New Alphabet Song Goes Viral Again for the Holiday Season

Remember when a new version of the iconic Alphabet Song surfaced during the pandemic back in 2020? With a new school year approaching, it appears to be going viral yet again.

The Alphabet Song holds a special place in our hearts, sharing its tune with classics like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Baa Baa Black Sheep. Altering this beloved children’s song almost feels sacrilegious.

I recently came across an ABC News article introducing this updated version of the song. Interestingly, the article doesn’t disclose the origin of this different rendition, but I happen to know and will reveal it shortly.

During the lockdown in 2020, a mom on TikTok shared this viral sensation after her kids started singing it. For many, it was the first time hearing this version of the ABCs.

The main difference lies in the ‘LMNOP’ segment. Traditionally, these letters are sung in a way that makes them sound like a single, jumbled word, ‘elemenopee.’ The new version changes this to avoid the confusion.

This alteration means the melody diverges significantly. Here’s that TikTok video. Try singing along, and I’ll tell you who actually created this version afterward.

How did you do?

The song becomes almost unrecognizable toward the end, especially with the new closing line, ‘Now I never will forget how to say my alphabet.’

According to the In The Know website, the original alphabet song, titled The A.B.C., was first copyrighted in 1835 by Charles Bradlee. However, the changed version was introduced by a musician, songwriter, and teacher named Matt on his Dream English YouTube channel, according to the Huffington Post.

Matt also runs an online learning website. He explained that his version not only clarifies the ‘LMNOP’ section but also assists young children learning English as a second language, as well as those with learning disabilities. Knowing this, you can’t help but commend Matt for his innovative approach.

Most of us still sing the song in our heads when organizing things alphabetically, so however children learn it, the functionality remains the same.

Source: In The Know, Huffington Post