Slightly anal but it pains me to see everything John Cleese is associated with being labelled Python.

In this instance, the song was transmitted on 2nd Feb. 1969, which is 8 months before the first ever Monty Python's Flying Circus was broadcast (5th Oct. 1969).

The Ballad of Oliver Cromwell was transmitted as part of the radio show I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again (ISIRTA)

The lyrics, as far as they go, are an entirely accurate recounting of Oliver Cromwell's politcal/military career. Any humour is founded in the fact that John Cleese can't sing and the choice of melody. (listen to the .wav)

AndyG