[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a hit from 1848
words and music by Stephen C. Foster
Sung by harmonizers, in the minstrel shows, and during the gold rush.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Werner Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
1. I came from Alabama
Wid my banjo on my knee
I’m g’wan to Louisiana
My true love for to see
It rain’d all night the day I left
The weather it was dry
The sun so hot I frose to death
Susanna, don’t you cry
Chorus
Oh! Susanna, Oh! dont you cry for me
I’ve come from Alabama
Wid my banjo on my knee
2. I jumped aboard de telegraph
And trabbelled down de ribber
De Lectrie fluid magnified
And killed five hundred Nigger
De bullgine bust, de horse run off
I really thought I’d die
I shut my eyes to hold my breath
Susanna, don’t you cry
3. I had a dream de odder night
When ebery ting was still
I thought I saw Susanna
A-coming down de hill
The buckwheat cake war in her mouth
The tear was in her eye
Says I’m coming from de South
Susanna, don’t you cry
4. I soon will be in New Orleans
And den I’ll look all round
And when I find Susanna
I’ll fall upon the ground
But if I do not find her
Dis darkie’ll surely die
And when I’m dead and buried
Susanna, don’t you cry
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Sung here by Fred Feild: