Stephen Collins Foster (July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864), known as the "fat… Read Full Bio ↴Stephen Collins Foster (July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864), known as the "father of American music", was the pre-eminent songwriter in the United States of the 19th century.
His songs — such as "Oh! Susanna", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River"), "Hard Times Come Again No More", "My Old Kentucky Home", "Old Black Joe", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", and "Beautiful Dreamer" — remain popular over 150 years after their composition.

Susanna
Stephen C. Foster Lyrics

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I come from clabama
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,
Don't you cry for me.
I come from clabama
With my banjo on my knee.

I had a dream the other night
When everything was still,

I thought I saw Susanna
Coming down the hill

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Stephen C. Foster's song "Susanna" tell the story of a man who is leaving his home in Alabama, heading to Louisiana to reunite with his true love, Susanna. Despite the challenges he faces on his journey, such as the rain and extreme weather conditions, he reassures Susanna not to cry because he will return to her with his banjo on his knee. In his dream, he imagines seeing Susanna coming towards him, which brings him great joy and anticipation.

The song is filled with simple yet heartfelt emotions of longing and hope. It reflects the theme of longing for love and the anticipation of reuniting with a loved one. The banjo, a prominent instrument in the lyrics, symbolizes the man's connection to his roots and his expression of love for Susanna.

Overall, "Susanna" captures the essence of a man's journey to be with his beloved Susanna, using simple and memorable lyrics to convey his emotions.

Line by Line Meaning

I come from clabama
I hail from the state of Alabama

With my banjo on my knee
I always carry my banjo with me

I'm going to Louisiana
I am traveling to Louisiana

My true love for to see
To meet my beloved

It rained all night the day I left
Right before I departed, it rained continuously throughout the night

The weather it was dry
Despite the rain, the weather was surprisingly dry

The sun so hot I froze to death
The sun's scorching heat was unbearable

Susanna don't you cry
Susanna, please don't shed any tears

Oh! Susanna
Oh, Susanna

Don't you cry for me
Please don't mourn for me