Stephen Foster was an American songwriter known for creating many popular folk and traditional songs.
His music often told stories about life, love, and American culture, with simple melodies that were easy to sing along to.
He was a key figure in shaping American music during the 19th century. Though his life was short, his songs still bring joy to people today, and he is often called the father of American music.
About the Song
Oh! Susanna is a well-known American folk song that tells the story of a man traveling to the South to find his love, Susanna.
The song expresses his excitement and longing to be with her. With its lively melody and easy-to-follow lyrics, it became popular over time.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1848 |
| Writer | Stephen Foster |
Lyrics of Oh! Susanna
I came from Alabama, Wid a banjo on my knee,
I’m gwyne 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 froze to death; Susanna, don’t you cry.
Chorus:
Oh! Susanna, Oh don’t you cry for me,
cos’ I’ve come from Alabama, Wid my banjo on my knee
I jumped aboard the telegraph, And trabbled down the riber,
De lectric 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.
CHO: Oh Susanna &c.
I had a dream the odder night, When ebery thing was still
I thought I saw Susanna A Coming down de hill;
The buck-wheat cake was in her mouth, The tear was in her eye;
Says I, “I’m coing from de south, Susanna, don’t you cry.”
CHO: Oh Susanna &c.I soon will be in New Orleans, And den I’ll look all round,
And When I find Susanna, I will fall upon de ground.
And If I do not find her, Dis Darkie’l surely die,
And when I’m dead and buried, Susanna, don’t you cry.
CHO: Oh Susanna &c.
Instruments that can be Played on Oh! Susanna
Oh! Susanna is a lively and catchy folk song that has been enjoyed for generations. Its simple melody and rhythm make it suitable for a variety of instruments. Beginners and experienced players alike can use several instruments to play this classic tune.
Oh! Susanna on Violin
The Violinspiration YouTube channel offers a helpful tutorial on Oh! Susanna, designed for beginner violinists. The video provides clear, step-by-step instructions, making it easy to follow along.
Oh! Susanna on Harmonica
Howcast’s YouTube channel offers a straightforward tutorial on Oh! Susanna, perfect for beginners. With easy-to-understand guidance, it helps learners play this classic folk tune with confidence, step by step.
Oh! Susanna on Piano
Alan Chan’s piano tutorial for Oh! Susanna offers a beginner-friendly approach to learning this classic folk song. With visual aids and simple explanations, learners can confidently play this cheerful tune on the piano.
Similar Songs Like Oh! Susanna
For those who love Oh! Susanna, here are some more well-known songs by Stephen Foster that share his unmistakable style.
- Camptown Races: This lively tune brings out a playful rhythm, celebrating horse races and the excitement of competition.
- Beautiful Dreamer: A slower, more romantic song that touches the heart, Beautiful Dreamer is about a peaceful dreamer lost in their thoughts.
- My Old Kentucky Home: With a gentle, melancholic melody, this song expresses longing for home and the beauty of Kentucky.
- Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair: This tender ballad captures deep love and admiration. Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair describes a longing for a lost love with a soft, memorable melody.
Similar Songwriters Like Stephen Foster
If you enjoy the classic folk and sentimental songwriting of Stephen Foster, there are several other songwriters who also crafted timeless melodies that tell stories of life, love, and the American experience.
- Johnny Cash
Genre: Country, Folk, Gospel
Top albums: At Folsom Prison (1968), American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) - Bob Dylan
Genre: Folk, Rock
Top albums: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963), Highway 61 Revisited (1965) - Woody Guthrie
Genre: Folk, Americana
Top albums:Dust Bowl Ballads (1940), Woody Guthrie Sings Folk Songs (1944), - Hank Williams
Genre: Country, Folk
Top albums: 40 Greatest Hits (1978), Moanin’ the Blues (1952) - Jim Croce
Genre: Folk, Pop
Top albums: You Don’t Mess Around with Jim (1972), Life and Times (1973)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Oh! Susanna Famous?
The song became famous due to its catchy melody and simple lyrics, making it easy to sing along to.
What Makes Oh! Susanna Different from Other Folk Songs?
It has a lively and upbeat rhythm, with a catchy chorus that invites participation.
Is Oh! Susanna Related to Any Historical Events?
The song reflects the spirit of westward expansion and migration during the mid-19th century.
