Oh! Susanna

As performed by Wayne Erbsen

Front Porch Favorites: 19th Century American Classics

Website: http://www.NativeGround.com

First published in 1848, “Oh! Susanna” was the first big hit of Stephen Collins Foster’s illustrious career.  The song became an anthem of the California Gold Rush in 1849, and remained popular throughout the Civil War.  Known today as “the Father of American Music,” Foster (1826-1864) wrote over 200 songs during his brief life, including hits “Camptown Races,” “Old Folks at Home” (“Swanee River”), “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” “Beautiful Dreamer” and many others.  Sadly, Foster profited little from his work. 

I come from Alabama with my Banjo on my knee--

I’se gwine to Lou’siana my true lub for to see.

It rain’d all night de day I left, de wedder it was dry;

The sun so hot I froze to def -- Susanna, dont you cry.

Oh! Susanna, do not cry for me;

I come from Alabama, wid my Banjo on my knee.

Oh! Susanna, do not cry for me;

I come from Alabama, wid my Banjo on my knee.

I had a dream de udder night, when ebry ting was still;

I thought I saw Susanna dear, a coming down de hill.

De buckweat cake was in her mouf, de tear was in her eye,

I says, I’se coming from de souf, -- Susanna, dont you cry.

Oh! Susanna, do not cry for me;

I come from Alabama, wid my Banjo on my knee.

Oh! Susanna, do not cry for me;

I come from Alabama, wid my Banjo on my knee.

Note: There are several additional and alternate lyrics to Oh! Susanna.

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