* As a form of self-soothing and distraction: May is a woman who has suffered a great deal of loss and hardship in her life. Singing "Oh Susanna" allows her to escape her present reality and to temporarily forget her troubles.
* As a way to connect with Lily: May is a loving and supportive figure in Lily's life. Singing a familiar song together helps them to bond and share a moment of comfort and joy.
* As a way to express her own grief and sadness: Although "Oh Susanna" is a traditionally upbeat song, May's rendition of it is likely tinged with melancholy and longing. She may be channeling her own grief for her lost daughter through the song.
* As a gesture of defiance and resilience: May's singing can also be seen as a way of refusing to give in to despair and sadness. Even in the face of adversity, she chooses to find joy and beauty in the world.
It's important to note that May's singing is not simply a frivolous act; it is a powerful and complex expression of her inner world and her resilience in the face of tragedy.