The group features Frazey Ford (guitar, vocals), Samantha Parton (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals) and Trish Klein (electric guitar, banjo, harmony vocals). Jolie Holland is a former member and also a frequent guest.
The story of the groups begins in early-to-mid ’90s in the Kootenay Mountains outside of British Columbia, where caravans of tree planters toiled each year to replenish the rich Canadian forests that suffer abuse by the lumber industry. Ford and Parton lived the vagabond lifestyle and made a rudimentary living as tree planters during the summer months and doing other odd jobs or traveling during the winters. When they met at a tree planters’ camp, they discovered a mutual love of music, but ultimately went their separate ways.
A few years later, Klein and Ford hooked up when both were attending music school in Nelson, British Columbia. For a time, the three of them headed in different directions: Ford went to Montreal and then Guatemala, Klein to Vancouver, and Parton traveled south through America with her dog Sherpa by her side, eventually settling in New Orleans. Chance brought the trio back together in Vancouver in the winter of 1999. By this time, each had been experimenting with many different styles of music – Ford was in a trip hop band in Montreal, Klein and Ford later formed the soul/folk band Saltwater June in Vancouver, and Parton had been touring the back roads of America with spoken word punk poet Chris Chandler as well as her country-duo side project, The Illegitimate Daughters of Johnny Cash.
Their luminous debut, ‘Blue Horse was named one of 2002′s Top 50 albums by Britain’s Q Magazine. The albums "Chinatown" followed in 2003 and "Hello Love" in 2006.
In 2008 the band took a break from touring and recording. Ford released her debut solo album, "Obadiah", in 2010. The band is scheduled to play the 2011 Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Oh Susanna
The Be Good Tanyas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm goin' to Louisiana my own true love for to see
It rained all night the day I left, the weather was bone dry
And the sun so hot I froze to death, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
I dreamed I saw Susanna comin' down the hill
A buckwheat cake was in her mouth, a tear was in her eye
Said I'm comin' from the south, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
Well, I soon will be in New Orleans and when I do arrive
I'll go and find Susanna if she is still alive
And if I do not find that girl I will surely die
But when I'm buried in my grave, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
The lyrics of "Oh, Susanna" describe a journey from Alabama to Louisiana to find a lover named Susanna. The singer is carrying his banjo with him, a symbol of his music and perhaps a source of comfort on his travels. The weather conditions are harsh, with rain and scorching heat, creating an atmosphere of struggle and endurance. The dream sequence adds an element of tenderness to the song, depicting Susanna with a tear in her eye and a buckwheat cake in her mouth. The singer's devotion is clear when he states he will die if he does not find Susanna in New Orleans. The final line suggests that even in death, he is thinking of her and asking her not to cry for him.
The song embodies the spirit of American folk music, with its simple melody and honest storytelling. It was written by Stephen Foster in 1848 and became a popular tune during the California Gold Rush. The Be Good Tanyas cover the song in a laid-back, folksy style, adding their own harmonies and instrumental embellishments. The lyrics are often interpreted as depicting the struggles of immigrants and pioneers traveling across the country, seeking a better life or a lost love. Overall, "Oh, Susanna" is a quintessential American folk song that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
I, the singer, originate from Alabama with my banjo as a companion.
I'm goin' to Louisiana my own true love for to see
I am currently en route to Louisiana to visit my true love.
It rained all night the day I left, the weather was bone dry
Despite heavy rain the night of my departure, the weather upon leaving was completely dry.
And the sun so hot I froze to death, Susanna, don't you cry
The heat was so intense that it felt as if I were freezing, but there is no need for Susanna to worry.
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
Please don't worry, Susanna.
Well, I had a dream the other night when everything was still
Recently, I had a dream during a calm and peaceful night.
I dreamed I saw Susanna comin' down the hill
In my dream, I saw Susanna descending a hill.
A buckwheat cake was in her mouth, a tear was in her eye
Susanna had a buckwheat cake in her mouth and a tear in her eye.
Said I'm comin' from the south, Susanna, don't you cry
I informed Susanna that I was journeying from the south and that there was no need for her to cry.
Well, I soon will be in New Orleans and when I do arrive
I will be arriving in New Orleans soon.
I'll go and find Susanna if she is still alive
Upon arrival, I will search for Susanna if she is still living.
And if I do not find that girl I will surely die
If Susanna is not found, it will result in my death.
But when I'm buried in my grave, Susanna, don't you cry
Even in death, Susanna should not worry about me.
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
Please don't worry, Susanna.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRDL, OSCAR KLEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Phan Bui
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
I'm goin' to Louisiana my own true love for to see
It rained all night the day I left, the weather was bone dry
And the sun so hot I froze to death, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
Well, I had a dream the other night when everything was still
I dreamed I saw Susanna comin' down the hill
A buckwheat cake was in her mouth, a tear was in her eye
Said I'm comin' from the south, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
Well, I soon will be in New Orleans and when I do arrive
I'll go and find Susanna if she is still alive
And if I do not find that girl I will surely die
But when I'm buried in my grave, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
1ElCondor
"Oh! Susanna" is a folk song by Stephen Foster (1826–1864), first published in 1848. It is among the most popular American songs ever written. Neil Young and Crazy Horse covered Tim Rose's version on their 2012 album "Americana". And i particularly like the way and harmony of this version by "The Be Good Tanyas". Worth. And the song says:
Oh, I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
Goin' to Lou'siana, my true love for to see
Oh Susannah! Oh don't you cry for me!
For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
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
Oh Susannah! Oh don't you cry for me!
For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
Robert Poe
I love this group and have bought a couple of their CD's many years ago. Never get tired of listening to their music, harmonization and choreography of their music. Superb eh! Gotta love the Canadians
Thekahn45
How can someone listen to this cover and not think "wow, this is amazing"?
Benjamin Bruijn
Dat stemmetje,echte prettige zang en muziek.
gerard reilly
I love this version, makes me peaceful
S. C. Murdah
Absolutely astounding! Thank you for putting so much heart and soul into this tune! A favourite of mine as a wee one from a time ago. I'm certain it's also a cherished nostalgic tune among numerous others as well. Your instruments are very evidently an extension of your angelic voices. Perfect pairings indeed! Superbly played by all, what a seamless and in sync troupe you are! Much obliged we all are in receiving this endearing rendition. Bravo!!!
Tom Clohessy
Perfect vocals by all and a great soulful diversion off the melody by Jolie in particular...I could listen to this a hundred times and never falter in my grateful admiration
A Sutton
Why are these women not more well known??? All beautiful voices, and clean pure music. Fan of them for years!!! Not sure how I first heard them, but would buy a concert ticket to see them, and I don't do concerts!!
Brian J. Carnevale
Starting to filter into airplay in the Boston area. Promoted recently on "Acoustic Cafe.
That is how I found these Classy Ladies #acousticcafe
MurRothBro
Yeah man, grew up with their music in my home, now I listen to it all the time. It blows my effing mind that they aren't massive staples of folk music, since they are far and above the majority by a loooooooooooong shot. Truly a hidden gem that shines brighter than any of the hidden gems in music I've found. Their whole damned discography is masterful.
Phan Bui
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
I'm goin' to Louisiana my own true love for to see
It rained all night the day I left, the weather was bone dry
And the sun so hot I froze to death, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
Well, I had a dream the other night when everything was still
I dreamed I saw Susanna comin' down the hill
A buckwheat cake was in her mouth, a tear was in her eye
Said I'm comin' from the south, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee
Well, I soon will be in New Orleans and when I do arrive
I'll go and find Susanna if she is still alive
And if I do not find that girl I will surely die
But when I'm buried in my grave, Susanna, don't you cry
Oh Susanna, don't you cry for me
I come from Alabama with my banjo on my knee