Goodnight Irene
Bobby Vee & The Ventures Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good night Irene Good night Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Last Saturday night I got married
Me and my wife settled down
Now me and my wife have parted
I'm gonna take a little stroll downtown
Irene good night Irene good night
Good night Irene Good night Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Some times I live in the country
Some times I live in town
Some times I take a great notion
To jump in the river and drown
Irene good night Irene good night
Good night Irene Good night Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Quit your rambling quit your gambling
Stop staying out late at night
Stay home with your wife and family
And stay by the fireside of right
Irene good night Irene good night
Good night Irene Good night Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Irene good night Irene good night
Good night Irene Good night Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
The lyrics of "Goodnight Irene" are poignant and wistful, expressing a sense of loss and yearning for someone who is no longer present. The song begins with a simple, repetitive refrain that establishes the central message of the lyrics: "Irene good night, good night Irene, I'll see you in my dreams." The repetition creates a sense of longing and an almost hypnotic quality that draws the listener in.
The first verse tells a story of a failed marriage, with the singer stating that he got married, settled down, and then eventually parted ways with his spouse. The verse is brief and straightforward, but it sets up the central conflict of the song: the desire for something that is no longer attainable.
The second verse adds a twist to the story, with the singer expressing a desire to escape from his current circumstances by jumping in a river and drowning. The line "some times I take a great notion" suggests that the singer is prone to extreme mood swings and impulsive behavior. The verse highlights the sense of desperation that underlies the song's message, as well as the theme of escapism that runs throughout.
The third verse offers a potential solution to the singer's problems, with a plea to "quit your rambling" and "stay home with your wife and family." The verse suggests that the source of the singer's pain may be his own restlessness and unwillingness to commit to a stable, happy life. The final refrain brings the song full circle, with the singer repeating the same words as at the beginning: "Irene good night, good night Irene, I'll see you in my dreams." This final repetition drives home the sense of longing and unfulfilled desire that pervades the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Irene good night Irene good night
Saying goodnight to Irene, a symbol of farewell and wishing her a good night's rest.
Good night Irene Good night Irene
Repeating the farewell to Irene, emphasizing the sincerity and depth of the emotion.
I'll see you in my dreams
Expressing the sentiment that even though they part ways, Irene will still remain in the singer's heart and memories.
Last Saturday night I got married
Relating a personal experience of the singer's life, where he recently got married.
Me and my wife settled down
After marriage, the singer and his wife established a stable and contented life together.
Now me and my wife have parted
However, their relationship has now ended and they are no longer together.
I'm gonna take a little stroll downtown
The singer plans to go out and explore the world on his own in light of the recent break-up.
Some times I live in the country
Reflecting on the different periods and locations of his life, sometimes living in rural and remote areas.
Some times I live in town
At other times, he has lived in cities and urban areas, experiencing different lifestyles.
Some times I take a great notion
Occasionally, he is inclined to carry out impulsive and perhaps dangerous acts.
To jump in the river and drown
One such impulsive act was a desire to end his life by drowning himself in a river.
Quit your rambling quit your gambling
Addressing someone who is living irresponsibly and without direction, urging them to make positive changes in their life.
Stop staying out late at night
Specifically, advising them to avoid behaviors that are harmful or self-destructive, such as staying out late at night.
Stay home with your wife and family
Emphasizing the importance of family and the need for stability and commitment, urging them to value their relationships.
And stay by the fireside of right
Stress the idea of doing what is right and living a virtuous life, as symbolized by staying by the warmth and comfort of a fireside.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind