Goodnight Irene
Van Morrison/Lonnie Donegan/Chris Barber Lyrics
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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
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
The lyrics of “Goodnight Irene” by Van Morrison, Lonnie Donegan, and Chris Barber, are a classic tale of love, loss, and regret. The singer starts off by saying that he has recently gotten married and has settled down with his wife. However, things haven’t turned out as planned, and the singer is now separated from his wife. He is going to take a stroll downtown, perhaps to clear his head and think about what he wants to do next.
The chorus then comes in, with the singer saying “Goodnight Irene” and repeating it several times. He then implores Irene to stop her “rambling” and “gambling” and to go home to her family. He advises her to sit down by the fireside with her loved ones instead of staying out late at night.
The next verse is devoted entirely to the singer’s love for Irene. He swears that he loves her, and even claims that he would love her even if the sea ran dry. However, he also acknowledges that if Irene were to reject him, he would be devastated to the point of taking morphine and dying.
Overall, “Goodnight Irene” is a simple yet classic tale of love and loss. The singer clearly cares for Irene deeply, but is also struggling with his own personal demons and regrets. The song speaks to the heart of anyone who has loved and lost, and is still searching for answers.
Line by Line Meaning
Last Saturday night I got married
I got hitched just last weekend
Me and my wife settled down
We started a life together
But me and my wife have parted
But things didn’t work out and we went our separate ways
I'm gonna take another stroll downtown
I’m going out to find someone new to spend time with
Irene goodnight (goodnight Irene)
Now, I’m thinking of Irene, saying goodnight to her
Stop your ramblin'
Stop wandering about without purpose
Stop your gamblin'
Stop risking everything with games of chance
Stop stayin' out late, late at night
Stop coming home so late at night, it’s not healthy or safe
Go home to your wife and your family
Get back to the people who care about and rely on you most in life, your family
Sit down by your fireside so bright
Come home and be with your loved ones in your warm, cozy home
Irene goodnight (Irene)
But still, I can’t help but think of Irene
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Saying goodnight to her once more
I'll get you in my dream
And if I can’t have her in reality, I’ll dream about her instead
I love Irene and I swear I do (yes)
I really, truly love Irene
Love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er
I love her more than anything
Love 'er, love 'er, love 'er, love 'er
A whole lot more than just once or twice
Still the sea runs dry
I’ll love her until the end of time
And if Irene ever turns her back on me
But if she leaves me for someone else
I'm gonna take morphine and die
I’ll be so devastated, I’ll rather die than live without her
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Once more for the road, goodnight
Irene goodnight
And saying goodnight to Irene one last time for the night
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Hoping to see her in my dreams once more
I'll get you in my dream
And wishing her a peaceful, restful night
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Huddie Ledbetter, John Lomax
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mara Karetsos
Wonderful
🎼🎸⭐️
Peter Piper
Love this song. Van & Jerry Lee Lewis do a great version too...Thanks Wooly...
Woolhall
Yes PP , Jerry L adds some brilliant piano on that version , great piece of film
Barbara Adams
I'm enjoying watching these videos, they are great. Thank you. ✨ 🌠 🌌
mario7frankielee
an old time favorite
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
nissi
Thanks A ! Some cool harmonies in this one !✨🤍✨
targarosko
a great happiness this morning with the great Van ....." i'm gonna take my coffee and live " not morphine now !!!!!!i wish you a great day if you are always in Honfleur good sun dear Woolhy ♥♥♥
Steve Duncan
Why can't I find the Lonnie Donegan version??
Bar None
Is this a rehearsal?
Richard Bishop
Ur style u must been thinking about Irene!!!!