In the late 1990s Callier began his comeback to recorded music, contributing to Beth Orton's Best Bit EP in 1997 and releasing the album Timepeace in 1998, which won the United Nations' Time For Peace award for outstanding artistic achievement contributing to world peace. His colleagues at the University of Chicago never learned of Callier's life as a musician, but after the award the news of his secret life became widely known and subsequently led to his firing.[3][9]
As well as touring internationally, Callier continued his recording career, releasing five albums since Timepeace, including Lifetime (1999), Alive (2001), Speak Your Peace (2002) and Lookin' Out (2004). May 2009 saw his album Hidden Conversations featuring Massive Attack released on Mr Bongo records.[7][9] In 2001, Callier performed "Satin Doll" for the Red Hot Organization's compilation album Red Hot + Indigo, a tribute to Duke Ellington, which raised money for various charities devoted to increasing AIDS awareness and fighting the disease. Callier died on October 27, 2012, after a long illness.
Oh Dear What Can the Matter Be
Terry Callier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dear, dear, what can the matter be?
O dear, what can the matter be
Johnny′s so long at the fair.
Johnny's so long at the fair.
He promised he′d bring me a bunch of blue ribbons,
To tie up my bonny brown hair.
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.
Johnny's so long at the fair.
The song "Oh Dear What Can The Matter Be" by Terry Callier tells the story of a young girl who is waiting for Johnny, who has gone to the fair, to return with blue ribbons to tie up her bonny brown hair. The lyrics are a lamentation of her impatience and worry that he has not yet returned. The repeated refrain of "O dear, what can the matter be?" highlights her concern and frustration at his absence.
The song serves as a representation of the classic trope of a lover leaving for a journey and the one who is left behind anxiously waiting for their return. This theme is beautifully illustrated in Callier's version of the song, with his soulful and melancholic vocals perfectly conveying the sentiments of the girl who is waiting for her lover.
Line by Line Meaning
O dear, what can the matter be?
A rhetorical question expressing worry and concern about the situation.
Dear, dear, what can the matter be?
Repeating the rhetorical question for emphasis on the concern.
O dear, what can the matter be
Reiteration of the rhetorical question showing further concern and worry.
Johnny′s so long at the fair.
Johnny has been away for a long time at the fair, causing distress and anxiety.
He promised he′d bring me a bunch of blue ribbons,
Johnny made a promise to bring the artist a gift, adding to the anticipation and excitement of Johnny's return.
To tie up my bonny brown hair.
The blue ribbons were intended to be used to tie up the singer's brown hair, making her look more attractive and desirable.
Writer(s): Traditional
Contributed by Sydney E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.