《金發的珍妮》(Jeanie With The LIght Brown Hair) 是福斯特為妻子珍妮 (Jane McDowall)寫的,曲調優美動聽。實際上福斯特與珍妮的婚姻並不美滿,他們結婚後曾分居,團圓,最終再分居。
珍妮是一位漂亮的金發女郎,對音樂沒有特別的愛好,嫁給福斯特後,他們住在福斯特父母處。福斯特靠寫歌為生,因此生活不富裕。1846年福斯特搬到辛辛那提投靠哥哥的公司。在那兒福斯特寫一些歌,其中有《哦,蘇珊娜》。在辛辛那提,福斯特發表了《福斯特埃塞俄比亞旋律》,其中的一首《Nelly是位夫人》(Nelly Was A Lady) 被一個叫做 Christy Minstrels 歌舞團唱紅了。
I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair Borne like a vapor on the summer air I see her tripping where the bright streams play Happy as the daisies that dance on her way. Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour, Many were the blithe birds that warbled them o'er. I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair Floating like a vapor on the soft, summer air.
I sigh for Jeannie, but her light form strayed Far from the fond parts round her native glade; Her smiles have vanished and her sweet songs flown Flitting like the dreams that have cheered us and gone. Now the nodding wild flow'rs may wither on the shore, While her gentle fingers will cull them no more; I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair Floating like a vapor on the soft, summer air.