Suwannee River’s Muddy Past (and Present)

As Professor Cossin was going through the archival information from Winnipeg Junction, he came across a receipt. On it, there was evidence of a record being bought. After researching the catalog number on the receipt, he found that the song in question is “Old Folks at Home.” This song is known colloquially as Suwanee River, in the same way that “Baba O’Reilly” is “Teenage Wasteland.” “Suwanee River” has been the subject of debate for several years. Stephen Foster wrote the song in 1851, and it became Florida’s official state song in 1935. H.E. Deimer purchased it in Winnipeg Junction, Minnesota, in 1904, and it was brought to him by train from New York.

The opening verse presents a distorted and insensitive view of African Americans when slavery was legal in the United States. The lyrics suggest that they were carefree and content, spending their time singing and dancing. This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also offensive. Yet still, I have an unwanted personal connection to this song.

I was made to hum it while portraying Mrs. Peterson in not one but two middle school productions of Bye Bye Birdie. The musical was so successful when I was in seventh grade that we redid it in eighth grade—the ultimate encore. I believe the music teachers were too exhausted to do anything new, but I have no proof. 

Only later did I realize that my script had been altered with a strikethrough to replace the word “sing” with the word “hum” (written in small letters beside it). In retrospect, I think this change was made because the song was considered too offensive to sing. However, even by humming it, I unknowingly paid tribute to racist ideas.

Racial slurs are unacceptable in any context, especially in a state song representing an entire population. The lyrics perpetuate harmful stereotypes that African Americans are lazy and were content with their lives as enslaved people. This portrayal is historically inaccurate and disrespectful to those who suffered under the horrific institution of slavery.

It is worth noting that “Suwannee River” remains the state song of Florida to this day and therefore fails to reflect the diverse population of the state accurately. While Florida has many cultures and ethnicities, this song only celebrates a limited perspective.

It is time for Florida to bid farewell to its old and contentious song and select a new state anthem that genuinely reflects its people and their values. I am sure other songs about Florida highlight the magnificent landscapes and rich culture.