(Stephen Foster wrote this nonsense song in Cincinnati, 1840s.)
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
I’m goin’ to Louisiana for 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,
Susannah, don’t you cry.
chorus
Oh Susannah, oh don’t you cry for me,
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee.
I jumped aboard the telegraph and traveled down the wires.
The electric fluid magnified and lit five hundred fires.
The full moon burst, my horse ran off, I really thought I’d die.
I shut my eyes to hold my breath,
Susannah, don’t you cry.
I had a dream the other night, when everything was still.
I dreamt I saw Susannah dear a-comin’ down the hill.
The buckwheat cake was in her mouth, the tear was in her eye.
Says I “I’m coming from the South,
Susannah, don’t you cry.”
I soon will be in New Orleans, and then I’ll look around.
And when I find Susannah dear, I’ll fall upon the ground.
But if I do not find my love, then I will surely die.
And when I’m gone and six feet down,
Susannah, don’t you cry!