Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan
The intro to the operetta. From a plot perspective, the song serves merely to illustrate that we are in Japan – something which, given that the play actually has very little to do with the customs of Japan, might not necessarily be obvious.
[NOBLES]
If you want to know who we are
We are gentlemen of Japan:
On many a vase and jar —
On many a screen and fan
We figure in lively paint:
Our attitude's queer and quaint —
You're wrong if you think it ain't
Ooooh!
If you think we are worked by strings
Like a Japanese marionette
You don't understand these things:
It is simply Court etiquette
Perhaps you suppose this throng
Can't keep it up all day long?
If that's your idea, you're wrong
Ooooh! Ooooh!
If that's your idea, you're wrong
If you want to know who we are
We are gentlemen of Japan:
On vase and jar
On screen and fan
On many, many, many, many
Many, many, many, many, a jar
Ooooh! Ooooh! Ooooh! Ooooh!
On vase and jar
On screen and fan
[NANKI-POO]
Gentlemen, I pray you tell me
Where a gentle maiden dwelleth
Named Yum-Yum, the ward of Ko-Ko?
In pity speak, oh speak I pray you!
[NOBLE #1]
Why, who are you who ask this question?
[NANKI-POO]
Come gather round me, and I'll tell you
If you want to know who we are was written by W.S. Gilbert.
If you want to know who we are was produced by Richard D’Oyly Carte.
Gilbert and Sullivan released If you want to know who we are on Sat Mar 14 1885.