Streets Of London
Sinead O'Connor · Other Songs - Sinead O'Connor
kicking up the papers, 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,
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 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 sitting there, on his own
Looking at the world, over the rim of his tea-cup
Each day 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,
and lead you through the streets of London
I'll show you something, to make you change your mind
I'll show you something, to make you change your mind
Streets Of London
Sinead O'Connor's 1990 recording of 'Streets Of London' stands as a defining moment in her career, blending folk-rock instrumentation with her signature raw vocal delivery. Originally written by Paul Simon and released on his 1986 album, the track was reimagined by O'Connor for her 1990 debut album, Faith and Courage. Her version stripped away the original's acoustic simplicity, layering it with electric guitars and a driving rhythm section to create a grittier, more urgent atmosphere. The song became a global hit, resonating with audiences for its evocative depiction of urban life and social struggle. O'Connor's interpretation highlighted her ability to transform existing material into something distinctly personal and powerful, cementing her status as a major force in alternative music during the early 1990s.

