Stephen Foster was one of America’s first famous songwriters. In the 1800s, he wrote simple, catchy songs that people still know today, such as Oh! Susanna. His music often mixed folk and minstrel styles, and he became known as the father of American music.
Although he didn’t win awards in his lifetime, since music awards didn’t exist at that time, his songs later earned great honors. In 1970, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Foster’s music helped shape early American popular songs and is still remembered for its strong melodies and emotional feel.
About the Song
Camptown Races is a fun and catchy song written in silly words and an easy tune. It was often sung at events and played with banjos. The Doo-Dah line made it popular for kids and adults.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1850 |
| Writers | Stephen Foster |
Camptown Races Lyrics
Verse 1
De Camptown ladies sing dis song—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
De Camp-town race-track five miles long—Oh! doo-dah day!
I come down dah wid my hat caved in—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
I go back home wid a pocket full of tin—Oh! doo-dah day!
Chorus
Gwine to run all night!
Gwine to run all day!
I’ll bet my money on de bob-tail nag—
Somebody bet on de bay
Verse 2
De long tail filly and de big black hoss—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
Dey fly de track and dey both cut across—Oh! doo-dah-day!
De blind hoss sticken in a big mud hole—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
Can’t touch bottom wid a ten foot pole—Oh! doo-dah-day!
Chorus
Gwine to run all night!
Gwine to run all day!
I’ll bet my money on de bob-tail nag—
Somebody bet on de bay
Verse 3
Old muley cow come on to de track—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
De bob-tail fling her ober his back—Oh! doo-dah-day!
Den fly along like a rail-road car—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
Runnin’ a race wid a shootin’ star—Oh! doo-dah-day!
Chorus
Gwine to run all night!
Gwine to run all day!
I’ll bet my money on de bob-tail nag—
Somebody bet on de bay
Verse 4
See dem flyin’ on a ten mile heat—Doo-dah doo-dah!
Round de race track, den repeat—Oh! doo-dah-day!
I win my money on de bob-tail nag—Doo-dah! doo-dah!
I keep my money in an old tow-bag—Oh! doo-dah-day!
Chorus
Gwine to run all night!
Gwine to run all day!
I’ll bet my money on de bob-tail nag—
Somebody bet on de bay
Similar Songs Like Camptown Races
Stephen Foster wrote many songs that became American classics. These songs by Foster have similar tunes and are loved by everyone:
- “Oh! Susann“: This cheerful song with a catchy chorus became a favorite at gatherings and still makes people smile when sung today.
- “My Old Kentucky Home“: It’s a soft and sweet song that talks about missing home, and it is now the state song of Kentucky.
- “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair“: Written about love and loss, this song features a soft melody that people still sing and play today.
- “Massa’s in the Cold Ground“: A song that talks about change and people going away, with a calm and simple sound.
Similar Artists Like Stephen Foster
If you appreciate Stephen Foster’s classic American songwriting, here are some similar artists that helped shape early American music with heartfelt melodies that you might enjoy:
- Daniel Decatur Emmett
Genres: Minstrel, Folk
Top Albums: Early Minstrel Songs (Compilation), American Folk Origins (Compilation) - Henry Clay Work
Genres: Parlor Songs, Patriotic Folk
Top Albums: Civil War Songs (Compilation), Early American Favorites (Compilation) - James A. Bland
Genres: Folk, Minstrel
Top Albums: American Minstrel Classics (Compilation), Songs of the South (Compilation) - George Root
Genres: Patriotic, 19th Century Popular
Top Albums: Songs of the Union (Compilation), Roots of American Song (Compilation)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Song Use Repetitive Phrases Like Doo-Dah?
Foster used catchy, rhythmic phrases to make the song easy to remember and sing in group settings.
Was Camptown Races Written for Minstrel Shows?
Yes, it was created for minstrel performances, which were popular in the 19th century.
Is Camptown Races Based on a Real Town?
Yes, there is a real Camptown in Pennsylvania, but the song’s race is fictional.
