Goodnight Irene
T. Duggins Lyrics


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Goodnight Irene, goodnight
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 take a few notions
I want to jump overboard in a river and drown

[chorus]

One night I got married
Now me and my wife settled down
Now me and my wife are parting
I want to jump overboard in a river and drown





[chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "Goodnight Irene" is a traditional American folk song that has been covered by countless artists over the years. T. Duggins's version is a rendition that carries a sense of lamentation and longing. The lyrics comment on the ups and downs of life and relationships. The repetition of "Goodnight Irene" at the beginning of each verse creates a sense of finality and farewell, while the line "I'll see you in my dreams" carries a tone of hope for reunion.


The first verse expresses a sense of restlessness and a desire for escape. The singer suggests that they can live anywhere, but they also have moments where they wish to end their life. The second verse talks about the singer's marriage and how it has now ended, and they are filled with despair and thoughts of suicide. The chorus repeats the opening lines, which are now even more poignant in light of the singer's pain and loss.


In summary, the song is a powerful expression of the wide range of emotions that people go through in life. It shows the highs and lows and the urge to find escape from pain and difficulty. At the same time, it ends with a glimmer of hope that things will eventually get better.


Line by Line Meaning

Goodnight Irene, goodnight
Farewell Irene, it's time to sleep


Goodnight Irene, goodnight
Farewell Irene, it's time to sleep


Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Farewell Irene, it's time to sleep and dream of you


I'll see you in my dreams
I hope to see you in my dreams tonight


Sometimes I live in the country
At times, I reside in the countryside


Sometimes I live in town
Other times, I stay in the city


Sometimes I take a few notions
Occasionally, I get sudden impulses


I want to jump overboard in a river and drown
I feel overwhelmed and wish to end my life


[chorus]
Refrain


One night I got married
On one occasion, I wedded


Now me and my wife settled down
At present, my spouse and I lead a stable life


Now me and my wife are parting
But now, my partner and I are separating


I want to jump overboard in a river and drown
I feel overwhelmed and wish to end my life


[chorus]
Refrain




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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