Carl Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Here's the first Sonfact on this one: This was originally recorded by British Music Hall star Harry Lauder in 1903. It tells the story of 2 brothers who share horses as boys and later share them in battle during the civil war. We had a user ask if this is the US Civil war. I thought it was, but the song wasn't written by an American. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyguitar Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 (edited) Two Little Boys Melody - Theodore F. Morse, 1903 Edward Madden 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; Cried for his toy, Then cried for 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. we'll soon be flying; 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 passed, War came so fast; Bravely they marched away. Cannons roared loud And in the mad crowd Wounded and dying lay. Up went a shout - A horse dashes out, Out from the ranks so blue. Galloped away To where Joe lay And 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 Back to the ranks so blue. Do you know, 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." I think Gary Glitter did a version.... The 'out from the ranks so blue' line might be a clue....? Edited December 9, 2005 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesboy Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 This doesn't help too much, but the song is listed. civilwarpoetry.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edna Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 (edited) Both Morse (music) and Madden (lyrics) were American. Morse was born in Washington and Madden was born in New York. So they are probably talking about Civil War. I know I should search for some information and write it myself in order to submit it, but meanwhile I found some information about Madden here. And This might help too. Edited December 10, 2005 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Clown Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 I remember years ago hearing Rolf Harris, who had a number one in the UK with this song, explain that he first heard it when it was sung to him by an Aborigine in the Australian outback. Not sure it has to be about a specific war does it.... why can't it just be a song about two people who happen to be in a war, any war? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blind-fitter Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Not aware of a Gary Glitter version, but UK punk band Splodgenessabounds did a cracking version of this. You can't beat Rolf's rendition though, I don't think... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daslied Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Gary, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly and Pete Townshend should record a "USA For Africa"-style version to raise bail money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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