Considered by many to be the first great American popular song, “O Susanna” was written by Stephen Foster to copy the style of lyrics and music often heard in minstrel shows. Though a staunch abolitionist (as can be seen in other songs), Foster writes lyrics in O Susanna which, although colloquial and common in the 1840s, are offensive today. As stated by the performer of this video, the offensive second verse, often omitted when the song is performed today, is include purely for historic purposes. As stated in the video, over 21 people and publishers claimed authorship of this song in the three years from Feb. 1848 to Feb. 1851. While publishers made thousands of dollars, Stephen Foster’s sum came to $100 – a flat fee for the sale of the song.