The Two-Up Song

Words: Unknown
Tune: John Kellette (I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles)



I'm forever playing two-up
Tossing pennies in the air
They fly so high
Nearly reach the sky
When they come tails
I nearly die

Coppers always hiding
Hiding everywhere
I'm forever playing two-up
Tossing pennies in the air



A parody of the 1918 hit song, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles. Learnt by Warren Fahey from his father, George. From Warren's Larrikins, Louts and Layabouts album.

Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game. It is generally illegal in Australia, with the exception of ANZAC Day (April 25).

The illustration to this post is from the 5 Field Ambulance Association site:

Members of 2/5 Field Ambulance playing two-up at Blue Beach while waiting for orders to embark for the Oboe 2 operation. Identified are VX21315 Private (Pte) R H Wilshire (1); VX12179 Pte H H Hicks (2); QX38619 Pte R R Pershouse (3); QX50540 Pte C A T Lax (4); NX162657 Pte R J Shields (5); QX37746 Pte W L McGuire (6).