Goodnight Irene
Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers Lyrics

The lyrics of the song Goodnight Irene by Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers captures a complex mix of emotions of a man who is deeply troubled and emotionally unstable. The frequent repetition of the words “Irene, goodnight” and “I’ll see you in my dreams” acts as a refrain and is significant in highlighting the conflict and confusion within the singer. While the song has a seemingly happy introduction where the singer mentions his recent marriage, the lyrics take a sudden turn when he reveals that he and his wife have already parted ways. This sudden shift in the narrative captures the singer’s grief and his attempts to cope with his loss by indulging in other activities. The lines “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” suggest that the singer is having suicidal thoughts as he tries to escape his emotional turmoil.

The song Goodnight Irene is melancholic yet upbeat, highlighting the singer’s contradictory emotions. The lyrics are relatable as they evoke universal emotions of love, loss, and despair. The song captures the essence of the human condition with all its complexities and contradictions.