Historic Sheet Music Collection

Title

Oh! Susanna

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1848

Comments

Oh! Susanna
by Stephen Collins Foster
Sung by G.N. Christy of the Chrisry Minstrels

New York: Published by C. Hold Jr. (156 Fulton St.)
Boston: Oliver Ditson

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

I came from Alabama wid my banjo on my knee,
I'm g'wan to Lousiana
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! don't you cry for me,
I've come from Alabama, wid my banjo on my knee.

[Verse 2]
I jumped aboard de telegraph
And trabbelled down de riber,
De Lectrie fluid magnified,
And killed five hundred Nigger
De billgine bust, de horse run off,
I really thought I'd die;
I shut my eyes to hold my breath,
Susanna don't you cry.

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
I had a dream de odder night
When ebery ting was still;
I thoguht I saw Susanna,
A coming down de hill.
The buckwheat cake was un her niuth,
The tear was in her eye,
Says I'm coming from de South
Susanna, don't you cry.

[Chorus]

[Verse 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 'I surley die,
And when I'm dead and buried,
Susanna, don't you cry.

[Chorus]

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