O DEAR, what can the matter be? Dear, dear, what can the matter be? O dear, what can the matter be? Johnny's so long at the fair. 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. And it's O dear, what can the matter be? Dear, dear, what can the matter be? O dear, what can the matter be? Johnny's so long at the fair. He promised to buy me a pair of sleeve buttons, A pair of new garters that cost him but two pence, He promised he'd bring me a bunch of blue ribbons To tie up my bonny brown hair. And it's O dear, what can the matter be? Dear, dear, what can the matter be? O dear, what can the matter be? Johnny's so long at the fair. He promised he'd bring me a basket of posies, A garland of lilies, a garland of roses, A little straw hat, to set off the blue ribbons That tie up my bonny brown hair. |