Dream Wild Designs

Kassia's Art, Poetry, and other Writings

Yo Rosanna
the bandit's version of "Oh Susanna"
by Kassia Halteman, age 16

Yo Rosanna, don’t you tell on me
I’ve come from Ol’Montana with a bloodhound after me

I stole a horse and took off West with the full moon in the sky
I rode all day and had no rest, so hungry I thought I’d die

Yo Rosanna, won’t you come with me
I’m going to Arizona on a pack horse named Barney

I joined a caravan and we took a rest with succession in my mind
I woke up late and in distress when I discovered I’d been left behind

Oh Rosanna, don’t you worry about me
I’ll be starting stories all around this big country

I threw a party and had a blast 'til my horsey it did die
I got down on my knees and ate some grass and then I started to cry

Oh Rosanna, will you still love me
I’d get a job if I had the mind but at least I can count to three

I robbed a bank and took off fast, the money was quite a find
What I did next please don’t you ask, now never now don’t you mind

Whoa now Sheriff, don’t you bother with me
I’m not all that bad I just figured it couldn’t be mean

I know I’ve been wrong in the past but at least I did try
I’m starting over and I think I’ll last
Hey yo, hello, goodbye