By Stephen Foster (modern lyrics adaptation)
Note: The following lyrics have been modernized from Stephen Foster’s original 1848 version to remove outdated and offensive language. This adaptation preserves the spirit of the song while respecting contemporary values. The original lyrics are available on other sites.

Verse 1
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

Chorus
  Oh! Susanna, oh don’t you cry for me
  For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee

Verse 2
I had a dream the other night, when everything was still
I thought I saw Susanna a-coming down the hill
A buckwheat cake was in her mouth, a tear was in her eye
Says I, “I’m coming from the South—Susanna, don’t you cry”

Chorus
  Oh! Susanna, oh don’t you cry for me
  For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee