He is an Englishman! For he himself has said it, And it's greatly to his credit, That he is an Englishman!

He is an Englishman! For he himself has said it, And it's greatly to his credit, That he is an Englishman!

W.S. Gilbert, the renowned English playwright and librettist, is perhaps best known for his collaborations with composer Arthur Sullivan on a series of comic operas that have become beloved classics of the musical theatre genre. One of the most famous songs from their repertoire is "He is an Englishman," which comes from their operetta "H.M.S. Pinafore."

The song is a rousing and patriotic anthem that celebrates the virtues of being English. The lyrics, penned by Gilbert, humorously extol the virtues of being born in England, with lines like "For he himself has said it, And it's greatly to his credit, That he is an Englishman!" The song is sung by Sir Joseph Porter, the pompous and self-important First Lord of the Admiralty, who is a satirical representation of the British aristocracy.

In the context of W.S. Gilbert's work, "He is an Englishman" serves as a commentary on the social and political issues of the time. Gilbert was known for his sharp wit and satirical take on the British class system, and this song is a prime example of his ability to skewer the upper classes with humor and insight. By portraying Sir Joseph as a bumbling and clueless character who is more concerned with his own status than with the well-being of his country, Gilbert highlights the absurdity and hypocrisy of the British ruling class.

At the same time, "He is an Englishman" also celebrates the positive aspects of being English, such as a sense of national pride and a commitment to duty and honor. The song's catchy melody and clever lyrics have made it a favorite among audiences for over a century, and it continues to be performed in productions of "H.M.S. Pinafore" around the world.