Two Little Boys
Rolf Harris
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Two little boys had two little toys Each had a wooden horse Gaily they played each summer's day Warriors both of course One little chap then had a mishap Broke off his horse's head Wept for his toy then cried with joy As his young playmate said Did you think I would leave you crying When there's room on my horse for two Climb up here Jack and don't be crying I can go just as fast with two When we grow up we'll both be soldiers And our horses will not be toys And I wonder if we'll remember When we were two little boys Long years had passed, war came so fast Bravely they marched away Cannon roared loud, and in the mad crowd Wounded and dying lay Up goes a shout, a horse dashes out Out from the ranks so blue Gallops away to where Joe lay Then came a voice he knew Did you think I would leave you dying When there's room on my horse for two Climb up here Joe, we'll soon be flying I can go just as fast with two Did you say Joe I'm all a-tremble Perhaps it's the battle's noise But I think it's that I remember When we were two little boys Do you think I would leave you dying There's room on my horse for two Climb up here Joe, we'll soon by flying Back to the ranks so blue Can you feel Joe I'm all a tremble Perhaps it's the battle's noise But I think it's that I remember When we were two little boys
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Written by: ALAN BRADEN, EDWARD MADDEN, THEODORE MORSE
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Release History"Two Little Boys" by Rolf Harris was initially released in 1969. It quickly gained popularity and became one of the most beloved songs of its time.
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Chart PerformanceThe song topped the UK Singles Chart in December 1969, where it stayed for six weeks. It was also the UK Christmas number one single that year.
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Song Origin"Two Little Boys" is actually a century-old American civil war song. It was written by Theodore Morse and Edward Madden in 1902.
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Concept and StoryThe song tells a tale of two boys who played war in their childhood, and then end up fighting in a real war as adults. It highlights the bond and sacrifice between two friends.
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Popular CultureThe song was utilized in an advertisement for McDougall's flour. The ad recreated the scene from the song, using two small boys playing with a toy horse and cart.
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Notable CoverThe popular animated show "The Simpsons" featured a cover of this song in its 14th episode of the 17th season, in 2006.
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Song SignificanceFor many years, it was a traditional closing song in the Anzac Day dawn service in Australia and New Zealand, symbolizing the bond, friendship, and sacrifice of soldiers during the war.
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ControversyDespite the song's popularity, Rolf Harris’s conviction in 2014 for indecent assaults had led to controversy and in some cases, calls for the song's removal from public platforms.
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Audiobook VersionIn 2008, an audiobook version of the song was released, narrated by Rolf Harris himself, further expanding the reach and influence of the song.
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ImpactDespite the controversy surrounding its singer, "Two Little Boys" is still considered one of the most influential songs in British music history, with an enduring impact on popular culture.
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Genre"Two Little Boys" by Rolf Harris is categorized primarily under the folk music genre but it also has elements of narrative ballad.
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Release DateThe song was released in late 1969, specifically on 28 November of that year.
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Chart Performance"Two Little Boys" was a massive success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for six weeks.
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Original SongRolf Harris' version is actually a cover. The song was originally written by American songwriter Theodore Morse and lyricist Edward Madden, and first published in 1902.
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War ThemeThe song tells a story of two brothers who grow up to fight in a war, drawing parallels between their childhood games and their later experiences on the battlefield.
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Legal IssuesDespite the song's popularity, it has been involved in some controversy due to Rolf Harris's conviction in 2014 and imprisonment for sexual offenses. As a result, BBC stated that they would not play the song on their channels.
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Australian ConnectionAlthough Rolf Harris was born in Western Australia, the song itself doesn't reference Australia. However, its narrative of brotherly bonds and experiences in warfare resonated with many Australians, especially those with family who served in wars such as World War I and II, and Vietnam War.
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LegacyIn 2009, the song was mentioned in the British House of Commons as a popular tune among British troops serving in Afghanistan.
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Pop CultureThe song was used in TV series and films several times, such as in the British series "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" and Australian mini-series "Anzacs".
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Instrumentation"Two Little Boys" is characterized by the use of the "wobble board" - a large, flexible board that produces a characteristic oscillating sound when "wobbled" - which became something of a signature instrument for Rolf Harris.
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Citation
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