<P> Cohen's Folk Music gives a different version of the lyrics: </P> <P> O dear, what can the matter be? O 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 bunch of blue ribbons . He promised he'd bring me a bunch of blue ribbons . He promised he'd bring me a bunch of blue ribbons . To tie up my bonny brown hair . </P> <P> Raph's American Song Treasury uses the traditional lyrics and adds a second verse: </P> <P> He promised he'd buy 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, and now </P>

Lyrics for oh dear what can the matter be