Singers and Vocalists, Song Lyrics

Gentle Song The Lonely Goatherd Lyrics

The Sound of Music is one of the most iconic musicals, originally premiering on Broadway in 1959 and later adapted into a highly successful 1965 film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

The musical tells the true story of Maria von Trapp, a young nun who becomes a governess for the Trapp family and eventually marries the widowed captain, Georg von Trapp. During the rise of Nazism in Austria, she experiences personal and family challenges.

Moreover, the musical is known for its combination of beautiful music, strong storytelling, and the real-life inspiration behind the Trapp family’s life captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

About the Song

“The Lonely Goatherd” is a lively and fun song, where Maria and the children use puppets to sing about a lonely goatherd in the Alps.

With its catchy tune and playful lyrics, it’s one of the most memorable songs from the musical.

Detail	Information
Released	1959
Album	The Sound of Music
Writers	Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II & Rodgers & Hammerstein
Producers	Goddard Lieberson.

The Lonely Goatherd Lyrics

MARIA

High on a hill was a lonely goatherd
Layee odl, layee odl layee-oo
Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd
Layee odl, layee odl-oo
Folks in a town that was quite remote heard
Layee odl, layee odl layee-oo
Lusty and clear from the goatherd’s throat heard
Layee odl, layee odl-oo

Oho layee odllee-oo
Oho layee odl ay
Oho layee odllee-oo
Hododlleeolay

A prince on the bridge of a castle moat heard
Layee odl, layee odl layee-oo
Men on the road with a load to tote heard
Layee odl, layee odl-oo
Men in the mists of a chapel dote heard
Layee odl, layee odl-oo
Men drinking beer with the foam afloat heard
Layee odl, layee odl layee-oo

Oho layee odllee-oo
Oho layee odl ay
Oho layee odllee-oo
Hododlleeolay

One little girl in a pale pink coat heard
Layee odl, layee odl-oo
She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd
Layee odl, layee odl-oo
Soon hеr mama with a gleaming gloat heard
Layee odl, layee odl layee-oo
What a duet for a girl and goathеrd
Layee odl, layee odl-oo

Oho layee odllee-oo
Oho layee odl ay
Oho layee odllee-oo
Hododlleeolay

Hododlleeolay
Ode layee odllee-oo
Oh laydee-oo

Soon their duet will become a trio
Layee odl, layee odl layee

MARIA

Happy are they layee odllayee-o
Oh layee odlayee layee-o
Soon their duet will become a trio
Layee odl, layee odl layee-o

Ode lay-ee

Odlayee odlayee odlay

Similar Songs Like The Lonely Goatherd

If you are into fun and flowy, melodious songs, here’s a list of recommendations that you need to try:

Do-Re-Mi: It is one of the most iconic songs, where Maria teaches the von Trapp children the basics of singing. It’s a playful, catchy song that became a symbol of the joy of learning and music.
My Favorite Things: In this cheerful song, Maria lists the things she loves most, like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. The song has become synonymous with comfort and joy, and is often performed outside of the musical itself.
Edelweiss: It is a soft, moving song in which Captain von Trapp sings about the small, delicate flower symbolizing the beauty of Austria. Its simplicity and heartfelt lyrics make it a deeply emotional moment in the musical.

Similar Artists Like The Sound of Music

Here’s a list of similar artists and broadcast productions such as The Sound of Music that you might love:

Julie Andrews
Genres: Soundtrack, Classical Crossover, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Julie Andrews: The Sound of Music (1965), The Magic of Julie Andrews (1971), The Gift of Music (2002)
Barbra Streisand
Genres: Pop, Classical, Musical Theatre
Top Albums: The Broadway Album (1985), People (1964), Barbra Streisand: The Concert (1994)
Rogers and Hammerstein
Genres: Musical Theatre, Soundtrack
Top Albums: The Sound of Music: The Original Broadway Cast Recording (1959), South Pacific (1949), Oklahoma! (1943)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does The Lonely Goatherd Appear in The Sound of Music?

In the original stage musical, Maria sings it to comfort the Von Trapp children during a thunderstorm. In the 1965 film, it is performed as part of a marionette puppet show for Captain von Trapp and guests.

What Musical Style is Featured in the Song?

The song is famous for its use of yodeling, showing the traditional music of the Austrian Alps, where the story is set.

Who Created the Famous Puppet Sequence in the Film?

The marionette show in the movie was produced and performed by renowned puppeteers Bil Baird and Cora Eisenberg.

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

All Posts