The London Boys Lyrics

Lyric discussion by DavidB 

Cover art for The London Boys lyrics by David Bowie

I'm pretty sure the lyric starts 'Bow bell strikes'. Traditionally, a true Cockney Londoner must be born within hearing distance of 'Bow bells' - the bells of the Church of St Mary-le-Bow.

Later on in the lyrics, it is 'mustn't lose face' not 'lose faith'.

It has been suggested that the song alludes to the world of 'rent boys' - male prostitutes - who did their business around Soho in the 60s.