Breaking Down the Meaning and Significance of Major General Song Lyrics We weren’t able to create a summary for you. Refresh your page to try again. 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". 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" (often referred to as the "Major-General's Song" or "Modern Major-General's Song") is a patter song from Gilbert and Sullivan's 1879 comic opera The Pirates of Penzance. It has been called the most …The character of Major-General Stanley was widely taken to be a caricature of the popular general Sir Garnet Wolseley. It is sung by Major - General Stanley at his first entrance, towards the end of Act I. The song … It has been called the most famous Gilbert and Sullivan patter song. Sung by Major-General Stanley at his first entrance, towards the end of Act I, the character … It is sung by Major General Stanley at his first entrance, towards the end of Act I. The song lampoons the "modern" educated British Army officer of the later 19th century, a man with a well-rounded education … Original lyrics of Major General song by Gilbert And Sullivan. 1 user explained Major General meaning. Find more of Gilbert And Sullivan lyrics. Watch official video, print or download text in PDF.