Streets Of London - Ralph McTell featuring the Crisis Choir with guest vocalist Annie Lennox

Official video for Streets Of London, performed by Ralph McTell featuring the Crisis Choir and guest vocalist Annie Lennox. Buy the single here from
CD: ralphmctell.tm...
iTunes: smarturl.it/Str...
Amazon: amzn.to/2A1OSxA
Google Play: bit.ly/2AW2Wc1
The track is also available to stream on Spotify: open.spotify.c...
All proceeds go to Crisis and the work the charity does to help thousands of people on their journey out of homelessness every year.
STREETS OF LONDON Written and Performed by Ralph McTell.
Featuring The Crisis Choir with guest vocalist Annie Lennox.
Music Produced by Frank Gallagher.
Video Directed & Edited by James Miller.
Additional footage by Mann Bros, 3angrymen, James Miller.
P&C 2017 Crisis UK
Produced by Crisis UK, Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094.

[@doctordunc]

This should be Christmas number 1. Great song, great cause: let's get people talking about homelessness instead of who won the X Factor.

[@LizzieCornish]

Yes, Yes, YESSSSSSSSSS, Duncan, a thousand times over!

[@spendlebum5373]

Certainly should be, just heard it on Ken Bruce. lets getting downloading. Will give Crisis much deserved funds.

[@mikewood866]

You are absolutely right Duncan. I'm 60 and this song still gives me goose bumps. I only heard it played once on radio 2, so much for plugging a song for charity. I sometimes think people have got their priorities wrong, I mean Edd Sheeran and Beyonce, no contest.

[@nickkkyyy]

Quite true.Raplh comes from a tradition of liberal songs for causes and to make social comment.Now we are stuck with the inanity and shallowness of Rihanna,Beyonce etc.It's sad.

[@chrishb2u157]

@@LizzieCornish cvc,

[@veronicathecow]

Made me cry 50 years ago, makes me cry now. Thank you.

[@willemvangestel6820]

Thank you Veronica. I lived in Spain, France, Sweden, over five years in London, but never felt as lonely. I live in France now, but my neighbourgs don'i even greet me. It's endemic. By the way, I'm Dutch. I speek the local language, altho' being dislexia

[@MrBuster1938]

I have loved this song for ever long as it'd been recorded. I want it for my funeral.Together with I DID IT MY WAY SINARTRA. and STEVIE WONDER YOU ARE THRC SUB+NSHINCOF NY LIFE

[@glennishiggins3007]

Still makes me cry after all this time. I hope lots of money is raised. Homelessness is a disgrace in this day and age.

[@markprice1647]

Wow.. This made me, an old man, cry. I watched this 😢in May 2024, 50 years after singing it in primary school (folk singing with Mr Hall). It is sad to think that we, as a country haven't done a tap about homelessness. We would rather help a dog to get a home than a person.. We need to take a good look at ourselves l

[@MarieBenton-nm4pv]

Life is life x homeless x animals x I give food to homeless people x in Liverpool x bread water sandwiches x unfortunately not money for drugs or alcohol x got nice people friends who homeless x ❤

[@MarieBenton-nm4pv]

You a teacher

[@TheGJMVideos]

The worst thing about 'Streets of London' is that its lyrics are as true today as they were when Ralph McTell wrote them in the 1960's

[@maryanngarcia3080]

Probably even worse, I’m sure. At least in America it is.

[@FreddieOsifelo]

One of the greatest songs I've known!!!

[@gwenever4954]

This song strikes a cord so deeply within me, I may be a radio show presenter and a burlesque performer now, but at the end of the 80s I was homeless and lived on the streets for two years, I survived and turned my life around, but I saw so many of those around me die on the streets, and 30 years on it is still happening....

[@vc23]

I'm so glad you've turned your life around Gwen and that you have become a success, I work with the homeless and it is a MAJOR problem. People are bringing in donations, clothes, food etc now and we are inundated, but I wish people would donate throughout the whole year, not just for a few days over Christmas as they need help everyday of the year and not just one.

[@gwenever4954]

I agree whole heartedly with you. And it will take more than charity to solve the problem, it needs a real change in the way society treats those who are vulnerable and also ensuring everyone has a home is a basic right.

[@lakshmandalpadado9066]

One of the most outstanding songs of all time.

[@paulcarter3271]

Ralph and Annie at their brilliant best. I never tire of this song and it was never more relevant - if there is any justice it will be the Christmas No 1 (if there is still such a thing!)

[@MrKeefdave]

That is beautiful, how thirty people gave this a thumbs down, is beyond me.

[@marjol3in]

They are insane, they must be. Or just trolls

[@molybdaenmornell123hopp5]

You can't blame people for a lack of motor skills

[@randysquires8362]

They're Aussies. Thumbs down, down under is Thumbs up, Timmy.

[@marjol3in]

They have no soul

[@joecrazy1137]

They are definitely deaf!

[@anthonyaduhene]

A fabulous version. Bought tears to my eyes

[@musicquizmaker6890]

Wow, at 60 i haved always loved the original version, thanks Ralph and the crew for a great powerful version. God Bless.

[@plantin110]

If it was possible to make a song even better the Crisis choir - who know all about being homeless on the streets of London - have done it. Wonderful

[@darrenlangton3996]

One word "BRILLIANT" always loved this song, hope it raises millions...

[@pellepersson7681]

I still get goosebumps from Annies voice, a truly brilliant duett and choir!!

[@paulcurran9381]

This is painfully beautiful and deeply moving.

[@trinahart]

How can it be that the words in this song still stand today? What have we done to our poor in this country? Welcome 21stC Britain. Thank you Ralph McTell for this beautiful song...so moving.

[@terryofford4977]

My thoughts exactly, my last visions of leaving Britain in 1967 was of the streets in London,it's poverty and misery, displayed with broken men and women,rags for clothes, no roof over their heads, food was little more than scraps, rustled from garbage bins,I couldn;t take any more of this, I left after too many years seeing a government who didn't give a stuff about its own people.

[@alfching2499]

@@terryofford4977 Who got voted in by plain ordinary hard working people,how many times will they fool for these Parasites

[@AliB-dg5kq]

When the Black Dog visits this is the one song that helps me to see him on his way. There are always other people who are worse off than you or me. Ralph was a family friend in the 80s and 90s and he told a story of the time when he was giving Billy Connolly a lift and got lost. As BC remarked, how could the man who wrote Streets of London get lost in London?

[@Blindarthur]

Well done Ralph. I hope this raises much needed funds for Crisis UK.

[@davidallen1814]

The homeless situation in all of our cities is desperate - we can, and should, all do our bit to help - thank you Ralph, Annie and the Crisis Choir: a fantastic reminder at this time of year of just how fortunate most of us are! I'm supporting the cause by attending Ralphs Crisis at Christmas charity concert at the Half Moon in Putney and if we all spread the word then just maybe we can help to make this a very deserving Christmas No1.

[@rickputnam1381]

The message that this sends is incredible. Beautiful. Must have taken lots of work to put together, Thanks to all who participated,

[@wins2761]

Wonderful! London can be the leading 'Smart City' of the future with No One sleeping under the stars! Hats off to Crisis and all involved in services to the homeless and vulnerable.

[@arachne1960]

Just saw the choir on Channel 4 news just now and brought tears to these old eyes. Please everyone, if you are able, please buy the single.

[@colinmc4058]

One of the greatest songs ever.

[@colinpook4537]

the more I hear it, the more I lile it

[@LudwigHohlwein1974]

One of those great, unique songs. It always makes me consider those invisible citizens that are truly cast adrift. Well done Ralph. Peace

[@alexanderschestag3247]

What a wonderful version!

[@L_JLF367]

Makes you realise and appreciate what a privileged life most of us lead, myself included. It’s easy to feel hard done by and even easier to turn a blind eye when you see someone homeless on the street.

[@andymagin]

Spot on, my thoughts entirely. I am up in London next week, and aim to be far more compassionate.

[@karenmartin6196]

Wow - full on shivers down the spine!

[@maureencondon7415]

Beautiful, so heartwarming.

[@joannahodge3557]

This is such a stunning song. I cant listen without tears. Beautiful. x

[@stellamclarin904]

A real song with real people. Well done to all of you

[@kevinyork9975]

Well done Ralph, Annie Lennox and all those involved. I vow to buy a copy for Christmas.

[@theodebrandt15]

Ralph McTell - Streets of London Have you seen the old man In the closed-down market Kicking up the paper with his worn out shoes In his eyes you see no pride And 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 that the sun don't shine Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London I'll show you something to make you change your mind. Have you seen the old girl Who walks the streets of London Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags She's no time for talking She just keeps right on walking Carrying her home in two carrier bags. So how can you tell me you're lonely And say for you that the sun don't shine Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London I'll show you something to make you change your mind. In the all night cafe At a quarter past eleven Same old man is sitting there on his own Looking at the world Over the rim of his tea-cup Each tea last an hour Then he wanders home alone. So how can you tell me you're lonely And say for you that the sun don't shine Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London I'll show you something to make you change your mind. And have you seen the old man Outside the seaman's mission Memory fading with The medal ribbons that he wears In our winter city The rain cries a little pity For one more forgotten hero And a world that doesn't care. So how can you tell me you're lonely And say for you that the sun don't shine Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London I'll show you something to make you change your mind...

[@Weldingrod2023]

30 people with no life of there own…. This song is legendary 🫡

[@jasminehadi6501]

I was crying before the first 30 seconds :(

[@ericpaulband]

this is wonderful !

[@TheKevolution]

I remember my dad singing this when I was just a boy and it always resonated then (he was a master of the sad song and could easily bring a tear to my eye). The song has lost none of it's magic or power over the years and this version is beautiful. I need to get my hands on this version, thank you.

[@marjol3in]

My dad sung it to me as well in the early 80's

[@moragmckay3779]

Why did I not know this version had been released? Heartbreaking that it's still relevant after all these years.

[@warbseven8613]

A masterpiece of songwriting.

[@chriseasdon3536]

Agreed

[@barbaraward9926]

Great song which has always made me cry, but even more so in 2017 as social dislocation and poverty continue to affect vulnerable people in the UK and our government remains impassive

[@peterprice5896]

Annie you are amazing as are all the beautiful people who sing on this tune.

[@sallybeckham4574]

Very moving. Homelessness is a terrible situation here in San Diego, too. I shared this beautiful video.

[@colinrandall5525]

I added this comment, Sally, at www.salutlive.com/2017/12/cover-story-33a-streets-of-london-ralph-mctell-or-mctell-with-annie-lennox-for-crisis-homeless-chari-2.html You seemed to sum up everything

[@mitchmitchell8331]

A great reworking of this timeless classic. Well done to all. (I wonder who the one 'dislike' is from)

[@rjjcms1]

Nicholas Van Hoogstraaten.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Dislike could only be from someone with no taste...why listen...the whole world knows, or should, this song word by word!

[@johnstefanovic9738]

Someone who owns 10 houses

[@philsheath]

This was beautiful in the 60's it is still beautiful and just as poignant 50 years later. Ralph Mctell for prime minister!

[@molybdaenmornell123hopp5]

Let's not have him ruined.

[@robbofizz]

Just beautiful and sad at the same time.

[@sprusslac]

Glorious. Bravo! Beautiful performance by beautiful people.

[@paulsullivan445]

One of the best versions of the greatest song of all time. It has been with me since about 1968 and means as much now as it did then.

[@Michele-yi2ck]

Wonderful and uplifting!!

[@veraishani4702]

Oh Wow! In the past 24 hours, two songs have catapulted me back to my childhood. Yesterday I stepped into a church for the first time in a couple of years... and we actually sang the hymn 'this is my story' my childhood favorite and the song that defines my life. 'Streets of London', believe it or not, was another childhood favorite (strange child). As a child growing up in Wiltshire in the 70's I never knew London but this song birthed compassion in me for the people it talks about. People with hearts, feelings, pain, hope, memories, and a story just like you and me. I woke up this morning and this song strangely came to mind. I have been singing it all day.

[@niv8880]

Reading this from Trowbridge Wiltshire! - I'm a grownup now but grew up in Trowbridge in the 70s too. I moved away but back now to look after my mum who is terminal. Although this is a favourite, my top tune is Sound of Silence but the version sung by Disturbed.

[@robertburns3087]

Dear Vera Ishani,I am so glad to know that you feel the same as I do about Streets of London I've sung that song all my life, God bless you and bless you more

[@kyranmccourt1846]

Please support the song,it will so kind and loving of you.

[@ianbainbridge2783]

so heres a thought-why doesn't TV show this wonderful bittersweet video every Christmas Day at 3pm instead of the Queens speech?-just a thought

[@DRAINPIPE57]

What a great song for christmas with a true meaning to put the message across to,all the homeless that face the cold and dark surroundings of London . Shame Annie Lennox doesnt make a apperance on the video Hrard this on Radio 2s Ken ruce snow this morning Should be the Xmas number 1

[@sofamousithurts4794]

This should be number 1, instead of talentless crap like Beyonce or X Factor.

[@robertstroud7081]

I have seen Ralph in concert over 30 times and heard this song hundreds of times, it has always been a great song but this version is the most moving version I have heard. A lovely man, a terrific guitar player, wonderful story teller and a truly warm human being.

[@CheekyFest]

Wonderful! I saw / heard Ralph perform this song on his own at the Royal ALbert hall around 2004 +/-. My mum used to sing it at home. Love Annie Lennox and the choir.

[@vincecarnevale4406]

Very nice version,along with superb photography.Heart warming.

[@maryanngarcia3080]

People are apathetic,until they become homeless. And yes,it can happen to any one of us.

[@Robi6942]

Absolutely beautiful - brought a tear!

[@mandy2012100]

what a lovely song it bring back so many sad days lets make it number 1

[@davidallsop7678]

This song is just simply amazing.

[@dripsey3]

I don't think we have ever had such a disconnected world, what I mean is the human element, the human touch. Every individual has a story to tell and Ralph captures that in this song. This version is incredible. We all need to be just a little bit more human, take your eyes off your device and look around, think about what you can do to make someone's life a little bit better. It can be the smallest thing.

[@toecutterz1000]

i well remember this song from back in the day....i'm also ashamed to say that in all those decades since , i / we have not done much more to end the misery that occurs nightly on our city's streets , despite during all that time being one of the most wealthy nations in the world. but you know, the really depressing thing is...... ii's very likely that many decades from now someone else will be re-recording this song... because it will still be relevant...for the very same reasons. peace n love T.C.

[@cmcc3721]

toecutterz1000 we've actually gone backwards. Severely. 20 years ago the majority of homeless would have the option of local authority accommodation albeit after a short wait. That option is no longer there. And kids without a permanent residence was absolutely unheard of.

[@JudithBarrowauthor]

Brilliant!! Well done Ralph. I hope this raises much needed funds for Crisis UK.

[@sacredcowmusicjukebox]

Universal anthem for all the lonely and discarded

[@rosemariegray3977]

Theres my uncle

[@samchapman4106]

Brilliant, love it...hope it tops the charts and raises much needed funds

[@anneoconnor9203]

So moving!

[@jansteadman1]

I am so blessed with family this Christmas it seems the least to do giving something to help this brilliant charity

[@squidzmusic8566]

I thought I saw I wondered ...then this this.

[@darkthewolf4877]

Just as poignant 50 years ago as it is today will always make cry make this emotional beautiful song Christmas number 1 It could be any town or city in England homelessness should be a thing of the past & not happening in the in this day & age Councils should reinstate housing benefits for the under 25 i think this has created a massive increase in the homeless problem I hope this amazing song raises loads of money for crisis uk

[@hollybowler]

This is just beautiful. (And the bearded guy on the left at 3:42 looks like an older Duncan Lacroix.)

[@sallya7170]

Crying........thank you!

[@AngelaTopping]

this song will run forever and stay fresh.

[@colinpook4537]

hear-hear

[@Cottonlass]

Good work Alan Evans Love the singing so proud of you

[@maryamali9646]

"let me take you by the hand and take you through the streets of Palestine"

[@burghquay]

I’m listening to this - on the one hand uplifted by its beauty and watching a performance that adds so much more to an already great song…..On the other hand I can’t stop bawling my eyes out with the poignancy of it.

[@marctyley]

Perfect on all levels. |Thank you.

[@jasonbarker7539]

I defy anyone to not be moved by this song Homelessness...our national shame

[@jamesburscough5662]

Top notch Ralph. Good luck! :)

[@danielgerbaulet8701]

Wonderfull and sad at the same time....

[@squashdevicer]

This song is forever relevant.

[@michael5089]

Why have I only just heard this. Absolutely beautiful 👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@maryinengland3388]

Brilliant - well done to all!

[@andrewchild1691]

Thanks Ralph you are one brilliant singer song writer and this is one of my favourite songs that i sing along with i may sound bad at singing but who cares. Good luck with raising the funds 😊

[@jk12dunne]

love this my father used to sing this with us

[@MarkJones-mc2tz]

Brilliant! I feel a Christmas no' 1 coming ....

[@medusadiva]

Love this version. Annie Lennox and the choir make it even more special

[@petewillow2977]

Fabulous arrangement and as relevant today as ever.

[@simonpark7026]

I've loved this song for 50 years, but never more than now. Beautifully updated, still heartbreakingly lovely.

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Share this in your FB page to encourage people to purchase the video and support this incredibly important and worthwhile cause. Please!

[@reb-xu9di]

Enigma Bletchley: I have done so. I've always loved this song but caught the tale end of this version on the radio a few days back and have bought the hard copy. Ed Miller also does a fine copy.

[@missdanielle67]

Enigma Bletchley I did!

[@a.g.phoenix]

thank you for giving a face to the people on the street unfortunately there are still far too many faces living in solitude.

[@singerd0697]

We are so vulnerable and...human . Hope we can solve these problems in our collective soul

[@cov182004]

What a fantastic remake of a very favourite to me. Bought it and spreading the word

[@aodx8561]

Bravo to Crisis for everything they do, and to Ralph McTell, Annie Lennox and the Crisis Choir for this beautiful but bleak reminder of why organisations like Crisis are still so vital.

[@Keithbarber]

Having been associated with crisis I knew some of the problems some of the choir members faced And I know them personally If the song doesn't make your eyes moist, their stories will

[@franciss7147]

Absolutely incredible and moving. I change the lyrics from London to my home town, now that I live in Glasgow this song has become very real to me. The homelessness is so public and on show here, as I'm sure it is in most places in the UK. The sad this is that this song is still so real now as it was when it was first written. Working together surely we can beat homelessness in modern Britain?

[@alangourlay3383]

Brilliant

[@bristolblue3884]

Wow, makes me realise how fortunate I am 👏👏👏👍

[@richardcummins5465]

People sleeping in the GUTTERS whilst illegals are given 3 star hotel accommodation.Why Why WHY WHY? WESTMINSTER WHATS YOUR EXCUSES? Speak up ,can't hear you!

[@micheuobadiah3695]

Sstreets ..HAS LIVED with me eversince I FIRST HEARD IT IN THE 70S AND im now over 70..Gret song this,easy to sing along...

[@squidzmusic8566]

...with respect, can you make one for the Veterans of all the conflicts that have ever been, anywhere, and everywhere, and still are? Just asking.

[@squidzmusic8566]

my request is in absolute respect, those from WW1, Faulklands, 911, Ghan, WOMD, Korea, Vietnam, Solomons, Fiji, PNG, WW2, the ones who will Serve WW3, Ukraine, Taiwon, South Korea, we as humans do like to kill ourselves, poverty by alffluence or conflict, or geograph. Tis all the same. Humans.

[@crisishomelessness]

Hi - we're a homelessness charity rather than a veterans support organisation. Fortunately, thanks to the work of many veterans' groups the number of ex-service people now facing homelessness, specifically rough sleeping has dropped considerably over the last few decades from 20% of all street dwellers to about 6%. That's still not ideal but at least it's going in the right direction.

[@squidzmusic8566]

@@crisishomelessness that is awesome! Keep up the fantastic work. Cheers.

[@andrewgallant184]

Nothing's changed since Ralph McTell wrote this song. He's one of Britain's best-ever singer-songwriters.