Goodnight Irene
Jerry Lee Lewis & Van Morrison Lyrics


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Last Saturday night I got married
Me and my wife settled down
But me and my wife have parted
I'm gonna take another stroll downtown

Irene goodnight (goodnight Irene)
Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll get you in my dream

Stop your ramblin'
Stop your gamblin'
Stop stayin' out late, late at night
Go home to your wife and your family
Sit down by your fireside so bright

Irene goodnight (Irene)
Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll get you in my dream

I love Irene and I swear I do (yes)
Love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er
Love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er
Still the sea runs dry
And if Irene ever turns her back on me
I'm gonna take morphine and die

Irene goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Irene goodnight




Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll get you in my dream

Overall Meaning

The song Goodnight Irene is a classic American folk song that has been recorded and covered by numerous artists throughout the years. Jerry Lee Lewis and Van Morrison's version of the song is a high-energy rock n' roll rendition that captures the spirit and emotion of the original.


The lyrics hint at the troubles in the singer's personal life. The first verse talks about getting married and settling down but later reveals that the marriage failed and the singer is looking to take another stroll downtown. The chorus featuring the repeated phrase "Irene goodnight" is a plea or perhaps a farewell to a lost love. The singer urges Irene to stop her rambling and gambling and to return home to her family. The final verse expresses a deep love for Irene and a willingness to die if she ever turns her back on him.


The song speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the struggles of personal relationships, which is perhaps why it has stood the test of time and continues to be performed and recorded to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

Last Saturday night I got married
I got married on the last Saturday night


Me and my wife settled down
My wife and I started living together


But me and my wife have parted
My wife and I have separated now


I'm gonna take another stroll downtown
I plan to go out for a walk in the downtown area


Irene goodnight (goodnight Irene)
Goodnight Irene


Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene


Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Wishing Goodnight Irene


I'll get you in my dream
I'll see you in my dreams


Stop your ramblin'
Stop wandering aimlessly


Stop your gamblin'
Stop gambling


Stop stayin' out late, late at night
Don't stay out late at night


Go home to your wife and your family
Go back home to your family and wife


Sit down by your fireside so bright
Relax by the bright fireside


Irene goodnight (Irene)
Saying Goodnight Irene


Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Goodnight Irene


I'll get you in my dream
I'll see you in my dreams


I love Irene and I swear I do (yes)
I truly love Irene


Love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er
I love her very much


Love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er
I love her deeply


Still the sea runs dry
My love for her will last forever


And if Irene ever turns her back on me
If Irene leaves me


I'm gonna take morphine and die
I'll take morphine and die


Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Saying Goodnight repeatedly


Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Wishing Goodnight to Irene


I'll get you in my dream
I'll see you in my dreams




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Huddie Ledbetter, John Lomax

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@chazinko

Classic Leadbelly song.

@carpool9642

Rest in peace Jerry Lee (a.k.a The Killer)

@melodygoodman540

First record I had of his.

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