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Oh Susanna!
About	Composer Stephen Foster
Lyrics
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Historical Era Era 4: Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
Tags Gold Rush
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About Oh Susanna!

Stephen Foster was only 21 years old when he composed this song, and he later wrote, “the two fifty-dollar bills I received [for Oh Susanna!] had the effect of starting me on my present vocation as a songwriter.” In his 37 years of life, Foster wrote more than 200 songs. He visited the South only once, yet many of his songs portrayed blacks and slave life and were frequently performed by blackface minstrel singers. Oh Susanna! was beloved by ‘49ers during the California gold rush, helping it to become the most popular song in America.

Lyrics to Oh Susanna!

Oh Susanna! chorus: Oh, Susanna! Oh, don't you cry for me For I come from Alabama With a banjo on my knee verses: I come from Alabama With my banjo on my knee I'm goin' to Louisiana My true love for to see It rained all night the day I left The weather it was dry The sun so hot I froze to death Susanna, don't you cry (chorus) I had a dream the other night When everything was still I thought I saw Susanna A-coming down the hill A red, red rose was in her hand The tear was in her eye I said, "I come from Dixie land Susanna, don't you cry" (chorus) I soon will be in New Orleans And then I'll look around And when I find Susanna I'll fall upon the ground But if I do not find her I will surely die And when I'm dead and buried Susanna, don't you cry (chorus)

Download Oh Susanna!

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Videos of Oh Susanna!

Part of this song is featured in the Ballad of America video overview.

Compact Disc with Oh Susanna!

This song is available on the compact disc: Ballad of America Volume 2: America Singing