From the recording Honesty and Chocolate

A challenge from my friend Peter Broadberry, leader of Hanwell’s Seniors Table Tennis club. Could I write a song about table tennis? Apparently I could - so I did! Thanks to the dozen of his club’s singers for an impromptu recording of the choruses and pre-choruses in a space designed for no more than 4! It was fun!!

Lyrics

Parlour tables needed a game
The 1890s gave us the name
David Foster founded the same
Ping Pong Gossamer was born

The endless search for a suitable ball
Cork and rubber were no good at all
Celluloid was to answer the call
Table Tennis was born

Play up! Play up! Play up hard and play the game
Play up! Play up! No two rallies are ever the same

Backhand, forehand,
Topspin, backspin, sideways too

The 1900s spread the new craze
Europe, China in a matter of days
International tournaments played
Federations were born

Play up! Play up! Play up fast and play the game
Play up! Play up! No two rallies are ever the same

Backhand, forehand,
Topspin, backspin, sideways too

Millions play it occasionally
Thousands play it internationally
And hundreds play it brilliantly
A new world champion is born

Play up! Play up! Play up fast and play the game
Play up! Play up! No two rallies are ever the same

Backhand, forehand,
Topspin, backspin, sideways too