me then!). His autobiographies Angel Laughter and Summer Lightening moved me almost as much as his wonderful song lyrics.

[@Nigel-ie6gy]

Had the pleasure of seeing Ralph in concert last Sunday on the Isle of Wight . In my opinion this is what true music and songwriting is all about . I've been a fan of Ralph from the beginning and it's been a wonderful musical journey that still is ongoing . Many thanks for a great evening

[@patwaine8946]

Superb

[@gillinton3415]

Eye-moisteningly gorgeous exposition of how to write a song lyric.

[@casm4]

Absolutely agree. It makes me tear up. What an utterly beautiful song written by an absolute legend.

[@MrMassivefavour]

Every teenager should be made to listen to this and "the freewheelin'' In fact...it should be on the national curriculum to take a brief, vivid peak at what once was! This is what real song writing and delivery is about. This is what Bob Dylan was, what he meant to a generation at that precise time in history, what that time promised and ultimately failed to deliver. This song is a snapshot of a tragically beautiful and distant time. I've cried real tears listening to every musical and lyrical inflection in it. God knows what it would do to my parents.

[@manygate10]

Others too, eg Neil Young and Richard Thompson.

[@philiphamer565]

Superb. The most consistently satisfying balladier of his generation.

[@bobholden3749]

He Really Inspires Me I've Done A Few Covers Of His Song's

[@simonpickles6811]

I was in the audience and to my surprise Ralph was the star of the show.

[@mikebressler-notesfromplan1423]

Liked this song the first time I heard it here, but didn't realize how amazing a song it is until after listening a few times. Ralph McTell is an incredible singer/songwriter/musician.

[@chriswood1984]

This is absolutely stunning. The best thing I've heard all year.

[@equaliser2265]

Pure class ,unadulterated professionalism.

[@rogeratkinson8186]

I cannot tell you how much this man (Ralph McTell) changed my life. I was 40 when I first saw him in concert (Colchester 1986) and met him afterwards. The very next day I bought my first guitar and have taught myself to play many of his songs. I could never match his expertise on the instrument but I can achieve a very listenable rendition of some of his beautifully written pieces. His catalogue of work is extraordinary....... If you are not familiar with it I urge you to find it...... you will be amazed and transfixed for ever. If Ralph reads this...... my apologies for not keeping in touch but you know how thankful I have been and always will be.

[@bobholden3749]

He Really Inspired Me I've Done A Few Covers Of His Song's

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Brilliant ! Ralph has written many great songs and deserves more mainstream appreciation . If the rest of the album is as good as this ,we are in for a treat .I first saw him live in 1971 and quite a few times since . Hand on heart I can honestly say it has always been a " heart warming" experience . Most people have heard or heard of "streets of London " but that's only the tip of the "warmburg!"

[@velvetunderpants44]

MrACOUSTICPETE Amazing songwriter and performer. And I suppose it shouldn't matter, but always seemed a decent human being too.

[@cmcmarkets1]

AGREE 100%

[@johnrichardkirk]

I've been a fan/follower of Ralph McTell from his very early days. He's a genius!

[@philiphamer565]

Stunning. Sublime storytelling in song. Simply wonderful.

[@Epiphone100]

He truly is The Master !!!!!!!

[@mezzol]

The guy is a genius..deserves a knighthood for his contribution to folk music

[@patwaine8946]

He would probably reject it in memory of mr connaughton

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Best performance of this song I've heard him do . Keep on keeping on ! Legend !

[@pipsouster]

Always loved the man ...always loved his work ...a top talent of time

[@manygate10]

I first saw Ralph perform in around 1972. He has lasted well.

[@berniehowley2071]

One of the very best.

[@bernardbarry4258]

Fabulous performance!!!

[@md21656]

He still has got it going on.

[@lindagriffith77]

Adore this man

[@joytackett2128]

Beautiful. beautiful thanks for sharing love this

[@gabridelux453]

Thank you again ralph!!

[@karlhinkel6123]

just love him since ever

[@MrMassivefavour]

Now I'm crying...

[@casm4]

Gets to you doesn't it 😪😪😪😪.

[@rosemcpadden299]

Ralph McTell 🎸🌹💙 October 24,2023💖💙

[@charlesgoldstein4508]

Last week I had the strangest dream, that Ralph may be America bound. A lucid dream it was, I danced all over town. Hoping and praying and can’t wait to meet other American fans if it happens.

[@jasperhall5190]

When I was at school there was this boy in my year had a skiffle group. After he left a mate and I caught up with him at Les Cousins, followed him around the folk clubs in Southwest London and after I married and moved to Cornwall my wife and I went to several concerts and appearances. I never got round to chatting although we knew each other reasonably well at our old school John Ruskin in Croydon. I wish I'd spoken to him just to tell him of his influence on my musical life, but I'm sure he couldn't possibly remember me, why should he? Maybe we'll catch up some time. I still perform at small venues and folk clubs , his influence is immeasurable and he is a true National Treasure. Thanks for all the music Ralph. David Hall . Saltash

[@velvetunderpants44]

Cornish Jam Many times Irish musicians and sportspeople are said to be British by the British media (depending on their success) Ralph McTell is like the opposite. We've made him an honorary Irishman. And the honour is ours.

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

​@jasperhall5190 A lovely heartfelt tribute Hope Ralph makes contact with you..

[@WillesdenHerald]

According to Jules in his intro, the song was inspired by the picture on the cover of the album "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan".

[@sunnylotus1]

Yes, that is correct. Just seen Ralph in concert tonight at Eastbourne Hippodome. As he introduced this song he gave a full explanation. The picture is classic and Ralph brings out his poetic thoughts about its significance in the lyrics. It's a picture of a young and carefree ( ?) Bob with hands in pockets walking along some New York snowy street ( West 4th Street Greenwich village) with his girlfriend Suze Rotolo hanging on his arm. :)

[@sunnylotus1]

By the way, it was interesting to hear how much of an influence Woody Guthrie's songs had on Ralph. His picks up on some social justice issues and sings about them, often in an obliique way, but sometimes very directly. Beautiful lyrics and melodies with guitar and harmonica making up 'the orchestra'. Great concert which was fronted by great young duo, Smith and Brewer and they are excellent players and singers also.

[@nickkkyyy]

That makes sense, this song seems very Dylan influenced.

[@marwood1969]

"Well the world would keep on turning Young lovers drift apart Bob and Suze's rhyming steps leave their footprints on the heart in the jingle jangle morning Dylan and Rotolo In a freeze frame photograph Eternally tomorrow" It seems that this jewel of a song hasn't even had the lyrics posted anywhere on the net yet. Isn't it a funny old world? So beautiful and true and overlooked in favour of so much fakery and ugliness.

[@Ben_Mdws]

To quote that excellent Big Train sketch: “STREETS OF LONDON! STREETS OF LONDON!!”

[@QFIhawkman]

WHAT IS THIS!?! STOP IT!

[@JockLambert1972]

Sweet 👌🏻

[@Foiarty]

grande

[@Snarlygraph]

I wish my mate Bill was here to see/hear this.

[@larenardshop2580]

For me Ralph was always a lightweight "Folkie" it's so good to hear him write with a bit of mud on his boots!

[@thomassharmer7127]

McTell is no lightweight! I recommend exploring his catalogue to discover plenty of other examples of his artistic depth, social consciousness and virtuoso guitar playing.

[@dzing74]

look down there's tickle town, and there's the river tum...

[@Epiphone100]

Only just realised this is about Dylan and that famous pic !!!! Duh !!!!!

[@TheProgressiveScoop]

Does anyone know if this is on a specific album?

[@doctordunc]

The next one, I think :)

[@robkooy9885]

Anyone knows the full lyrics of this song? Artist and song not to be found on the net, not even on AZLyrics......

[@NickyGuitarmanUK]

Find a pad and a pencil , listen to the song again , write them lyrics as you go .... reprise to check you're right...... seemples ???

[@TheProgressiveScoop]

Does anyone know if this is on an album or an upcoming project?

[@bobholden3749]

He Really Inspired Me I've Done A Few Covers Of His Song's

[@Blindarthur]

On Ralph's new album Hill of Beans

[@nickkkyyy]

He represents a fine old folk tradition of singing about social causes and injustices in the world.It contrasts sharply with the trash singing of Rihanna or Beyonce where the body beautiful is all that matters.

[@adampleasance9567]

Streets of London!!

[@1jackct]

dont suppose anyone knows the chords to this

[@NickyGuitarmanUK]

It's clear as day from the Video........Starts with a G shape chord , capo on second fret..... so that's an A ...... then standard shapes .. C , Em and D......

[@ChrisSena]

Noooooo! What is this!? What's he doing!? Stop it.... STREETS OF LONDON!!!!