Listen to this horrible old song (sorry, Stephen Foster).

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
Sussanah, don’t your cry.

Oh, Sussanah, don’t you cry for me
I’ve come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee.

Fortunately, we can improve the song, and have some fun. Here is the pattern to give to students:

I come from __________ with a __________ on my knee
I’m going to __________, 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, Sussanah don’t you cry.

Oh, __________ don’t you cry for me. I’ve come from __________
with a __________ on my knee.

For instance, here is what some Russian students wrote (it will only be funny to Russians). But the karaoke version is great for re-writing and re-signing the song about your culture, your town, your country.

I come from Magadan
with фурфайка on my knee
I’m going to Astrakhan
My true love for to see
It snowed all night the day I left
the weather it was hot
The cold so hot I burnt to death
Marina don’t you cry

Oh, Marina, don’t you cry for me
I’ve come from Magadan
with фурфайка on my knee

 

 O Susanna [1:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 O Susanna, karaoke [1:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download