Herman’s Hermits’ Signature Hit “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”

“I’m Henry VIII, I Am” is a song recorded by the British band Herman’s Hermits. Released in 1965, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits and is considered one of their signature songs.

The song’s lyrics humorously recount the story of a man named Henry who marries a woman named “Ann Boleyn” (a reference to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England) and becomes the eighth Henry in a row to do so. The song’s catchy tune and playful lyrics made it a hit, and it quickly became popular on both sides of the Atlantic.

“I’m Henry VIII, I Am” reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making Herman’s Hermits the first British band to top the American charts with their first two singles (“Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter” being their first number one hit in the U.S.).

The song’s success was attributed to its infectious melody, the band’s energetic performance, and the humorous narrative, making it a favorite among fans of 1960s pop music. “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” remains a classic example of the British Invasion sound that dominated the charts during that era.