streets of london


Streets of London
London from Ralph Mctell is considered as folklore for two main reasons. Firstly, this song reflects a culture shared by London citizens, especially old people. Mctell describes certain conditions which are encountered by old generations about their loneliness. Since those scenes depicted from the song is a common experience for old people, it can be considered as a shared culture, which is an essential characteristic of folklore. Secondly, the acoustic style of Streets of London is relatively closer to folk songs. It can not be defined as classic because it is just played by a guitar instead of an established form of symphony or orchestra. Not only the instrument but also the natural keys of “C”, “G”, “D” and the time signature of 4/4 define this song as folk music.
The reason I choose this song is that I have heard this song before, and it was once singed by one of my parent’s favorite singer, Leslie Cheung. When I was listening to the Streets of London, this song resonates a sense of loneliness with me. When we are no longer young after decades, are we going to be like what the song sings? What will be waiting for us in the end? Would there be a crying rain for forgotten heroes and a world which does not care?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiWomXklfv8

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