GOODNIGHT IRENE

“Goodnight, Irene” or “Irene, Goodnight,” is a 20th century American folk standard. The

lyrics tell how the singer lost his love through “rambling and gambling”. He contemplates

suicide in the famous line “Sometimes I take a great notion to jump in the river and

drown”. The final verse urges the listener to “go home to your wife and family”. In

addition to many recorded versions, it is also a favorite camp and fireside song. Some

sources, including blues scholar Paul Oliver, claim the version popularized by Lead Belly

in the 1940s, which he titled just “Irene,” is based on the 1886 pop song by Gussie L.

Davis. Lead Belly himself said he had learned it from his uncle. It was a US #1 hit for

folk group The Weavers in 1950. It has since been recorded by a number of artists, in

pop, country, folk and rock styles. In 2002, Lead Belly’s 1936 Library of Congress

recording received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight

Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

Last saturday night I got married

Me and my love settled down

Now me and my love are parted

I’m gonna take another stroll downtown

Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight

Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

Sometimes I live in the country

Sometimes I live in the town

Sometimes I have a great notion

To jump In the river and drown

Irene goodnight, Irene good night

Good night Irene, good night Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

Ramblin’ stop your gamblin’

Stop stayin’ out late at night

Go home to your wife and your family

Sit down by the fireside bright

Irene goodnight, Irene good night

Good night Irene, good night Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

Banjo Mountain