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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

The disguised Molly is caught up in a sale of all the geishas in Wun-Hi's House. To her horror she is being 'sold' to a man she definitely does not want to partner.

This wonderful, sparklingly jaunty little song, sung by Molly and chorus, is one written by Lionel Monckton¹ for the show. In it Molly rues the decision she made to become a geisha, but is stubbornly determined make the best of her situation:

The Toy Monkey
(Brief & delightful intro)

Solo: Poor little maiden, who loves a bit of fun,
Learns her propensity to rue!
Just look at me!
What a pretty thing I've done!
Here's a delightful how-de-do!
A precious pickle I'm in!
Foolish little Molly,
Punished for her folly,
A wooden monkey climbin'
Isn't on a stick like you!

Click! click! I'm a monkey on a stick!
Any one with me can play,
And my antics he'll enjoy
Till he finds a newer toy,
When he'll wish me a polite good-day . . .

Chorus (unison): Click! click! I'm a monkey on a stick!
Any one with me can play,
And my antics he'll enjoy
Till he finds a newer toy,
When he'll wish me a polite good-day . . .
(Brief & delightful interlude)

Solo: Nobody doubts that this horrid Japanese
Wives orientally has got;
One, two or three,
Or as many as you please - 
I won't be added to the lot!
He thinks I can't resist him;
Rolling in his riches,
Fancies he bewitches - 
But round my thumb I'll twist him
Whether he's aware or not!

Click! click! He's a monkey on a stick,
Bound to let me have my way!
So I'll keep him all alive
Till my English friends arrive - 
When I'll wish him a polite good-day . . .

Chorus (unison): Click! click! He's a monkey on a stick!
Bound to let me have my way!
So I'll keep him all alive
Till my English friends arrive - 
When I'll wish him a polite good-day . .

Don't you feel you want to dance with Lionel to this tune? Go on, be a devil . . . ! There is actually a dance following the song in the score - using the same musical themes.

Let's join Reggie now with his wonderful ballad: Star of My Soul . . .

1.    Footnote: Lionel Monckton was a contemporary of Sidney Jones. He was born in London in 1861. A Graduate of Cambridge University, Lionel was Music Critic of the Daily Telegraph, and a prolific composer of popular light operas. These included: A Country Girl, The Arcadians, The Quaker Girl, Our Miss Gibbs, and others. But this is a story for another time. Return to our story.

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