Life is challenging … yet so many are caring,
compassionate … with people coming to the fore helping others …
I applaud particularly the medics, supporting
organisations, facilitators …
 |
| Ralph McTell and Tom Paxon 2007 |
Ralph McTell having resisted changing his song ‘Streets
of London’ … he has come up with another verse pertinent to this extraordinary
moment in history …
Here's the moving result:
In shop doorways, under bridges, in all our towns and cities
You can glimpse the makeshift bedding from the corner of your eye
Remember what you're seeing barely hides a human being
A short #WATWB – help; listen; understand … :
“We’re all in this together, brother, sister, you and I.”
 |
| Portobello Road |
Streets of London – full lyrics …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
45 comments:
We *are* all in this together. So far, people seem to fall into two camps. The first group abides by the advice, social distances, shops sensibly. The second group considers self above all and puts others at risk. 'Twas ever thus, I suppose.
Keep well, Hilary.
Hari OM
I heard the song on the radion yesterday - wonderful stuff. Thank you for breaking it out and highlighting it! YAM xx
we are or should be in this together - in spirit, in reality, in virtual space, etc. It's easy to turn inward since we are stuck inside, but instead look out the window and keep shining those lights. You are correct in posting this. Thanks
I'm not very musical and can't hold a tune but you have given me an ear worm now.
hope you are keeping well.
O those words are so powerful Hilary, thank you for highlighting them. Yes, our medics, nurses, those who bring and/or donate medical supplies are true heroes. As is each and everyone who reaches out ... Thank you, stay safe and well.
I went to some fine folk club appearances and concerts by Ralph back in the day, though I must admit I grew to hate that excellent song. To explain: I was in London in the early seventies and went to many folk clubs where the worst floor singer would always belt out or mumble through "Streets Of London". Sometimes they forgot the words half way through - those were the best nights!
It really is amazing how many people are coming forward to help others. On the one hand you have the selfish hoarders, on the other the generous spirited helpers. I know which ones I prefer. There’s hope for humanity yet.
Take care Hilary.
We are indeed all in it together as there is now hardly a place untouched by the virus.
@ Janice - yes ... we are all in it together aren't we - thank goodness the largest group is the kindest, thoughtful crowd. As you say though ... 'twas ever thus ... you too, take care ...
@ Yam - great ... it's a fun song - if one doesn't hear it too often - I just loved the new lyrics: so appropriate for today ...
@ Joanne - thanks ... your post was a delight! There is quiet here ... but it is history - so we'll see where it leads us. We need to stay up and running ... even if behind the glass - take care ...
@ Bob - good to see you ... I must be like you ... sorry about the ear-worm ... we get these at times. All well as far as I'm concerned ... I'm lucky - long may it last ...
@ Susan - thank you ... McTell seemed to hit the right note here ... and his interview article is very informative.
Like you our peoples are coming together, inevitably there are 'the unthinking, selfish few', but so fortunate to have so many wonderful peoples ...
@ John - I can understand hearing 'Streets of London' all the time you'd grow to prefer not to have it sung - though they way you're describing it - when the amateur singers got the words wrong or forgot them ... must have been fun ...
But brilliant to have heard him in person ... your love of folk songs rings out to us ...
@ Friko - I think it's wonderful seeing and hearing all the peoples who have stepped forward and put their hands up in this time of crisis ... there is hope for humanity: definitely ...
@ Alex - yes ... the virus is really spreading its dreaded wings - and sounds quite devastating to get ...
Thanks so much for visiting - we know we're in challenging times ... just so difficult this self-isolation thing - I feel for so many ... take care all of you - Hilary
We are indeed all in this together - something I hope we remember. Remember and act on.
We are the World has never felt more pertinent to me - thank you.
We're all in this together ... seems to be the theme for these trying times. Stay safe!
"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
Show you something to make you change your mind".
I remember the words sooo well! And I remember 1969 very well too.
My husband saw this and he was going to put it on his FAcebook but he didn't because he has put Ralph McTell on there before but no one knows him here in Georgia so he didn't! Glad you have it on your blog. We are big Ralph McTell fans! I love that he wrote that new verse.
@ EC - you're right 'We are the World' ... we (humans) are 'it' - so we need to protect all we have, being aware of life and what's needed now ... the planet will survive ...
@ Ian - yes ... I do hope you're all well and managing ...
@ Hels - he did have some wonderful songs didn't he - and I've always loved listening to his music - and I too remember 1969 ...
@ Kay - good to see you and thanks for commenting ...
All the best and take care everyone of you and your families - Hilary
Lovely, Hilary, and very fitting for him to add that verse. What are the homeless doing these days? I cannot imagine how tough that must be!
Hello Hilary: It is indeed a time for the better side of humans to rise to the top, and I think that for the most part that is happening. I am appreciative of all those who do the right thing by social distancing etc but I am especially grateful for the clerks in the grocery store, the shelf stockers, the people who ensure I can still buy wine, and of course for the nurses, doctors and others who work obscenely long hours, often at considerable personal risk. I am grateful for a young graduate student I mentored a little during her undergraduate years offering to shop for us and deliver groceries. I am enormously thankful for friends who offered to make latkes and kugel for us and drop it off at the front door. I am filled with admiration for my wife who is making masks and donating them. She ran out of the right size of elastic she needs for them, and with nowhere open to buy more, she launched a Facebook appeal. The doorbell would ring and little paper bags would be in the porch, sometimes with only a metre or so. Now she is making them with ties. So much is challenging, so much is difficult, but there is still a bright spark of humanity illuminating our world too.
Hi, Hilary - We ARE all in this together. Now is the time to do the right thing!
“We’re all in this together, brother, sister, you and I.” That is so true - no matter where you live - how much money you have - anything...............
A worthy post for this event, Hilary. I think it's all over the world, too. We certainly have many here in the US. Stay healthy, friend!
Hi-ya, Hilary. That's a brilliant song. Thanks so much for sharing it. Yes, we are all in this together. I always hoped for the world to become more united, but this isn't exactly what I had in mind. (Maybe I should've been more specific?) In spite of the challenges, I have faith that we'll emerge stronger than ever. And hopefully, the sense of unity will endure.
Take care, sweet lady. Cheers!
A most excellent #WATWB share Hilary. We ARE all in this together, and great gratitude to all those on the front line medically, and to all those all-too-hidden workers keeping the essential businesses running. It is my hope one of the things that comes from this challenge is the re-ordering of what's important and the remembrance of what gifts we can all be to each other.
That's one of my favourite songs Hilary. And how very pertinent that last verse is.
A group both Matt and I very much admire, Celtic Thunder, do a wonderful rendition of it on one of their DVDs. Makes me tear up every time.
Yep the whole world is in this one, some in tighter lockdown then others. We cannot move without a permit. Thank goodness for being in the country and having a good size garden. Stay safe Diane
So delighted that Ralph McTell has written that extra verse ... I met him last year and he's such a lovely man. Well deserving of a special mention by you Hilary.
There's been wonderful kindness on show through this - stay safe Hilary x
Beautiful share and lessons Hilary Hugs Stay safe!
Such beautiful lyrics, Hilary. How bad is COVID in the area where you live? I heard about Prince Charles and Boris Johnson having the virus, but the newscasters mostly talk about the U.S., China, and Italy.
Love,
Janie
Such strong beautiful lyrics and so apt for the time we live in.
Here the homeless are housed for the lock down I hope it will become permanent Take care
Absolutely - we ARE all in this together and it is somehow so strange that it took a virus to unite the world. Although equalities still abound, sadly. Thank you for sharing these amazing lyrics. Stay well and safe.
@ Val – good to hear your news … there’s been a directive that local authorities should house the homeless … difficult, but I hope the homeless will feel they can take advantage and that the councils can provide housing, shelter and appropriate services: food etc …
@ David – thanks for your news … yes it seems mainly that people are adhering to the governmental directives … sadly a few do not realise the implications of any breaches. Thank you for mentioning so many of the responsible workers who continue to do so much for us …
You very clearly set out how wonderful your community is being to its neighbours … helping in so many ways … I’m sure there are areas here doing similarly. I’m in a larger town, but with people around who will help … and I’m sure the town is pulling together … but as you point out there is a bright spark of humanity illuminating our world … long may it spread. Congratulations to Miriam for making as many masks as she can … a woman of many talents …
@ Donna – yes we must do the best we can in the circumstances … most importantly staying away from others …
@ Sandie – yes social distancing and being fair to one and all applies to each and every one of us … so right …
@ Jacqui – thank you … sadly it is spreading – but let’s hope we can work out the best way of dealing with it and we can overcome it …
@ Susan – it’s an amazing song isn’t it … as are others I keep hearing. I know I too always wanted the world to be ‘more together’, appreciate each other’s traditions and cultures … and learn from them … respect each human for them being a ‘human being’ … unity, not individualism …
@ Deborah – thank you … fortunately I spotted the interview and felt it was appropriate. We really need to continue to remember the workers behind the scenes – the medics, essential services … and I do hope they will always be acknowledged. It will be such good news if we can re-order the world … as you mention and wish for …
@ Jo – ‘Streets of London’ as a song comes to the fore quite often … and it is so appropriate now. Obviously the Irish touch yours and Matt’s hearts … that lilt … Celtic Thunder have a great following … good for them …
@ Diane – it’s interesting seeing how each country is regulating – I just hope we all come out of it safe and sound. I’d love a garden – but wrong timing! Still I’m fine – thank you …
@ Fil – how amazing you met Ralph McTell – he does seem a very humble man … and that must have been a real treat. People are being so helpful and considerate …
@ Debby – thanks for coming by …
@ Janie – the lyrics do ring true today don’t they. Covid is indiscriminate isn’t it … we are relatively safe here … there have been one or two instances: we just need to ensure that stays that way … stay safe where you are …
@ Marja – it is an interesting addition to the song – the lyrics so appropriate. I too hope we’ll re-evaluate our homeless helping them more in the decades ahead …
@ Kalpana – thanks for coming by – we are all in it together in varying states of development … I just hope the world’s leaders will realise there are advantages in working together, while respecting each other’s cultures and traditions … selfishness doesn’t do anyone, or any country, any good …
Thanks everyone – I’m safe and hope to stay that way … to you all look after your family, yourselves and neighbours – all the best - Hilary
I've never been more thankful for my blog than right now. All together now!
Indeed, we are all in this together.
We are all in this together and how blessed I feel to have a blog right now. We bloggers are truly all in this together. I appreciate your friendship so much, Hilary. Take care and stay well.
Yep, we are all in this together. Worldwide. Take care.
I haven't heard this in years, such a great song. Music really is a vehicle for meaning and messages. Thanks so much for sharing and for being a part of #WATWB. Stay safe and be well! :)
Thanks for such a beautiful post. I hope you and your family are fine.
Greetings from London.
@ Keith - I so agree ... I'm delighted I've got my blog ... helped me through the duration of my mother's illness - and now obviously this ...
@ Deb - good to see you ... we are in it together aren't we ...
@ Inger - you and me both ... especially because our lives might have crossed in some ways ... as ours have; we can find like-minded peoples too ... with other viewpoints - whom we'd have never met or read their views ... I find it fascinating - as well as appreciating the 'surprising' friendships many of us have developed.
@ Liz - yes ... you too ...
@ Belinda - that's great ... as I know your husband is a musician - so can see this would resonate in your household ...
@ ACIL - thanks for visiting ... it's just one of those songs in my early life ...
Thanks so much to you all - I hope that you are keeping well, your family and friends are too ... all the very best - Hilary
There are always those who will step up and do whatever needs to be done, It's the most beautiful thing about humanity. Thanks for sharing such wonderful words!
I hope you are taking care too. For some of us being alone and unsociable is easy, ;) So I truly feel for those who aren't used to it.
Stay safe, stay well!
I’ve always liked that song. I didn’t know about the new verse - perfect!
This is powerful Hilary. When our governments tell us to stay home, what about those who don't have a home to stay in? These times are bad, but a lot worse for some.
Hope you're doing well, Hilary!
Indeed we are. Well said.
Oh, that's inspiring, I hadn't heard that one!
@ Renee - thanks for coming over ... yes there are people who are stepping up across the plate and helping where they can. We so often forget the homeless ... yet we can be uplifted with the music ...
@ Anabel - that's great I was able to introduce you to the new verse ... it's so appropriate ...
@ Denise - thanks so much ... yes exactly - the people who don't have a home to go to ...
@ Sandra - thanks for coming back ...
@ Deniz - great to see you ... and so pleased I was able to introduce you to this new verse ...
Thanks everyone - just take care ... so much going on and I'll be seeing you around the blogosphere - cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary, “Promulgated”......a great word! A huge shame on how this hotel burnt down. You reminded me of class and I checked when the Titanic went down, 1912. There was a Titanic exhibit at our museum a number of years ago. “Class” was very much on display.
Fascinating how a Roman Villa stood at this point.
You did make me smile on the “gustatory nine months.” Very unpredictable times. I greatly appreciate your post, Hilary. An interesting diversion. Take care and stay safe.
We are all in this together for sure. Staying home and keeping distance is not only for our own good, but to help others. We are also seeing what is important. I am always happy to see kindness and people helping others.
Hugs and stay safe!
~Jess
@ Erica - yes ... I do love words. I have to write up about 'class' and our promenade - I just need to find the article I want to refer to - but the Titanic was very much linked to class ... we had a plaque up at our church when I was at school to the people from the parish lost in its sinking - always remembered by me.
There was a lot of Roman development along the coast - as it was the easy way to travel and keep connections ...
I note I'm not the only one thinking about the nine month aspect ... lots of babies due ...
While your comment (I think) must refer to the next post about Eastbourne and its promenades ...
@ Jess - we are still in it all together ... I just hope by being sensible we can see this thing out - but now in mid June - it's obviously going to take a while yet.
People are being quite extraordinary ... you are so right there ...
Thanks to you both - and hope all well - Hilary
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