Goodnight Irene
The Weavers Gordon Jenkins Orchestra Lyrics

The Weavers' rendition of "Goodnight Irene," accompanied by the Gordon Jenkins Orchestra, is a classic song with lyrics that feel autobiographical. The song's narrator, a man who has experienced love's ups and downs, bids his lover Irene farewell in hopes of seeing her again in his dreams. The opening lines, "Irene, goodnight, Irene, goodnight," are an attempt to say goodbye while also acknowledging that the separation is temporary. The repetition of "goodnight" suggests that the singer is drawing out the goodbye, perhaps because he knows that he will not see Irene for a while. The fact that he says he will see her in his dreams implies that his love for her is not over, and that he hopes things will work out between them eventually.

In the next few lines of the song, the singer reveals that he recently got married but has since separated from his wife. He confesses that he plans to take another stroll around town, which might suggest that he is looking for a new romantic partner. By inserting this detail about his marriage, the singer sets up a contrast with his continuing feelings for Irene. Although he has a wife, he cannot seem to forget Irene, and he hopes that seeing her again in his dreams will bring him some comfort.

The singer's final lines involve him reflecting on his life and his feelings. He notes that he sometimes lives in the country, sometimes in the town, but his mood can change quickly. Like many classic blues and folk pieces, the song ends with a dark image of the singer considering drowning himself. Ultimately, "Goodnight Irene" masterfully captures a man's desire to hold on to something he cannot have and to find solace in his dreams.