Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Alamy Stock Photo

Quiz: Is this lyric by Gilbert O'Sullivan or Gilbert & Sullivan?

Do you know your Gilbert from your Gilbert?

LAST WEEK, THE city of Waterford honoured Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan by awarding him the freedom of the city.

The now 77-year-old shot to stardom in the 1970s, recording six UK number one hits, and putting out 16 top 40 records. 

O’Sullivan, who was born Raymond Edward O’Sullivan, chose his stage name as an homage to the theatre-making duo Gilbert & Sullivan who together produced many iconic works of the stage, including Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore.

But do you know them well enough to be able to tell their lyrics apart? Find out with this quiz.

"To think that only yesterday/ I was cheerful, bright and gay/ Looking forward to - who wouldn't do? - the role I was about to play"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"For in spite of all temptations/ To belong to other nations/ He remains an Englishman"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"I mean to rule the earth, as he the sky/ We really know our worth, the sun and I"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"You must lie upon the daisies/ And discourse in novel phrases"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"Am I being a good boy?/ Am I your pride and joy?/ Mother please, if you please, say I am"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"I don't think the registrar will be very pleased/ When we show up an hour late like two frozen peas"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"Three little maids who, all unwary/ Come from a ladies' seminary/ Freed from its genius tutelary/ Three little maids from school"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"Now, up in Bradford a chap named Radford/ While taking part in a local play/ Was intercepted and then suspected/ Of going ooh-wakka-doo-wakka-day"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
"We are the champions, we are the few/ We stick together all the way through/ We don't like people telling us off/ Hand on your mouth boy when you cough"
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
'The world is but a broken toy/ Its pleasures hollow, false its joy'
Alamy
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
Answer all the questions to see your result!
You scored out of !
Gilbert expert
You sure know your Gilbert from your Gilbert.
Share your result:
You scored out of !
Gilbert fan
An impressive store of Gilbert knowledge.
Share your result:
You scored out of !
Just Gil
The wolf is at old Gil's door.
Share your result:

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds