Oh! Susanna

Traditional – Presented in the book with just two lines for a verse before the chorus

Oh, I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee,
I'm going to Lu’siana, my true love for to see.
It rained all night the day I left, the weather it was dry.
Sun so hot, nearly froze to myself, Susanna don't you cry.

(Chorus): Oh! Susanna don't you cry for me,
For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee.

I had a dream the other night, when everything was still,
I dreamt I saw Susanna a coming up the hill.
Buckwheat cakes was in her mouth, tears were in her eyes,
Said I'm a comin’ from the South, Susanna don't you cry.
(Chorus)

I'm headin’ to New Orleans and there I'll look around,
If I don’t find Susanna, I'll fall upon the ground.
And if I do not find her, then I'll surely die,
Oh, when I'm dead and buried, Susanna don't you cry.
(Chorus)

 

Basics of Bluegrass Banjo