Wednesday, May 27, 2015

May 27: Writing Prompt #147-Say Your Name

Write about your first name: Are you named after someone or something? Are there any stories or associations attached to it? If you had the choice, would you rename yourself?
Susannah-My parents named all of their children after Biblical names, and in the case of my name, I think my mom just liked it too.  As far as I know, I am not named after someone or something, and there are no stories or associations to go along with it.  I would not rename myself because I like my name.  I’ve become pretty attached to it after 40 years of being identified by it.  J
Out of my own curiosity, I have looked up my name in the past in terms of its meaning as well as the Biblical characters with the same name, so I’ll share those associations here:
1. Susannah-Hebrew origin meaning lily. 
2. Susannah-According to http://www.biblegateway.com, the name Susanna is mentioned in Luke 8 as one of the women whom Jesus healed both physically and spiritually and who revealed her gratitude by following Him and ministering to Him and His disciples. 
3. Susannah-Of course, I have to mention the song that helps everyone remember my name, “Oh Susanna” by Stephen Foster. And I also have the pleasure of being able to tell everyone that I really AM FROM ALABAMA like the song says!
Modern Version

Oh, I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
Goin' to Lou'siana, my true love for to see
Oh Susannah! Oh don't you cry for me!
For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
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! Oh don't you cry for me!
For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee

Optional Third Verse

I had a dream the other night, when everything was still
I thought I saw Susannah dear a-comin' down the hill
A buckwheat cake was in her mouth, a tear was in her eye
I said I come from dixieland, Susannah don't you cry!
Oh Susannah! Oh, don't you cry for me!
For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
Oh Susannah! Oh don't you cry for me!

For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee

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