In exploring the aesthetics of Mr. Pim's "welcome home" song for Sara it might be helpful to examine the conventions of music hall, a form of entertainment popular in Britain from the mid-1800's to WWII.
Music hall similar to, and a contemporary of, American vaudeville. Like American vaudeville music hall featured comic and musical acts, performed for an audience in pubs and (later) in venues designed for light entertainment. Music had its roots in traditional folk ballads, but as the form developed, songs were written by professional songwriters, and the music was increasingly influenced by jazz and ragtime. Performers usually sang the verses as solos but invited the audience to sing along with the catchy, simple choruses.
A sampling of remastered recordings of music hall songs, courtesy of Amazon.com:
A Night At the Music Hall
The Golden Years of Music Hall
Cockney Kings of Music Hall
And below is a contemporary interpretation of the music hall tradition:
Betty's Music Hall
