Tunes of the Times: Historical Songs as Pedagogy for Recent US History

Abstract

OH DEAR, what could the matter / Dear dear, what could the matter be? The lyrics of an old parlor tune ring out from the classroom speakers. The melody would have been familiar to listeners of the early twentieth century, although it is not readily recognizable to most of the eighteen-year-old freshmen in my Recent United States history survey. The refrain echoes once more, then answers the question: Oh dear, what could the matter / are wanting to vote! This grabs the students' attention. They listen and laugh as the lyrics continue to poke fun at the narrow attitude against woman suffrage before 1920: Women have husbands, they are protected, / have sons by whom they're directed, / have fathers, they're not neglected. / Why are they wanting to vote?' Why, indeed! Listening to this recording just before lecture begins has already introduced my students to the topic of the day and several of the issues we will be covering in class. Moreover, it has done so in a fun and engaging way that students will remember far better than my own introductory phrases. Songs are powerful pedagogical tools that enliven a classroom and enhance student learning in an enjoyable manner. Historical songs are, moreover, valuable primary sources that provide listeners with direct commentary, attitudes, and emotions expressed by real people in particu-