We didn’t have nowhere to live.
We didn’t have nowhere to go.
Till someone said ‘I know this place off Burditt Road.’
It was on the fifteenth floor.
It had a board across the door.
It took an hour to pry it off and get inside.
It smelt as if someone had died.
The living-room was full of flies.
The kitchen sink was blocked.
The bathroom sink not there at all.
Ooh it’s a mess alright, yes it’s Mile End.

Mile End
Pulp (1996)

I hear the drizzle of the rain.
Like a memory it falls.
Soft and warm continuing.
Tapping on my roof and walls.

And from the shelter of my mind.
Through the window of my eyes.
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets.
To England where my heart lies.

My mind’s distracted and diffused.
My thoughts are many miles away.
They lie with you when you’re asleep.
And kiss you when you start your day.

And as a song I was writing is left undone.
I don’t know why I spend my time.
Writing songs I can’t believe.
With words that tear and strain to rhyme.

And so you see I have come to doubt.
All that I once held as true.
I stand alone without beliefs.
The only truth I know is you.

And as I watch the drops of rain.
Weave their weary paths and die.
I know that I am like the rain.
There but for the grace of you go I.

Kathy’s Song
Simon & Garfunkel (1966), Sounds of Silence

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man.
Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can.
And when it’s time for leavin’.
I hope you’ll understand.
That I was born a ramblin’ man.

Ramblin’ Man
The Allman Brothers Band (1973), Brothers and Sisters

Jack, he is a banker.
And Jane, she is a clerk.
And both of them save their monies.
when they come home from work.
Ooh, they be sittin’ down by the fire.
Oh, the radio does play.
The classical music, said Jim, the ‘march of the wooden soldiers’.
All you protest kids, you can hear Jack say, get ready.
Sweet Jane, come on, baby.
Sweet Jane, sweet Jane.

Sweet Jane
The Velvet Underground (1970), Loaded