'Oh ! Susanna' by Stephen C. Foster
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1I came from Alabama
2wid my ban jo on my knee,
3I'm g'wan to Louisiana,
4My true love for to see,
6It raind all night the day I left
7The weather it was dry,
8The sun so hot I frose to death
9Susanna dont you cry.
10[Chorus] Oh! Susanna Oh! dont you cry for me
11I've come from Alabama wid mi ban jo on my knee.
12[Solo] I jumped aboard de telegraph,
13And trabbelled down de riber,
14De Lectric fluid magnified,
15And Killed five Hundred Nigger
16De bullgine buste, de horse run off,
17I realy thought I'd die;
18I shut my eyes to hold my breath,
19Susana, dont you cry.
20[Chorus] Oh! Susana Oh! dont you cry for me
21I've come from Alabama wid mi ban jo on my knee.
22[Solo] I had a dream de odder night,
23When ebery ting was still;
24I thought I saw Susana,
25A coming down de hill.
26The buckwheat cake war in her mouth,
27The tear was in her eye,
28Says I, im coming from de South,
29Susana, dont you cry.
30[Chorus] Oh! Susana Oh! dont you cry for me
31I've come from Alabama wid mi ban jo on my knee.
32[Solo] I soon will be in New Orleans,
33And den I'll look all round,
34And when I find Susana,
35I'll fall upon the ground.
36But if I do not find her,
37Dis darkie 'l surely die,
38And when I'm dead and buried,
39Susana, dont you cry.
40[Chorus] Oh! Susana Oh! dont you cry for me
41I've come from Alabama wid mi ban jo on my knee.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Oh ! Susanna: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Author: Stephen C. Foster
Year of Publication: 1847
Oh, Susanna! Don't you cry for me!
I'm going to Alabama with a 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!
If you're a fan of American folk songs, then you've probably heard of "Oh! Susanna" at some point in your life. Stephen C. Foster's popular tune has become a classic, played in a variety of settings- from campfires to concert halls. But, what is it about this song that has made it so enduring? Why do we continue to sing it, even after all these years?
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the various elements of "Oh! Susanna," examining its themes, structure, and historical context. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of this beloved tune and appreciate it even more.
The Themes of "Oh! Susanna"
At first glance, "Oh! Susanna" appears to be a simple love song. The narrator is leaving his home to go see his true love in Louisiana, and he reassures her not to cry in his absence. However, there are additional themes present in the lyrics that are worth exploring.
One of the most prominent themes in "Oh! Susanna" is the idea of travel. The narrator is leaving his home and venturing to new places, evoking a sense of wanderlust and adventure. Additionally, the mention of Alabama and Louisiana gives a nod to the American South, which was a popular destination for settlers during the time of the song's composition. By highlighting the concept of travel, "Oh! Susanna" taps into a universal human desire for exploration and discovery.
Another theme present in the song is the idea of perseverance. The narrator encounters adverse weather conditions on his journey ("It rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry; The sun so hot, I froze to death"), but he remains undeterred in his mission to see his true love. The resilience displayed by the narrator can be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to persevere through their own challenges.
Finally, "Oh! Susanna" touches upon the theme of nostalgia. The narrator longs for his true love and the comforts of home, invoking a sense of longing and wistfulness. This theme of nostalgia has been a common thread in American folk music, as it speaks to a yearning for simpler times and a sense of belonging.
The Structure of "Oh! Susanna"
In addition to its themes, "Oh! Susanna" also has a distinctive structure that contributes to its appeal. The song is composed of four stanzas, each with a distinct rhyme scheme (AABB, CCDD, EEFF, GGHH). The repetition of the first line ("Oh! Susanna, don't you cry for me!") at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of familiarity and reinforces the song's central message.
The use of a banjo as the narrator's instrument of choice is also significant. The banjo, which was commonly played by African American slaves, has become a symbol of American folk music and the country's history of racial inequality. By including the banjo in the song, Foster is paying homage to the African American roots of American folk music and highlighting the important role that music has played in the country's history.
The Historical Context of "Oh! Susanna"
To truly appreciate "Oh! Susanna," it's important to understand its historical context. The song was composed in 1847, during a time of great change and upheaval in the United States. The country was expanding westward, with settlers moving into new territories and displacing Native American populations. The issue of slavery was also a major point of contention, with tensions between abolitionists and slaveholders reaching a boiling point.
During this time, music played an important role in society. Folk songs like "Oh! Susanna" were a way for people to connect with one another, express their emotions, and document their experiences. The popularity of songs like "Oh! Susanna" demonstrates the enduring power of music to bring people together and create a sense of shared history.
Conclusion
"Oh! Susanna" may seem like a simple folk song on the surface, but upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a complex and multifaceted work of art. Its themes of travel, perseverance, and nostalgia speak to universal human experiences, while its structure and historical context contribute to its enduring appeal. As we continue to sing and enjoy "Oh! Susanna" in the years to come, we can appreciate it even more by understanding the various elements that make it such a beloved tune.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Oh! Susanna is a classic American folk song written by Stephen C. Foster in 1847. This song has been a favorite of many generations and has been sung by people all over the world. The song is a perfect example of the American folk music genre, which is characterized by simple melodies, catchy rhythms, and lyrics that tell a story.
The song tells the story of a man who is traveling to New Orleans to see his beloved Susanna. The man is excited to see her and is looking forward to spending time with her. The song is full of energy and enthusiasm, which makes it a perfect song to sing along to.
The song starts with the famous line, "I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song and immediately captures the listener's attention. The banjo is a traditional American instrument that is often associated with folk music. The use of the banjo in this song adds to the overall Americana feel of the song.
The lyrics of the song are simple and easy to remember, which is one of the reasons why it has become such a popular song. The chorus of the song is particularly catchy, with the line "Oh! Susanna, don't you cry for me, I'm going to Louisiana, my true love for to see." This line is repeated throughout the song, making it easy for the listener to sing along.
The song is also full of imagery that paints a picture of the journey the man is taking to see Susanna. The lyrics mention crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and traveling through valleys. These images help to create a sense of adventure and excitement in the song.
One of the most interesting aspects of the song is the use of dialect in the lyrics. The lyrics are written in a Southern dialect, which adds to the overall charm of the song. The use of dialect in the lyrics also helps to create a sense of authenticity and adds to the overall Americana feel of the song.
The melody of the song is simple and easy to remember, which is another reason why it has become such a popular song. The melody is based on a pentatonic scale, which is a scale that is commonly used in folk music. The use of this scale adds to the overall simplicity of the song and makes it easy for the listener to sing along.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Neil Young. Each artist has put their own spin on the song, but the overall feel of the song remains the same. The song has also been used in many movies and TV shows, including The Muppet Show and The Simpsons.
In conclusion, Oh! Susanna is a classic American folk song that has stood the test of time. The song is full of energy, enthusiasm, and imagery that captures the spirit of the American frontier. The use of dialect in the lyrics and the pentatonic scale in the melody add to the overall charm of the song. It is a song that has been loved by generations and will continue to be loved for many years to come.
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