'Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races' by Stephen C. Foster


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1De Camptown ladies sing dis song -- [Chorus] Doo-dah! doo-dah!
2[Solo] De Camp-town race-track five miles long -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah day!
3[Solo] I come down dah wid my hat caved in -- Doo-dah! doo-dah!
4I go back home wid a pocket full of tin -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah day!

5Gwine to run all night!
6Gwine to run all day!
7I'll bet my money on de bob-tail nag --
8Somebody bet on de bay.

9[Solo] De long tail filly and de big black hoss -- [Chorus] Doo-dah! doo-dah!
10[Solo] Dey fly de track and dey both cut across -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah-day!
11[Solo] De blind hoss sticken in a big mud hole -- [Chorus] Doo-dah! doo-dah!
12[Solo] Can't touch bottom wid a ten foot pole -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah-day!

13Gwine to run all night!
14Gwine to run all day!
15I'll bet my money on de bob-tail nag --
16Somebody bet on de bay.

17[Solo] Old muley cow come on to de track -- [Chorus] Doo-dah! doo-dah!
18[Solo] De bob-tail fling her ober his back -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah-day!
19[Solo] Den fly along like a rail-road car -- [Chorus] Doo-dah! doo-dah!
20[Solo] Runnin' a race wid a shootin' star -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah-day!

21Gwine to run all night!
22Gwine to run all day!
23I'll bet my money on de bob-tail nag --
24Somebody bet on de bay.

25See dem flyin' on a ten mile heat -- [Chorus] Doo-dah doo-dah!
26Round de race track, den repeat -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah-day!
27I win my money on de bob-tail nag -- [Chorus] Doo-dah! doo-dah!
28I keep my money in an old tow-bag -- [Chorus] Oh! doo-dah-day!

29Gwine to run all night!
30Gwine to run all day!
31I'll bet my money on de bob-tail nag --
32Somebody bet on de bay.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever heard a song that you just can't get out of your head? That's how I feel about "Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races" by Stephen C. Foster. This classic American folk song has been popular for over 150 years, and for good reason. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbolism, and historical context of this beloved tune.

Context

First, let's dive into the historical context of "De Camptown Races." Stephen C. Foster wrote this song in 1850, during a time when minstrel shows were popular in the United States. Minstrel shows were theatrical performances that featured white performers in blackface, performing songs and dances that were supposed to be representative of African American culture. While these shows were often racist and offensive, Foster's song was different. He wrote "De Camptown Races" as a tribute to the African American jockeys and horses that competed in horse races in Camptown, Pennsylvania.

Themes

One of the main themes of "De Camptown Races" is freedom. The lyrics of the song describe the excitement of the horse race and the joy that comes from being free to run as fast as possible. The repetition of the line "Gwine to run all night" emphasizes the sense of liberation that comes from being able to move freely. This theme of freedom is particularly significant when we consider the historical context of the song. At a time when African Americans were still enslaved in many parts of the country, "De Camptown Races" celebrates the idea of freedom and mobility.

Another important theme of the song is community. The lyrics describe the excitement of the race as a shared experience, with people from all over coming together to watch the horses compete. The repetition of the phrase "Come along, come along" emphasizes the sense of camaraderie and shared excitement that comes from being part of a group. This theme of community is also significant because it suggests that even in a time of racial tension and division, people can come together and find common ground.

Symbolism

The lyrics of "De Camptown Races" are full of symbolism that adds depth and meaning to the song. For example, the horses in the race can be seen as symbols of freedom and power. The repeated line "Do dah, do dah" mimics the sound of the horses' hooves, emphasizing their strength and speed. Furthermore, the fact that the horses are able to run freely without restraint symbolizes the idea of freedom that is central to the song.

Another important symbol in the song is the idea of movement. The lyrics describe the horses running "up and down the track" and "going to run all night." This emphasis on movement and motion suggests a desire for progress and forward momentum. In a time when many people were still enslaved and unable to move freely, the idea of constant motion and progress would have been especially important.

Interpretation

So, what does "De Camptown Races" mean in the context of American history and culture? One interpretation is that the song is a celebration of African American culture and achievement. By writing a tribute to the African American jockeys and horses of Camptown, Foster is highlighting the contributions that black Americans have made to American culture and society.

At the same time, the song can also be seen as a commentary on the state of race relations in the United States. By emphasizing the themes of freedom and community, "De Camptown Races" suggests that a better future is possible if people can come together and work towards a common goal. The fact that this song has remained popular for over 150 years is a testament to its enduring message of hope and unity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races" by Stephen C. Foster is more than just a catchy folk tune. It is a powerful commentary on the themes of freedom, community, and progress that have been central to American culture since its inception. Through its use of symbolism and imagery, this song continues to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, proving that the power of music to inspire and uplift is truly timeless.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races, is a classic American folk song that has been enjoyed for generations. Written by Stephen C. Foster in 1850, this song has become a staple in American music and culture. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and meaning behind this beloved tune.

Firstly, let's examine the title of the song. "Gwine" is a dialectical variation of "going," and "camptown" refers to a temporary settlement or campsite. The lyrics of the song describe a horse race that takes place in a camptown, with the refrain "Gwine to run all night, Gwine to run all day, I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, Somebody bet on the bay." The song is upbeat and lively, with a catchy melody that is easy to sing along to.

The origins of the song are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the horse races that were popular in the mid-19th century. These races were often held in camptowns, which were temporary settlements that sprang up around the racecourse. The races were a popular form of entertainment, and people would bet on their favorite horses to win.

Foster was a prolific songwriter who is often referred to as the "father of American music." He wrote many popular songs, including "Oh! Susanna," "Beautiful Dreamer," and "My Old Kentucky Home." Foster was known for his ability to capture the spirit of American life in his music, and "Gwine to Run All Night" is no exception.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, and even Elvis Presley. It has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including The Simpsons and The Muppet Show. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its catchy melody and timeless lyrics.

But what is the meaning behind the song? On the surface, it seems like a simple tune about a horse race. However, there are deeper themes at play here. The refrain "Gwine to run all night, Gwine to run all day" suggests a sense of determination and perseverance. The characters in the song are willing to bet their money on the bobtail nag, even though it may not be the most obvious choice. This speaks to the idea of taking risks and believing in oneself, even when the odds are against you.

The song also touches on themes of class and race. The fact that the characters are betting on horses suggests that they have some disposable income to spend on leisure activities. However, the fact that they are betting on a bobtail nag, which is a horse with a short tail that is often associated with lower-class animals, suggests that they may not be wealthy. Additionally, the use of dialectical language in the song suggests that the characters may be African American, which would have been significant in the context of the mid-19th century when slavery was still legal in many parts of the United States.

Overall, Poetry Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races, is a classic American folk song that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics have made it a beloved tune for generations, and its themes of determination, perseverance, and class/race relations continue to resonate with listeners today. Whether you're singing along at a campfire or listening to it on your headphones, this song is sure to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step.

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