The English Are Best

Being and older codger, I have peculiar tastes in music. I like Gilbert and Sullivan, for example. And I adore Bach's Toccata and Fuge in D Minor played at full volume, but not while the neighbors are sleeping ( a courtesy often NOT reciprocated, and with some sort of heavy metal music).

My father introduced me early on to the musical stylings of Flanders and Swann, a duo who entertained on stage in the 60s through the late 80s. Their shtick was political satire and self-deprecating social commentary. They are also known for their animal repertoire such as "The Hippopotamus Song" and "I'm a Gnu".

Some of their stuff is hard to understand today, absent the historical and political context of their times. And, of course, so-called "tolerance" has made some of their humor potentially offensive. But there's giving offense and taking offense - and they're not always the same thing. In this song they seem to set out to offend practically everyone but, if you still think that in the end then you misunderstand them. They are actually poking fun at the imperialistic, class-riddled and snobbish attitudes of SOME in English society during their own era.

This little song was part of a performance given to an American audience. Knowing this might help to get some of the subtle pokes in the song. Enjoy (if you can)...