[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
a new Ethiopian (minstrel show) melody, 1851
words and music by Stephen C. Foster<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the Stephen Foster Song Book: “This song is distinguished by a brief guest appearance of the celebrated Susanna, who is cast as the slave’s lover. It is a splendid minstrel piece that tells of life on another of Foster’s mythical plantations. But despite its conventional minstrel show cliches about the happy lives of the slaves, the piece has distinct subversive elements. Verses three through five relate a curious story: a slave is freed and journeys to Kentucky but apparently runs out of money and returns to the plantation; subsequently “massa” dies unexpectedly during a banjo recital and the slave runs away, promising to return someday for his lover. The story serves as a gentle suggestion – and it is perhaps unique in Foster’s works – that life was not all roses and sunshine ‘way down south.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sheet music:<\/p>\n\n\n\n