Suzanna- Original

This is a song about Stephen Foster (1826-1864), the composer of many famous folk songs like "Oh! Susannah", "Beautiful Dreamer", "Camptown Races" and "Swanee River". I've fictionalized his life, such that Susannah was a lover in his early life, before he got famous and eventually was hospitalized in New York City. The song is set in Alabama, where "Oh! Susannah" is set. However, Foster was born in Pittsburgh. Despite his fame and upbeat parlor songs, Foster lived a tragic life and struggled with alcoholism. He died in an accident at Bellevue Hospital in 1864, after developing fever. When I was sick, in the Bellevue I had beautiful dreams, in which I remembered you A river of bourbon has stained my front teeth In my hazy mind, Suzanna cried to me When I was young, Suzanna worked alone My father was wicked and bought her from her home In every song I've written, Suzanna sang a note From across the frozen Hudson, I wish she was on each boat Suzanna, don't you cry for me There's so much I'd like to say, if telegraphs were free I've been waiting on you lingering 'round my cabin door That love of yours won't come around anymore Under the magnolia, your face composed my songs The old folks at home, say she's trying to belong She's a teacher down in Mobile, she sings out on the town The chamelias out in the parlor, still remember our old sound Dear friends and gentle hearts, I'm leaving today I've bet on the losing nag in the Camptown race Suzanna's light brown hair along the Swanee River Will be the last thing that I see if this whiskey delivers Suzanna, don't you cry for me There's so much I'd like to say, if telegraphs were free I've been waiting on you lingering 'round my cabin door That love of yours won't come around anymore That love of yours won't come around anymore #acoustic #folk #original #country #newmusic #ballad #americana #americanhistory