"Oliver Cromwell" is a song recorded by Monty Python in 1980 but not released until 1989 where it featured on their compilation album Monty Python Sings. John Cleese, who wrote the lyric, debuted the song in the episode of the radio show I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again broadcast on 2 February 1969, when it was introduced as "The Ballad of Oliver Cromwell". It is sung to Frédéric Chopin's Heroic Polonaise, and documents the career of British statesman Oliver Cromwell, from his service as Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon to his installation as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. The lead vocals, often heavily multi-tracked, are performed by Cleese, with interjections by Eric Idle. "Oliver Cromwell" is sung to the first ("A") section of the Polonaise, including the well-known main theme; it does not use the "B" section. The piano introduction is accompanied by a spoken-word introduction, setting a tone of macabre humour ("The most interesting thing about King Charles the First is that he was five foot six inches tall at the start of his reign, but only four foot eight inches tall at the end of it"), as are the subsequent connecting passages. All three instances of the main theme are given a tutti chorus followed by a recounting of the battles and other events of the period; sound effects are added, mostly sounds of battle and of horses. To the interlude is set King Charles I's trial and execution, with rubato adding atmosphere; the only sound effect is implied to be that of Charles's head falling (followed by a solitary giggle from Cromwell). Battles, events and personages Introduction Charles I of England, 27 March 1625 (5'6") – 30 January 1649 (4'8")

From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Notable quotes

“If the remonstrance had been rejected I would have sold all I had the next morning and never have seen England more, and I know there are many other modest men of the same resolution.”
— On the passing of the revolutionary Grand Remonstrance of November 1641 listing Parliament's grievances against King Charles I, as quoted in A History of the Rebellion (first published 1702–1704) by Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon (1609–1674)
“Since providence and necessity has cast them upon it, he should pray God to bless their counsels.”
— On the trial of Charles I (December 1648)
“No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.”
— Statement to Pomponne de Bellievre, as told to Cardinal de Retz in 1651; Memoirs of Cardinal de Retz (1717)
“There are some things in this establishment that are fundamental... about which I shall deal plainly with you... the government by a single person and a parliament is a fundamental... and... though I may seem to plead for myself, yet I do not: no, nor can any reasonable man say it... I plead for this nation, and all the honest men therein.”
— To the First Protectorate Parliament (12 September 1654)
“You have accounted yourselves happy on being environed with a great ditch from all the world beside.”
— Speech to Parliament (25 January 1658), quoted in The Diary of Thomas Burton, esq., volume 2: April 1657 - February 1658 (1828), p. 361
“A man never rises so high as when he knows not whither he is going.”
— As quoted by Ralph Waldo Emerson in Essays (1841), Essay X: 'Circles', p. 265

Quotes via Wikiquote (CC BY-SA), each with its original source.

"Oliver Cromwell" is a song recorded by Monty Python in 1980 but not released until 1989 where it featured on their compilation album Monty Python Sings. John Cleese, who wrote the lyric, debuted the song in the episode of the radio show I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again broadcast on 2 February 1969, when it was introduced as "The Ballad of Oliver Cromwell". It is sung to Frédéric Chopin's Heroic Polonaise, and documents the career of British statesman Oliver Cromwell, from his service as Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon to his installation as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. The lead vocals, often heavily multi-tracked, are performed by Cleese, with interjections by Eric Idle.

Overview

"Oliver Cromwell" is a song recorded by Monty Python in 1980 but not released until 1989 where it featured on their compilation album Monty Python Sings. John Cleese, who wrote the lyric, debuted the song in the episode of the radio show I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again broadcast on 2 February 1969, when it was introduced as "The Ballad of Oliver Cromwell". It is sung to Frédéric Chopin's Heroic Polonaise, and documents the career of British statesman Oliver Cromwell, from his service as Member of Parliament (MP) for Huntingdon to his installation as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. The lead vocals, often heavily multi-tracked, are performed by Cleese, with interjections by Eric Idle. "Oliver Cromwell" is sung to the first ("A") section of the Polonaise, including the well-known main theme; it does not use the "B" section. The piano introduction is accompanied by a spoken-word introduction, setting a tone of macabre humour ("The most interesting thing about King Charles the First is that he was five foot six inches tall at the start of his reign, but only four foot eight inches tall at the end of it"), as are the subsequent connecting passages. All three instances of the main theme are given a tutti chorus followed by a recounting of the battles and other events of the period; sound effects are added, mostly sounds of battle and of horses. To the interlude is set King Charles I's trial and execution, with rubato adding atmosphere; the only sound effect is implied to be that of Charles's head falling (followed by a solitary giggle from Cromwell). Battles, events and personages Introduction Charles I of England, 27 March 1625 (5'6") – 30 January 1649 (4'8")

From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Not who you're looking for? Others named Oliver Cromwell: English military and political leader (1599–1658) · painting by Robert Walker · African-American soldier of the American Revolutionary War · English landowner, lawyer and politician, uncle of his names

Notable quotes

“If the remonstrance had been rejected I would have sold all I had the next morning and never have seen England more, and I know there are many other modest men of the same resolution.”
— On the passing of the revolutionary Grand Remonstrance of November 1641 listing Parliament's grievances against King Charles I, as quoted in A History of the Rebellion (first published 1702–1704) by Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon (1609–1674)
“Since providence and necessity has cast them upon it, he should pray God to bless their counsels.”
— On the trial of Charles I (December 1648)
“No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.”
— Statement to Pomponne de Bellievre, as told to Cardinal de Retz in 1651; Memoirs of Cardinal de Retz (1717)
“There are some things in this establishment that are fundamental... about which I shall deal plainly with you... the government by a single person and a parliament is a fundamental... and... though I may seem to plead for myself, yet I do not: no, nor can any reasonable man say it... I plead for this nation, and all the honest men therein.”
— To the First Protectorate Parliament (12 September 1654)
“You have accounted yourselves happy on being environed with a great ditch from all the world beside.”
— Speech to Parliament (25 January 1658), quoted in The Diary of Thomas Burton, esq., volume 2: April 1657 - February 1658 (1828), p. 361
“A man never rises so high as when he knows not whither he is going.”
— As quoted by Ralph Waldo Emerson in Essays (1841), Essay X: 'Circles', p. 265

Quotes via Wikiquote (CC BY-SA), each with its original source.

Oliver Cromwell across IJR

In the Arcade

Landgrab: Oliver Cromwell EditionPaint the map. Hold the line. Take the world. Now starring the Oliver Cromwell parody.Landgrab: Oliver Cromwell EditionPaint the map. Hold the line. Take the world. Now starring the Oliver Cromwell parody.

Studio characters

Oliver CromwellOff script, off duty, unreasonably available.Oliver CromwellThe English landowner, cornered at a party and loving it.

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