When I was a Lad
D'Oyly Carte Opera Company Lyrics

We have lyrics for 'When I was a Lad' by these artists:

Allan Sherman When I was a lad I went to Yale, And I…
Gilbert & Sullivan Sir Joseph. When I was a lad I served a term As…
Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin Sir Joseph. When I was a lad I served a term As…
H.M.S. Pinafore When I was a kid I would look forward to waking…
J.T. Brown When I was gone I heard you was fuckin' on whoever Love…
William S. Gilbert I won't forget when Peter Pan came to my house,…

We have lyrics for these tracks by D'Oyly Carte Opera Company:

I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major-General I am the very model of a modern Major-General I've informati…

Overture CARLOTTA: This trophy from our saviours,…
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General I am the very model of a modern Major-General I've informati…

The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@youngarchivest9092

6y↑122

When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to an Attorney's firm.
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,
And I polished up the handle of the big front door.
(He polished up the handle of the big front door.)
I polished up that handle so carefullee
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He polished up that handle so carefullee,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

As office boy I made such a mark
That they gave me the post of a junior clerk.
I served the writs with a smile so bland,
And I copied all the letters in a big round hand.
(He copied all the letters in a big round hand.)
I copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

In serving writs I made such a name
That an articled clerk I soon became;
I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit
For the passed examination at the Institute.
(For the passed examination at the Institute.)
That passed examination did so well for me,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(That passed examination did so well for he,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip
That they took me into the partnership.
And that junior partnership, I ween,
Was the only ship that I ever had seen.
(Was the only ship that he ever had seen.)
But that kind of ship so suited me,
That now I am the ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(But that kind of ship so suited he,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

I grew so rich that I was sent
By a pocket borough into Parliament.
I always voted at my party's call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.
(He never thought of thinking for himself at all.)
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He thought so little, they rewarded he
By making him the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,
If you want to rise to the top of the tree,
If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool,
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.
(Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.)
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!
(Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!)

@AC-ne8md

3y↑4

When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to an Attorney's firm.
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,
And I polished up the handle of the big front door.
(He polished up the handle of the big front door.)
I polished up that handle so carefully
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navy!
(He polished up that handle so carefullee,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

As office boy I made such a mark
That they gave me the post of a junior clerk.
I served the writs with a smile so bland,
And I copied all the letters in a big round hand.
(He copied all the letters in a big round hand.)
I copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

In serving writs I made such a name
That an articled clerk I soon became;
I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit
For the passed examination at the Institute.
(For the passed examination at the Institute.)
That passed examination did so well for me,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(That passed examination did so well for he,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip
That they took me into the partnership.
And that junior partnership, I ween,
Was the only ship that I ever had seen.
(Was the only ship that he ever had seen.)
But that kind of ship so suited me,
That now I am the ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(But that kind of ship so suited he,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

I grew so rich that I was sent
By a pocket borough into Parliament.
I always voted at my party's call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.
(He never thought of thinking for himself at all.)
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He thought so little, they rewarded he
By making him the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,
If you want to rise to the top of the tree,
If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool,
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.
(Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.)
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!
(Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!)

@TheeBohemian

6y↑26

When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to an Attorney's firm.
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,
And I polished up the handle of the big front door.

Chorus.
He polished up the handle of the big front door.

I polished up that handle so carefullee
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Chorus.
He polished up that handle so carefullee,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!

As office boy I made such a mark
That they gave me the post of a junior clerk.
I served the writs with a smile so bland,
And I copied all the letters in a big round hand.

Chorus.
He copied all the letters in a big round hand.

I copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Chorus.
He copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

In serving writs I made such a name
That an articled clerk I soon became;
I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit
For the pass examination at the Institute.

Chorus.
For the pass examination at the Institute.

That pass examination did so well for me,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Chorus.
That pass examination did so well for he,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip
That they took me into the partnership.
And that junior partnership, I ween,
Was the only ship that I ever had seen.

Chorus.
Was the only ship that he ever had seen.

But that kind of ship so suited me,
That now I am the ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Chorus.
But that kind of ship so suited he,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!

I grew so rich that I was sent
By a pocket borough into Parliament.
I always voted at my party's call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.

Chorus.
He never thought of thinking for himself at all.

I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Chorus.
He thought so little, they rewarded he
By making him the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!

Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,
If you want to rise to the top of the tree,
If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool,
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.

Chorus.
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.

Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!

Chorus.
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!

@lucythecbckidsfan8200

3y↑2

Brain: Through meticulous analysis of history
I will find a way to make the people worship me.
By studying the conquerors of days gone by,
I'll discover the mistakes that made them go awry.
Pinky: So that you can make the same mistakes if you just try.
Brain: By studying the past so carefully,
I won't repeat the same mistakes of history.
Pinky: You'll never make another mistake, you see,
'cause you'll fall asleep from reading all that history.

Brain: Pay attention Pinky!
When Cleopatra reigned as Queen,
With Roman leaders she was often seen.
But when she had no ruling friend,
She found a poison snake to bite her in the end.
Pinky: A bite down there I really wouldn't recommend.
Brain: I won't need world alliances,
When I'm commanding everyone's appliances.
Pinky: Oh no Brain, that would really smart,
To be bitten on the bottom by a Cuisinart.

Brain: Hannibal, our book confirms,
Tried conquering Italy with pachyderms.
Just why he failed, nobody tells,
But he never could get past the Roman sentinels.
Pinky: And he couldn't find his weapons in the peanut shells.
Brain: An elephant is not required,
If I can use the media to be admired.
Pinky: The TV viewers you'll delight,
Unless the network puts your show on Sunday night.

Brain: Attila was a mighty Hun,
He ransacked Asia Minor just for fun.
But when he got to Europe's banks,
He was routed by an army of heroic Franks.
Pinky: I like mine with sauerkraut and mustard, thanks.
Brain: Why pillage like a criminal,
When I can send out messages subliminal.
Pinky: Please send a message to that Hun,
To see if he can pillage me a hot dog bun.
(The Brain whacks Pinky with the sausage) Pinky: ZORT!

Brain: Caligula was no boy scout,
He did things that we can't even talk about.
The Romans knew he'd lost his head,
When he filled a vacant Senate seat with Mr. Ed.
Pinky: What's wrong with being friendly with a thoroughbred?
Brain: Why rule like such a reprobate,
When I can put the world in a hypnotic state?
Pinky: When everybody's in a trance,
You can make the people do a chicken dance.

Brain: Pinky, if you don't stop this foolishness,
I shall have to hurt you.
Pinky: kay.

Brain: In France, Napoleon Buonaparte,
Thought beating Austria was very smart.
But when he took on England too,
He was beaten up by Wellington at Waterloo.
Pinky: And now he's just a pastry filled with creamy goo.
Brain: Why conquer with depravity,
I'll win the world by undermining gravity.
Pinky: And even if your plan falls through,
Maybe they will name a pastry after you.
(The Brain Squirts Pastry goo in Pinky’s Face) Pinky: WAAHAHAHA!

Brain: From Ghengis Khan to Charlemagne,
From Alexander down to Tamburlaine.
I find a ruler's tragic flaw,
And gain a little wisdom out of each faux pas.
Pinky: Don't forget the former Governor of Arkansas.
Brain: That concludes my little rhyme,
I hope this lesson wasn't just a waste of time.
Pinky: Well Brain, I've learned that one thing's true,
Every one of them has failed, and so have you.

Brain: Thank you for your vote of confidence.
Now come, we must prepare for tomorrow night.
Pinky: Why, what are we going to do tomorrow night?
Sing a song about all the world's cheeses?
Brain: No, Pinky, we shall try to take over the world,
Through meticulous analysis of history.

All comments from YouTube:

@sandienochs6132

3y↑44

My Dad would walk around and sing this song really loud to wake us up in the morning. I sure miss that crazy old turd. I’m in my seventies, see ya soon buddy.

@bandicootcollector

41w↑3

What a wonderful memory!

@Elementlmage

13y↑26

No song that is 120 years old has the right to be this relevant!

@user-do1un6xw5t

22w

I passed the examination as you can see now a total fruit of the queen's navy.. he became a captain I bet he a lot of seaman on his poop deck.. below deck with Roger the cabin boy watch out for rear admiralls that's you wear bisexual clips

@josephpanzarella1417

4y↑109

Before he became Kaiser Wilhelm II Germany's Prince Wilhelm had a private audience with Arthur Sullivan whose work he admired.
At the end of their formal meeting the prince got up to leave. Before he did, with his back to Sullivan, he sang:

"He polished up the handle of the big front door!"

leaving Sullivan in hysterics.

@lavendervonstaro4004

3y↑13

Sounds really funny. Got a source though?

@josephpanzarella1417

3y↑16

@@lavendervonstaro4004 The incident was recorded in Sullivan's diary and reprinted in many books.

@lavendervonstaro4004

3y↑6

@@josephpanzarella1417 Cheers

@nationalprussialism4880

@@lavendervonstaro4004 learn to use the internet you parasite

@miguelmartins9706

3y↑5

@@nationalprussialism4880 didn't your parents teach you manners?

1 More Replies...

@112steinway

6y↑504

"I thought so little they rewarded me by making me the ruler of the Queen's Navy" is probably the best line of political critique I have ever heard.

@Ratboy1955

5y↑56

also .. " I always voted at my Party's call, and I never thought of thinking for myself at all ".

@fieldmartan4426

5y↑11

I'd always throught it was "fought" rather than "thought."

@lavamatstudios

5y↑5

@@firstnamett4656 Sure, but if you're looking for a replacement, you gotta remember that right-wing people are more sensitive to authority. It would be kinda silly to go for "conservatives" if you want new and original thought. Their whole movement is about falling in line.

@Baibakov88

4y↑4

@@firstnamett4656 Man, you Brexiteers are a hoot. Continental businesses are laughing all the way to the bank.

@lavamatstudios

4y↑1

@@firstnamett4656 You can't have

11 More Replies...

@gillwilkinsongw

13y↑19

I never thought that G&S was for me until I saw HMS Pinafore at the Theatre Royal in Norwich. The opera company was the Carl Rosa, and it was probably one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever had. It was truly awesome and has converted me overnight.

@elizabethsohler6516

3y↑1

Excellent taste!

@jamesbrennan5666

10y↑18

First heard this song on suite life of Zack and Cody when I was 8. Immediately fell in love with the song.

@missnailbeauty9452

9y↑69

Once I had a parakeet who seemed to love this and other overatures by gilbert and sullivan. He must have been more intelligent than other birds.

@Lazyguy22

5y↑18

Is he now the ruler of the Queen's Na-vee?

@CarlosHernandez-cp8qd

Don't keep birds in cages.

@Baibakov88

The very model of a modern major parakeet

@vivr0

12y↑17

Nobody sang this better than John Reed. Thanks for posting.

@dnardi11

1y↑2

Have you considered Martin Green a contender for the title?

@danielzylberkan1587

5y↑65

This is a really, really smart critique of Victorian politics people don't give Gilbert enough credit for being a satirist

@CA-ee1et

Alternatively, it's a snobbish put down of WH Smith, who didn't come from a landed background, had made his money in 'trade', yet - shock! horror! - was in the Cabinet as the First Lord of the Admiralty.

@timmeinshausen6060

2y↑2

I feel like that’s the whole reason he was famous? Everyone got the joke and loved it

@Cinedragon

6y↑53

I'm normally not into opera or light opera at all. But Gilbert and Sullivan manages to hook me right in. The lyrics are pretty difficult for a non-English person like me, but I do manage to understand the criticism and humor in them and I think that is really brilliant!

@Ratboy1955

5y↑3

Don't worry Cinedragon, many people of English first language who are under 30 y.o.a. don't get it .

@bh8642

5y↑10

Note that G&S play with the grammar for the sake of rhyme. For example, "they rewarded me", when sung by the chorus, is changed to "they rewarded he" and not to the correct "they rewarded him".
Also, some knowledge of British history is required: what is a "pocket borough".

@pappamojovcheroes2442

35w↑1

Operetta

@pappamojovcheroes2442

35w

@@bh8642
Political advantage due to family connections

@Silavite

10y↑230

...a meticulous analysis of history!

@oscarwind4266

3y↑4

I will find a way to make the pepole worship me

@AnimaniacsPT

3y↑3

Animaniacs and Patb used HMS Pinnafore songs a lot, mostly in the 3rd episode of Animaniacs!

@Yamamanama

29w

Zort!

@tiatrips

Thank you. It was bothering me I could remember me where I knew the tune.

@awesomegreenlantern

10y↑65

I once was on a jury and this song came to mind when I thought of one of the lawyers. He lost. It was a family practice. I almost sang this song for him. But I wussed out. I'm sad I didn't.

@derricgreene

8y↑5

+awesomegreenlantern Makes me think of "Trial by Jury."

@Pre114

12y↑27

This song still speaks the truth even after over a hundred years!

@biliminsrlar5752

4y↑1

Hundered and seven years.

@Ratboy1955

6y↑22

My late father had this very record. It puts me in mind of a TV commercial for a car yard, around 1972 ... " When I was a lad I served a term, winding back the clocks for a used car firm, I covered up the rust with a coat of grey, and fiddled with the steering of a Chevrolet " Cool.

@rm3141593

LOL!

@HOTTIUSMAXIMUS

Ratboy1955 Hilarious 😆

@martas9283

That's brilliant, now I want to see the ad!

@starbug1409

8y↑33

I first heard this when I was a kid. THIS WAS MY FIRST GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SONG. ^_^

@beaniestygirlzforever1782

And pinky and the brain did this song but they used history instead of navy lol

@dorandragon

7y↑6

when you were a lad even?

@marinameilenstein

When you were a lad... :D

@kk7171

6y↑1

Mine was I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General

@davidcrook4166

6y↑2

Haven't I given this all-time classic a "like" yet??? I have now!

@joeblondiemanco8918

4y↑4

When I was a lad I would listen to a clip of this on Encarta 97 regularly

@j86u

Encarta for me too

@youngarchivest9092

6y↑122

@felixargyle8698

4y↑1

thanks hotzendorf

@martas9283

3y↑14

..for writing up these lyrics so helpfully, he should be made the ruler of the Queen's navy..

@thesouthernsinger2763

3y↑7

@@martas9283 This comment made me laugh so giddily, that I think he should be ruler of the Queen’s Navy~

@carefulpilgrim

3y↑1

Thank you for taking time to transcribe the words! Brilliant wit and enchanting, peppy music!

@MichaelS1995

8y↑17

Love the HMS Pinafore!

@martincunningham9463

8y↑2

+Michael S. same best musical even better than Billy Eliot

@eleonora1782

13y↑2

John Reed has a gorgeous , luscious voice.

@_QWERTY__

7y↑17

So, funny story, I got here from worf, picard, and data singing "A British Tar" and I wanted to hear the rest of the performance. Amazing!!!

@CandidCamzy

12y↑47

Excellent still, and just look around your own company, as I did mine, over 120 years later, and look at the bosses who "stuck close to their desks", and who know little or nothing of what they are allegedly running.

@dulcieblythe8211

8y↑9

cant beat D'Oyly Carte happy days!

@Ratboy1955

Yes, by far the best version of 'Pinafore'.

@begs54

12y↑1

I had the seen the D'Oyly Carte preform in Boston on many of thier U.S. tours. The D'Oyly Carte considered Boston thier second home and the Coloniel Theater, thier theater of choice. I'm glad I saw Gilbert and Sullivan preformed the way it should be preformed!!!!!!

@forzaalonsof1305

10y↑305

Can't help but to sing "Through meticulous analysis of history I will find a way to make the people worship me" as the opening line......Thumbs up if you get the reference!

@SpeedySpectrum

9y↑3

+Jared Slater Yeesss!

@danielwatson2701

8y↑7

Dude I love Pinky and the Brain

@beaniestygirlzforever1782

Me 2!

@sarahmcmann5253

Daniel Watson so do I they are so funny and cute

@SteffLoui88

7y↑5

Only one of THE best 90s animated shows

5 More Replies...

@manfredatee

11y↑3

It's on YouTube somewhere, the whole 1978 Pinafore TV movie. It's really nice.

@iumans

11y↑4

Ah, the great John Reed. Love him.

@awesomewonderful1

7y↑261

but did he eat 4 dozen eggs to help him get large

@Mycroft93

5y↑34

He was too busy polishing the handle so carefully, and now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navy.

@namala3009

5y↑32

And if he did, did he grow to a size that was roughly that of a barge?

@abk2k3aaronkauflin83

4y↑11

no he was busy coping all the letters with a hand so free he became the ruler of the queens navy

@AnimeSunglasses

2y↑3

No, were you not listening? He took quite the opposite approach!

@chariswilliams6990

2y↑1

First time I eve heard this was in the movie "Chariots of Fire". Love it!

@FunGeekZNerdParty1984

5y↑2

Pinky and the brain out of a meticulous analysis's of history got me here

@HOTTIUSMAXIMUS

5y↑8

Long before “Pinky & The Brain” spoofed this classic, I was singing along with Allen Sherman:
“When I was a lad, I went to Yale,
And I knew then that I could never fail
For I studied very hard and furthermore
I polished up the apple for the Pro-Fess-OR

Oh he polished up the apple for
The Pro-Fess-Or

@megbailey3562

8y↑16

They were way ahead of their time! Electric!

@Leminko11

6y↑8

Legendary recording quality - glad I have it pristine vinyl :-)

@MilesBellas

5y↑2

John Lamb Reed, OBE (13 February 1916 – 13 February 2010) was an English actor, dancer and singer, known for his nimble performances in the principal comic roles of the Savoy Operas, particularly with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

@martincunningham9463

8y↑1

Best song in the musical of HMS pinifore ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

@johncarroll3655

2y↑1

Biting satire delivered in classic British mockery. Pure genius.

@Nosferatu2020

4y↑1

Addicted to this song

@IDF1987

9y↑88

Kind of pokes fun at the point that First Lord of the Admiralty has always been a political post. While he was later a fantastic Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill nearly destroyed his career at the post during WWI when he went against First Sea Lord Jacky Fisher and launched the Galipoli Campaign.

@jeffmeds

7y↑7

Adm Fisher was nuttier than a march hare. He stabbed Churchill in the back. If the Dardenelles campaign would have succeeded it would have saved millions of lives.

@weremensch

6y↑6

This one was actually aimed at W.H. Smith, who was a publisher before he became First Lord. Mind you, he spent the rest of his career known as Pinafore Smith.

@dorkmax7073

4y↑3

@@jeffmeds The Campaign was doomed from the start. It was an operation designed by committee for a political purpose- not a strategic one.

@reichtangle7734

3y↑2

@@dorkmax7073 Like in the film Darkest hour Churchill says to Halifax: “If the admirals and the first sea Lord didn’t give away the element of surprise it could have damn well worked!”

@Charliecomet82

If Churchill hadn't nicked those two Turkish battleships, there wouldn't have been need for a Gallipoli Campaign.

@benbisley

11y↑4

True. It's happened in the NHS hospital service. 30 years ago it was run by professionals who knew what they were doing; it's now run by grocers.

@odinfromcentr2

5y↑6

This song is still accurate today. Technology may have changed, but people most assuredly have not.

And the mAsses keep falling for it every time.

@arthurballs9632

These days we call them diversity quotas. Hence why the 24 year old daughter of a senior member of the Labour Party is the effective leader of the Football Association. She had no revelant or even irrelevant experience, doesn't even care about football, but she's very good at calling people racist, for crimes such as using words she's unfamiliar with.

@matthewdaye5410

I am wildly unqualified for this position!

@michaelanstis5668

8y↑2

my mum loved this song

@hotradiogaga

6y↑43

I'd love to hear Tim Curry singing this

@snozzlehead92

4y↑3

In Gabriel Knight's accent.

@AC-ne8md

3y↑4

When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to an Attorney's firm.
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,
And I polished up the handle of the big front door.
(He polished up the handle of the big front door.)
I polished up that handle so carefully
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navy!
(He polished up that handle so carefullee,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

As office boy I made such a mark
That they gave me the post of a junior clerk.
I served the writs with a smile so bland,
And I copied all the letters in a big round hand.
(He copied all the letters in a big round hand.)
I copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He copied all the letters in a hand so free,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

In serving writs I made such a name
That an articled clerk I soon became;
I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit
For the passed examination at the Institute.
(For the passed examination at the Institute.)
That passed examination did so well for me,
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(That passed examination did so well for he,
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip
That they took me into the partnership.
And that junior partnership, I ween,
Was the only ship that I ever had seen.
(Was the only ship that he ever had seen.)
But that kind of ship so suited me,
That now I am the ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(But that kind of ship so suited he,
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

I grew so rich that I was sent
By a pocket borough into Parliament.
I always voted at my party's call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.
(He never thought of thinking for himself at all.)
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
(He thought so little, they rewarded he
By making him the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!)

Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,
If you want to rise to the top of the tree,
If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool,
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.
(Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.)
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!
(Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!)

@sharlin648

6y↑32

Quiet Pinky...

@martinwright7341

i just can't but adore this "thing"...and others. happy and fun. nice choral rendition.

@lianasoares8052

4y↑1

Peter Pan (2003) brought me here. I like how the tune is the same throughout the song. 🎼🎶🎵🙂

@hanochcohen2243

1y↑1

Used to sneak out from the office to catch a matinee with John Reed. 1969

@stewartberger7734

2y↑1

This is brilliant

@mkehandgrenades

13y↑2

thank you for uploading. my dad showed me this when i was a little kid. for some reason i want to hear this played on guitar bass and drums. it think it would make a badass song. actually the whole opera would.

@torviannetwork1796

See, music can be catchy and still have quality modern pop music artists!

@frederickcoots2289

9y↑1

"When I Was a Lad", from HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan. One of my favorites.

@frederickcoots2289

I love that British humor. Gilbert and Sullivan
comic operas are my best.

@frederickcoots2289

9y↑3

I think I'm worthy of being the "Ruler of the Queen's Navie". I spend many hours a day (weather permitting) sitting on my favorite seat near
the ocean looking out to sea for whales. I've been whale watching for many years and I have not seen one yet. Doesn't this "dedication"
qualify me for "Ruler of the Queen's Navie" ?

@frederickcoots2289

9y↑4

A favorite from Gilbert and Sullivan H.M.S Pinafore, "When I Was a Lad". I think I would be able to hold this job when I was a boy.

@frogstamper

10y↑3

@Dickard Cain Great post, I love the Tea Party analogy its very apt.....

@TikiFoamy38

27w

Beautiful

@AFxS130

After listening to this song:

"...Wow! They must make ANYONE a captain where he comes from!"

@Joggi98

7y↑41

Damn, every song from this is so fucking catchy!

@MrCuddlyable3

6y↑4

Kaiser Willy It's so mature of you to use a big-D and a big-F.

@MattPuxty

6y↑5

MrCuddlyable3 Equating lack of maturity with the use of swear words is the work of a big-C.

@malcolmdale

6y↑1

and they managed to write it all without ever using the boring F word.

@annodomini7887

Hail kaiser!!!

@nedland20

Your mother should have taught little Kaiser Willy how to express himself in proper terms not the language of the gutter.

@vampiregoth8162

Best version

@barrydelisle8655

Great song

@FrasatFarooq

10y

This jawn knocks!

@shaonian

This was a smash hit in 1878...

@tavrincallas3218

10/10 can recommend the golden rule. I've never been at sea once and now I am the ruler of the world navy

@TheeBohemian

6y↑26

@MilesBellas

ween.....
verb (used with or without object) Archaic. to think; suppose. to expect, hope, or intend

@manfredatee

12y↑2

Gilbert and Sullivan has the right to be whatever it wants.

@matthewlaurence3121

12y↑5

Procisely! By sucking up to the right people, and/or paying there way up the ladder.

@Comraderob1

4y↑1

I came her from a Pinky and the Brain song, which I had gone to from a suite life of Zach and Cody clip where Cody sings this song...oh the adventures one takes at midnight in bed on youtube

@mattprssmn4

3y↑4

A Meticulous Analysis Of History!

@astrocipher2985

Great.

@mattcee6323

8y↑95

Way too relevant today...

@liahansen6896

8y↑1

what how

@DalokiMauvais

ROFL! You are SO RIGHT!

@DalokiMauvais

8y↑3

Think Donald Trump...

@fidellah67

7y↑19

well....not exactly...the song is a mockery of those who do not think for themselves and rise to the top of the establishment through the appointment of the rulers....Donald Trump thinks for himself too much that is why the former rulers put up such a fight to keep him from winning Democratic election. He was appointed by public choice.

@DalokiMauvais

7y↑3

Well, I see your point... "I am the very model of a modern major general" is a better match.

11 More Replies...

@artemis_smith

11y↑2

This makes me laugh. I can see this happening in my mind.

@buixote

51w

I was exposed to some sound from our current Secretary of State... It reminded me of this song, and how it sadly applies to so many Denizens of DC.

@snoopenny

1y↑1

He had a wonderful career at the Met. Although a lyric, he sang a wide variety of roles. We loved him.

@sanjixvc5024

6y↑2

We sang this song in music it’s catchy lol

@matthewdaye5410

I used to be a whimsey boy, but now i am one of the most powerful

@JohnSmith-bt5pg

9y↑12

The POG anthem

@preagle60657

12y↑11

Well... government work (says this government worker) hasn't changed much since the late 1800's, has it?

@elizabethsohler6516

Actually I've always had a soft spot for government workers. You folks put up with a lot of abuse from citizens for things that aren't necessarily your fault.

@mkehandgrenades

13y

@Anarchemitis instead of the choir in the back some crazy guitar licks. i love how classical music ha the ability to alternate between just afew instruments and a slower melody and then speed up with more instruments and more vocals.

@pikppa

7y↑1

This is still all too well accurate

@rm3141593

Yeah, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

@odinfromcentr2

Technology changes. People do not.

@sharlin648

6y↑1

I'd give serious money for a just instrumental version of this song.

@gregsmithendavis4315

As a kid .me and brother use to sing now i am the ruler of the bbc. Or now they' gave me a job at the bbc

@Pure_Uranium_

And a good 19th century song.

@medicmain6615

yes indeed

@Anarchemitis

13y

@mkehandgrenades That actually sounds incredibly awesome.

@Quagmirian

6y↑1

I can't seem to face up to the facts
I'm tense and nervous and I can't relax
I can't sleep 'cause my bed's on fire
Don't touch me I'm a real live wire
Psycho Killer
Qu'est-ce que c'est
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-far better
Run run run run run run run away oh oh

@jellyfishattack

12y

@vivr0 I agree, no one sang this better than John Reed!

@PlaceholderUsr

1y↑2

How to become Ruler of The Queens Navy. Step one: Polish the door hand very well, Step Two: Carefully sweep the Floor, Step Three: Think so little that they reward you as the Ruler of The Queens Navy, And finally step four: serve a term.

@hansellius

41w

It believed that the song was satirizing a real person, who had become First Lord of the Admiralty despite having no experience, either in politics or the navy. And the man in question was a William Henry Smith - of WHSmiths.

@jellyfishattack

12y↑1

Does anyone have video of John Reed singing this? I thought 2 operettas were recorded in the late 70s? I really want to see him 'in action'!! :))

@MilesBellas

Inimitable John Reed.

@TheAarhus1975

3y↑1

Admiralens vise😂

@tenirpaslager

11y↑1

What a comedy

@Fanakapan222

Remarkable to think that allowing for a germ of truth, Great Britain at the zenith of its power achieved that position despite a political class that generally must have been as poor as that we see today. It may even be a valid observation that capable politicians (Utopianists by and large) may be an impediment to progress. :)

@Rikard_A

Oh, the anthem of the politicians!

@gregsmithendavis4315

Thik about it its a skit on admiral lord nelson . Who did say kiz me hard his last words was let the battle comence..

@raisamartinez9016

The "pitter-patter" effect; can you hear it?

@user-ch5qd3uz3l

god bless pinky and the brain

@lucythecbckidsfan8200

3y↑2

@campbellmays9900

35w

I forced you to use the still-frame on your VCR

@DruidSix

8y↑1

ANY QUESTIONS THIS FAR?

@gearsofschok

5y↑2

Factotum Charles bukowsky?

@usedx115x

The tune is like a much faster version of the 5 little ducks song.

@thomashogan16

Would the tune to this be called a Hornpipe? Good for dancing one anyway.

@PlanetBobstar

3y↑1

All sailors should dance hornpipes!

@gregsmithendavis4315

As a you lad i use to sing i am puff live life so free now thats why they gsve me a job at the bbc ha ha ha in sted of they gave me a job of office term i use to go as a boy they gave mr a wig with a wig with a curly perm o how much fun tou can have with this song if you was a fan of morambe and wise ha ha ha

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now