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. 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. 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. 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. Oh dear what can the matter be? 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. 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.