THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.
223-Ralph McTell-Streets Of London.
1974-Number 2 single.
Best Bit-At 0.38.Some people of a certain age may know him better for ‘Alphabet Zoo’ and ‘Tickle on the Tum.’
In the 1980’s Ralph McTell wrote and played songs for both of those children’s television programmes.
McTell was born Ralph May on December 3rd,1944 in Croydon,London.He modelled his guitar playing on Blues artists such as Robert Johnson which led a friend to suggest he change his professional name to McTell. He was also named Ralph after the acclaimed composer Ralph Vaughan Williams as his father Frank was employed as his gardener before World War 2.
McTell originally recorded Streets Of London in 1969 but left it off his debut Album ‘Eight Frames A Second’ because he considered it too gloomy,it was legendary producer Gus Dudgeon who persuaded him to include it on his second Album release,’Spiral Staircase.’
The song was inspired by McTell’s experiences busking and hitchhiking throughout Europe,especially in Paris.He was originally going to call the song Streets Of Paris,but there was already a song called ‘The Poor People Of Paris.’The song contrasts the common problems of everyday people with those of the homeless,lonely,elderly,ignored and forgotten members of society.
‘So how can you tell me you’re lonely and say for you that the sun don’t shine.’
PLEASE SHARE TO REACH A WIDER AUDIENCE.
The countdown continues tomorrow at 1.0.pm.