Why do the ABC song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Baa Baa Black Sheep all have the same tune?

Answer 1

you're tone deaf aren't you honey

Answer 2

The melody of all these songs are derived from an old French Melody from the 18th century. In earlier eras, it was extremely common for melodies or texts to be "recycled" and used in new pieces. Usually the original composer of the melody allowed other composers to borrow his ideas, so long as he was properly credited as being the original creator.

I have found that the song began as a French song named Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman! See if you can sing the melody with the words:

Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman,
Ce qui cause mon tourment
Papa veut que je raisonne,
Comme une grande personne.
Moi, je dis que les bonbons
Valent mieux que la raison

Perhaps with Mozart's 12 Variations of Ah! vous dirai-je Maman, the melody was able to reach universal appeal. Or perhaps it is the nature of the nursery rhyme. Nursery rhymes are very personal songs, often what parents sing to their children. They are passed on from generation to generation through oral tradition. So with the melody in their head, it was very easy for the parents to put new text to the tune.

This was a great question, really made me think! Thanks!

Answer 3

They don't even come close to having the same notes.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/musicchild.htm

Now lets descuss "Music of the Night" Weber, Does that sound like a childs tune?

Answer 4

I too learned these songs that way. I don't know why all these folks are panicking. And what's wrong with rewriting lyrics to a tune kids are already familiar with?

Or slow adults even?

Answer 5

Public domain = no royalties.

Expect to hear a lot more of that tune in the months and years to come.

Answer 6

It's easy for kids to learn and memorize this tune.

Answer 7

many people make song with the same tunes so they don't have to make a new tune for every song.

Answer 8

its baa-baa-black sheep, -have-you-any-wool? yes sir yes sir...bla bla bla.
and twinkle twinkle is just twinkle twinkle little star, how i wonder...
count the syllables. THEYRE DIFFERENT.

Answer 9

o contrare madam! totally different. nothing alike. famous songs that go back centuries. i sang them as a child. i love them. i cherish every little note. andthe notes are, indeed, different. you see americans cannot sing. the sing in one or two notes. that makes everything sound the same. just like hip hop music.

Answer 10

same ryhme easy to follow and memorize by kids so they can remember so easly

Answer 11

It is a catchy tune!