Goodnight
Russ Morgan and His Orchestra Lyrics


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Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight, Irene
Goodnight, Irene
I'll see you in my dreams

Last Saturday night I got married
Me and my wife settle down
Now me and my wife are parted
I'm gonna take another stroll in town

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 town
Sometimes I have a great notion
To jump in the river and drown

Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight, Irene




Goodnight, Irene
I'll see you in my dreams

Overall Meaning

The song "Goodnight, Irene" by Russ Morgan and His Orchestra is a classic American folk song that tells the story of a man named Irene. The singer of the song bids Irene goodnight as he reflects on his upcoming dreams with her. The repetition of "Irene, goodnight" and "Goodnight, Irene" brings a sense of finality to the song, as if the singer is bidding farewell to Irene for one last time.


The lyrics take on a melancholic tone as the song progresses, with the singer revealing that he recently got married but is now separated from his wife. He is left to wander the town alone, possibly seeking solace or comfort in the memory of Irene. The lyrics end with a dark twist, as the singer confesses that he sometimes has a "notion to jump in the river and drown." It is unclear whether this is a literal or metaphorical statement, but it adds a layer of complexity to the song's overall mood and theme.


Overall, "Goodnight, Irene" is a beautiful and poignant song that speaks to the complexities of human relationships and the power of dreams.


Line by Line Meaning

Irene, goodnight
Saying goodbye to Irene for the night


Irene, goodnight
Repeating the farewell to Irene


Goodnight, Irene
Another way of saying goodbye to Irene


Goodnight, Irene
Reinforcing the farewell to Irene


I'll see you in my dreams
Anticipating seeing Irene again in one's dreams


Last Saturday night I got married
Recalling the experience of getting married


Me and my wife settle down
Enjoying the married life with one's wife


Now me and my wife are parted
Sadly experiencing separation from one's wife


I'm gonna take another stroll in town
Deciding to go out and wander through the city


Sometimes I live in the country
Reflecting on living in a rural, peaceful environment


Sometimes I live in town
Recalling living in a more urban environment


Sometimes I have a great notion
Occasionally having strong and seemingly irrational urges


To jump in the river and drown
Contemplating suicide by throwing oneself into a river




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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