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, Susannah, don’t you cry
Oh, Susannah, 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, __________ 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 a puppy 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 a puppy on my knee
***
This song was recorded before 1923, and is in the public domain. It means I’m free to record it and publish it on my web site, and you’re free to use it.
