Oh, Susanna

Oh, I came from Alabama with my banjo on my knee,

And 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, Susanna don't you cry

Oh, Susanna, Oh, don't you cry for me

I came from Alabama with my banjo on my knee.

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And I'm going to Louisiana, my true love for to see

Question 1: What is the meaning of 'my true love for to see'? It doesn't seem to be grammatical? Don't you think so?

Question 2: The weather it was dry.
This is not grammatical as well? Would you explain why Poster wote this way?

John, music is poetry. Sometimes poetry is not exactly grammatically structured in order that rhyme or meter can be maintained.

"my true love for to see" has to rhyme and match the meter of "my banjo on my knee"

"The weather, it was dry" is grammatical. However, that word arrangement fits the meter and the rhyme of "Susanna, don't you cry".
Hope this answers your questions.

Question 1: The phrase "my true love for to see" may seem ungrammatical, but it is a poetic expression rather than standard grammatical construction. In poetry, writers often prioritize rhyme and meter over strict grammar rules. In this case, the phrase is used to create a rhyme with the line "my banjo on my knee." The poet wanted to convey that they are going to Louisiana to see their true love.

Question 2: The phrase "The weather it was dry" may also not adhere strictly to typical grammatical rules. However, in poetry, writers sometimes rearrange words to fit the desired meter and rhyme scheme. In this case, the poet wanted to maintain the rhythm and rhyme with the line "Susanna, don't you cry." The rearrangement of the words helps achieve that poetic effect.

It's important to remember that poetry often takes liberties with grammar and syntax in order to create specific rhythmic patterns, rhyme schemes, or poetic imagery. So, while these phrases may not follow traditional grammar rules, they serve a purpose within the context of the poem.

Question 1: The phrase "my true love for to see" is not grammatically correct in standard English. However, in poetry and song lyrics, grammar rules are often altered to fit the rhyme and meter. In this case, the phrase is likely used for poetic effect and to maintain the rhyme with "knee." It is meant to convey that the singer is traveling to Louisiana to see their true love.

Question 2: "The weather it was dry" is not grammatically incorrect. The word order "The weather, it was dry" is a poetic way of expressing the dryness of the weather. In this case, the sentence structure is altered for the sake of maintaining the rhyme and meter with "cry." The poet or songwriter may have chosen this word arrangement for the lyrical flow and rhythm of the song.

In summary, in poetry and song lyrics, grammar rules are sometimes adjusted or ignored in order to maintain rhyme and meter, and to create an artistic effect.