Monday, May 26, 2003

Gilbert and Sullivan Mania!

The last week I was in Los Angeles, I went to Sam's musical theater final. The class gave a performance of selected works, and overall, I enjoyed the opportunity to hear my friend sing. She's really talented, but I've really only heard her while blasting the radio. However, one person gave a performance of a song about "the ruler of the queen's navy." This was by far my favorite performance.

Flash forward to tonight:

I'm wondering what the name of this song is... so, I ask my Dad, an avowed Gilbert and Sullivan nut. He's not quite sure, so we listen to parts of Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore before we finally find the song. I was on the floor, I was laughing so much - the lyrics are a spot on parody of the government.

"When I was a Lad"

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.
I polished up that handle so carefullee
That now I am 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,
And that pass examination did so well for me,
That now I am 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.
But that kind of ship so suited me,
That now I am 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.
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me 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--
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Queen's Navee!

A bit creepy, eh? "I thought so little, they rewarded me." Very telling of modern politics, as well, I'm thinking.