Goodnight Irene
Weavers 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 downtown

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 take 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

Stop your rambling
Stop your gambling
Stop your staying out so late at night
Go home to your wife and family
Stay there by the fireside bright

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





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

Overall Meaning

The song "Goodnight Irene" by Weavers is a classic folk song with a simple melody that has endured decades of popularity. The song tells the story of a man who is saying goodbye to Irene, who he will see in his dreams. The song has a hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the essence of life's ups and downs. The opening verses highlight the man's separation from his wife and his longing for Irene, ultimately ending the song with the message to stop gambling and stay home with your family.


The song is filled with imagery of the countryside and the city, along with the challenge of living with the consequences of one's decisions. The song's lyrics are a mix of sadness and joy, reflecting the human experience. The man in the song is struggling with his feelings of regret, longing for something he has lost along the way. The song offers a message of hope and redemption, encouraging us to take responsibility for our actions and make the best of what we have.


Overall, "Goodnight Irene" is a powerful song that has resonated with audiences for many years. The lyrics explore themes of loss, regret, and redemption. The melody is timeless and has been covered by countless artists throughout the years.


Line by Line Meaning

Irene, goodnight
Saying farewell to a woman named Irene


Irene, goodnight
Saying farewell to a woman named Irene


Goodnight, Irene
Wishing Irene a good evening


Goodnight, Irene
Wishing Irene a good evening


I'll see you in my dreams
Hopeful to see Irene in future dreams


Last Saturday night I got married
Recently got married on a Saturday night


Me and my wife settle down
Started a life together after marriage


Now me and my wife are parted
Separated from my wife


I'm gonna take another stroll downtown
Going out for another night in town


Sometimes I live in the country
I occasionally reside in rural areas


Sometimes I live in town
I occasionally reside in urban areas


Sometimes I take a great notion
Occasionally feel a desire to do something drastic


To jump in the river and drown
To end my life in the river


Stop your rambling
Stop wandering aimlessly


Stop your gambling
Stop taking unnecessary risks


Stop your staying out so late at night
Stop being out so late in the evening


Go home to your wife and family
Return to your family and loved ones at home


Stay there by the fireside bright
Stay warm and comfortable indoors


Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
Bid farewell to Irene once again


I'll see you in my dreams
Hopeful to see Irene in future dreams




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@svalentine4667

The version my family sings

(Chorus)

Last Saturday night I got married
Me and my wife settled down
Now me and my wife are parted
I’m gonna take another stroll downtown

(Chorus)

Sometimes I see her in the morning
Sometimes just late at night
Whenever I see that face of hers
I wish I was the one that died

(Chorus)

She left her - little namesake
When she up and went goodbye
And she’s the only thing I have
That’s keeping me alive

(Chorus; first bit singing up to the mom, then the quiet part to the baby)



@VuongQuocQuocCa

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 settled down
Now, me and my wife are parted
I'm gonna take a little stroll downtown

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

Sometimes I live in the country
And sometimes I live in town
Sometimes I take a great notion
To jump into the river and drown

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

Stop ramblin'. Stop your gamblin'
Stop staying out late at night
Go home to your wife and family
Stay there by the fireside, bright

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



@lisalassie8408

There are some other verses floating around, including these sung by Leadbelly..

"I asked your mother for you
She told me that you was too young
I wish dear Lord that I'd never seen your face
I'm sorry you ever were born"


"I love Irene, God knows I do
I love her 'til the sea runs dry
If Irene turns her back on me
I'm gonna take morphine and die"



All comments from YouTube:

@katerose1572

My grandmother would always add the lyric:
“Sometimes she sleeps in pajamas,
Sometimes she sleeps in a gown,
But when they’re both in the laundry,
Irene is the talk of the town” 😳😂

@mahamudalrabbi4774

😆😆

@Zaarin1

It's from Bob Hope's parody of the song that he performed on his radio show with Bing Crosby and Judy Garland.

@Kamal_AL-Hinai

@Garry Buicke
Laughing my heart out is a wholesome phrase 🧡

@Imasheep999

i dont know her but i think id like your grandmother alot

@jamescampbell1930

I like lyric

16 More Replies...

@dougcrubaugh8434

I lost my Dad in 1997 at the young age of 59. I was only 21. I remember in the house I grew up in. My Dad used to play and sing to this song. I'm 45 now and I will never get tired of hearing this song. Because it keeps my Dad close to my heart.

@ozgunkuzucu7158

God bless him

@petegreci7969

How wonderful. May he always be with you.

@curtisrobinson7962

Glad you had a good dad.

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