What aspect of the melody in "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" hints at the influence of Irish folk music?

The aspect of the melody in "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" that hints at the influence of Irish folk music is its movement largely in "step-by-step," or "conjunct," motion. This melodic style is characteristic of many folk music traditions, including Irish music, which often features smooth, flowing melodic lines that primarily use adjacent notes within a scale. This approach allows for a singable, lyrical quality that is reminiscent of folk melodies, encouraging both emotional expression and accessibility.

In contrast, other characteristics like syncopation, frequent modulation, or wide leaps in the vocal range are less representative of traditional Irish folk styles. Irish folk music tends to favor simpler rhythmic patterns to evoke a heartfelt, melodic line rather than complex rhythmic variations or drastic shifts in pitch. Thus, the stepwise movement aligns closely with what one would expect in the context of Irish melodic structure.