"Oh! Susanna" is a song written by Stephen Foster. It was first published on February 25, 1848. Popularly associated with the California Gold Rush, the song is occasionally (and incorrectly) called "Banjo on My Knee".

The traditional lyrics are arranged in four verses: I came from Alabama, Wid a banjo on my knee, I'm gwyne to Louisiana, My true love for to see. It rain'd all night the day I left, The weather it was dry, The sun so hot I froze to death; Susanna, don't you cry. Chorus: Oh! Susanna, Oh don't you cry for me, cos' I've come from Alabama, Wid my banjo on my knee I jumped aboard the telegraph, And trabbled down the riber, De lectric fluid magnified, And killed five hundred nigger. De bullgine bust, de horse run off, I really thought I'd die; I shut my eyes to hold my breath, Susanna don't you cry. CHO: Oh Susanna &c. I had a dream the odder night, When ebery thing was still I thought I saw Susanna A Coming down de hill; The buck-wheat cake was in her mouth, The tear was in her eye; Says I, "I'm coing from de south, Susanna, don't you cry." CHO: Oh Susanna &c. I soon will be in New Orleans, And den I'll look all round, And When I find Susanna, I will fall upon de ground. And If I do not find her, Dis Darkie'l surely die, And when I'm dead and buried, Susanna, don't you cry. CHO: Oh Susanna &c
Due to the belief that the second verse and colloquialisms were racist, modern verses have changed to be less offensive: I come from 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. Oh, Susanna, don't you cry for me cos' I come from Alabama With my banjo on my knee. had a dream the other night when everything was