Composer

:

English Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:29

"Oh, Dear! What Can the Matter Be?" is a traditional English folk song that has been passed down through generations. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century. The song has been popularized in various forms, including nursery rhymes, children's songs, and even as a pop song. The song's premiere is also unknown, but it has been performed and recorded by numerous artists over the years. The melody is simple and catchy, making it easy to sing along to. The song's lyrics tell the story of a young girl who falls and hurts herself, causing her mother to worry and wonder what could be wrong. The song is typically performed in three movements, with each verse being repeated twice. The first movement features the opening lines of the song, "Oh, dear! What can the matter be? / Dear, dear! What can the matter be? / Oh, dear! What can the matter be? / Johnny's so long at the fair." The second movement features the mother's concern for her daughter, "He promised he'd buy me a fairing should please me, / And then for a kiss, oh, he vowed he would tease me, / He promised he'd bring me a bunch of blue ribbons, / To tie up my bonny brown hair." The final movement features the daughter's response, "Oh, dear! What can the matter be? / Dear, dear! What can the matter be? / Oh, dear! What can the matter be? / Johnny's so long at the fair." The song's characteristics include its simple melody, repetitive structure, and catchy lyrics. It is often performed as a children's song, but it has also been adapted for other genres, such as pop and rock. The song's popularity has endured for centuries, and it continues to be a beloved part of English folk music.

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