Ruler of the Queen's Navee

[danmand]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUZ-0o8wL8A&feature=related

 

[Aardvark154]

Often missed is that this was satire directed at politicians (note the actor in Naval Uniform) specifically the First Lord of the Admiralty (Naval Minister).

 

[danmand]

Often missed is that this was satire directed at politicians (note the actor in Naval Uniform) specifically the First Lord of the Admiralty (Naval Minister).

Often missed because it is incorrect. The satire was directed at bureaucrats.

 

[Aardvark154]

Often missed because it is incorrect. The satire was directed at bureaucrats.

The First Lord of the Admiralty was a bureaucrat in the same way that the Minister of National Defence is a bureaucrat. I believe most people would describe both as politicians.

Just take a look at the later lyrics of “When I was a Lad” the song in the clip you posted:

Sir Joseph Porter:
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.

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

 

[danmand]

Sir Joseph is Firast Lord of the Admiralty, which is a political appointment, famously held by
Sir Winston. You are correct.

Gilbert wrote broad satire, broadly directed, towards lawyers, politicians, bureaucrats, etc.
In the movie "Topsy-Turvy", Gilbert says: "For goodness sake, this is not Milan,
this is broad comedy in a theater on the river Thames."

 

[Aardvark154]

Sir Joseph is Firast Lord of the Admiralty, which is a political appointment, famously held by
Sir Winston. You are correct.

Gilbert wrote broad satire, broadly directed, towards lawyers, politicians, bureaucrats, etc.
In the movie "Topsy-Turvy", Gilbert says: "For goodness sake, this is not Milan,
this is broad comedy in a theater on the river Thames."

They are still apropos today.