A Policeman’s Lot

A Policeman’s Lot – The Pirates of Penzance

“A Policeman’s Lot” is a humorous and catchy song from the comic opera The Pirates of Penzance. Gilbert and Sullivan composed the opera together about the exciting and adventurous life of a pirate.

The character Sergeant of Police performs the song telling of how he happens to lead a group of comically inept policemen. The song provides a lighthearted glimpse into the challenges and frustrations faced by these bumbling law enforcement officers.

In “A Policeman’s Lot,” the Sergeant of Police expresses the difficulties and undesirable aspects of being a policeman. He humorously sings about the unglamorous duties they perform e.g. walking the beat in all kinds of weather and dealing with unruly crowds. The song emphasizes the mundane and less glamorous side of police work. Contrastingly, the pirate leads a more thrilling, brave, and bold life.

The lyrics of the song playfully highlight the absurdities of police work, with references to the difficulties of arresting criminals and the lack of appreciation they receive. Gilbert and Sullivan are known for producing songs with sweet charm and light-hearted humor in their operettas.

A Policeman’s Lot is a delightful musical number. It adds a touch of comedy and satire to “The Pirates of Penzance”. Furthermore, it offers a comical representation of the challenges faced by policemen at the same time as entertaining the audience with its catchy melody and clever lyrics.

You can download various arrangements of this piece including for French Horn, Tuba and Bassoon.