The Fly & The Humble Bee

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    Fiddle-de-dee, Fiddle-de-dee,     The fly has married the humble bee.     Says the fly, says he,     "Will you marry me,     And live with me,     Sweet humble bee?"     Says the bee, says she,     "I'll live under your wing,     "And you'll never know     "That I carry a sting."     Fiddle-de-dee, &c.     So when the parson     Had joined the pair,     They both went out     To take the air,     Fiddle-de-dee, &c.     And the flies did buzz,     And the bells did ring--     Did ever you hear     So merry a thing?     Fiddle-de-dee, &c.     And then to think     That of all the flies     The humble bee     Should carry the prize.     Fiddle-de-dee, &c.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, whimsical and light-hearted, uses anthropomorphism to tell a story of unexpected love and partnership between a fly and a bee, characters that carry symbolic resonance. The fly, often associated with annoyance or persistence, and the bee, symbolizing industriousness and community, engage in a dialogue of courtship and acceptance, which, on the surface, is playful and charming.

The poem’s structure, with its repeated refrain of "Fiddle-de-dee," bolsters the playful, rhythmic tone. This repetition offers a sense of continuity and rhythm, echoing the natural buzz of insects. The use of direct speech also creates a sense of intimacy and adds a dynamic element to the narrative.

Despite its lightness, the poem subtly introduces the theme of hidden danger with the bee's admission of her sting. This adds complexity to the piece, hinting at the idea that even in seemingly harmonious relationships, there can be elements of risk or danger. The final stanza, where the bee is described as carrying the prize among all flies, suggests a triumph of the unexpected or underestimated, a common theme in fairy tales and fables.

Ultimately, this piece uses a simple, delightful narrative to explore themes of love, acceptance, risk, and the beauty of the unexpected.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.