The stories La tells....

Stephen Foster wrote the original lyrics for this song in 1847.
When it was introduced by the famous Christy Minstrels in 1848, it became an instant hit.

This is a wonderful songtale. I have the kids act it out after they have learned it or they act it out as I sing. Sometimes we use puppets, sometimes we put it on as a musical.

Oh! Susanna

I come from Alabama
With my banjo on my knee
I'm going 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

Oh, Susanna,
Oh don't you cry for me
For I come from Alabama
With my banjo on my knee

I had a dream the other night
When everything was still
I thought I saw Susanna
A-coming down the hill

The buckwheat cake
Was in her mouth
A tear was in her eye
Says I, I'm coming from the south
Susanna, don't you cry

Oh, Susanna,
Oh don't you cry for me
For I come from Alabama
With my banjo on my knee

This also became the theme song for the 49ers who headed west for the goldmines of California. The version that the 49ers sang was called "Oh California". I have seen several versions of this song each with minor changes.