Did you think I would leave you crying when there’s room on my horse for two?

If you are part of my generation, you probably know what my title alludes to: in fact, you may be able to sing the whole thing. What about ‘Jake the Peg’ and ‘Tie me Kangaroo Down, Sport’? You will recall those too.

In the 1970s and 80s, long before social media, Rolf Harris was a television Super Star.  He was adored by millions for his versality as an entertainer; he seamlessly transitioned between singing, playing musical instruments, storytelling and creating art, captivating viewers of all ages, which of course contributed to his widespread appeal.

How we all loved him. Rolf Harris had a warm and friendly personality, an incredible knack for connecting with people and he exuded a genuine and approachable demeanour, making him highly likeable and relatable to audiences. The British Academy had gone as far as describing him as ‘one of the world’s most iconic entertainers.’ The Queen asked him to paint her portrait for heaven’s sake.

From a much-loved celebrity he had become a convicted paedophile, reviled by his former fans. And, like another entertainer, Jimmy Savile, he had used his BBC fame to conceal his crimes.

For me, Jimmy Savile had always looked creepy – he freaked me out long before we knew about his monstrous life. Rolf Harris, however, had the appearance of a kindly uncle or a school friend’s cheerful dad and Ted Bundy had the looks of a movie star.

Right now, we should be fondly remembering his talent and charm…instead, what is burnt into our memories is that, in July 2014, he was found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault.

So, when he died on the 10th May this year, his family buried him and only told the world about his demise two weeks later. They buried a monster who had preyed on women and children, the kind of person who fills us with horror, and who is reviled by society.

And he is gone. But for his victims, he will be alive for as long as they are.

I loved ‘Two Little Boys’ when I was small. It represented honour and bravery, friendship and valour.

How ironic it is that Harris became intrinsically linked to such a lovely, sentimental, sweet song.

 Two Little Boys

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