The Pirates of Penzance for young artists The Pirates of Penzance
 Movement and Lyrics
This song is performed with the pirate king singing the lead, or solo parts, and a chorus of pirates joining in the chorus. The pirates are in two groups, adding variety to the sound.

As this is on a stage, movement is also important. So simple dance actions punctuate the performance of the song.

So we have in this one piece song, dance, solo and chorus participation - and we have a little of the king's character and some of the show's observations.

KING:
No, Frederic, it cannot be.
I don't think much of our profession, but, compared to respectability,
it is ... at least ... honest.
No, Frederic, I shall live and die a Pirate King.

SONG - PIRATE KING
KING:
    Oh, better far to live and die
    Under the brave black flag I fly,
    Than play a sanctimonious part
    With a pirate head and a pirate heart.
    Away to the cheating world go you,
    Where pirates all are well-to-do;
    But I'll be true to the song I sing,
    And live and die a Pirate King.

    For I am a Pirate King!
    And it is, it is a glorious thing
    To be a Pirate King!
    For I am a Pirate King!
GROUP 1:    You are!

GROUP 2:    Hurrah for the Pirate King!

KING:
    And it is, it is a glorious thing
    To be a Pirate King.
ALL:
    It is!
    Hurrah for the Pirate King!
    Hurrah for the Pirate King!
PIRATES link right elbows and dance around to the right,
then link left elbows and dance back to the left
KING:
    When I sally forth to seek my prey
    I help myself in a royal way.
    I sink a few more ships, it's true,
    Than a well-bred monarch ought to do;
    But many a king on a first-class throne,
    If he wants to call his crown his own,
    Must manage somehow to get through
    More dirty work than e'er I do,

    For I am a Pirate King!
    And it is, it is a glorious thing
    To be a Pirate King!
    For I am a Pirate King!
ALL:     You are!
            Hurrah for the Pirate King!

KING:   And it is, it is a glorious thing
            To be a Pirate King. ALL:     It is!
            Hurrah for the Pirate King!
            Hurrah for the Pirate King!

Lesson/Activity - Free for you to use!
  • The Sheet Music
  • Listen to the Song, and the Backing
  • Background - Songs in Music Theatre - The Pirate King
  • The Pirates of Penzance adapted for young performers - The Hire Kit