Composer

:

Stephen Foster

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:12

"Swanee River" is a popular American folk song composed by Stephen Foster in 1851. The song was originally titled "Old Folks at Home" and was written for a minstrel show. It premiered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1851, and quickly became one of Foster's most popular and enduring compositions. The song is written in the key of B-flat major and has a moderate tempo. It is typically performed in a slow, mournful style, with a simple melody and straightforward lyrics. The song is structured in a simple AABA form, with each verse consisting of four lines. The first verse of the song sets the scene, describing the banks of the Suwannee River in Florida, where the speaker longs to return. The second verse describes the speaker's happy childhood memories of the river, while the third verse expresses the speaker's sadness at being separated from the river and his loved ones. The final verse repeats the first verse, with the speaker once again expressing his longing to return to the Suwannee River. "Swanee River" is notable for its simple, catchy melody and its evocative lyrics, which capture the nostalgia and longing for home that many Americans felt during the mid-19th century. The song became a popular anthem for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and it has since been recorded by countless artists in a variety of styles, from traditional folk to jazz and pop. Despite its enduring popularity, "Swanee River" has also been criticized for its racist lyrics and its romanticized portrayal of plantation life. The original lyrics of the song included several offensive racial slurs, which have since been replaced in many modern versions of the song. Overall, "Swanee River" remains a beloved and iconic American folk song, with a rich history and a timeless appeal.

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