The song is replete with historical and cultural references, in which the Major-General describes his impressive and well-rounded education in non-military matters, but he says that his military knowledge has "only been brought down to the beginning of the century". “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General”, commonly referred to as “The Major-General’s Song”, from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance is a comedic patter song which... I am the very model of a modern Major-General. I know our mythic history, King Arthur's and Sir Caradoc's; You'll say a better Major-General has never sat a gee. ALL: You'll say a better Major-General, etc. GENERAL: For my military knowledge, though I'm plucky and adventury, Has only been brought down to the beginning of the century; But still, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral, I am the very model of a modern Major-General. He is the very model of a modern Major-General. General: / I am the very model of a modern Major-General, / I've information. Feb 11, 2021 · You may need to read along with the lyrics the first time you hear the song, as it is sung quite rapidly. Click the arrow on the player below to listen to a 1929 recording of this piece.