Goodnight, Irene
Lead Belly * Track #3 On Masterworks
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Goodnight, Irene by Lead Belly
Performed by
Lead BellyAbout
The origin of the song is unclear. Lead Belly was singing a version of it as early as 1908, which he claimed he learned from his uncles Terell and Bob. An 1886 song by Gussie L. Davis has several lyrical and structural similarities to this song, but no sheet music or information about its melody has...
Goodnight, Irene Lyrics
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
Irene good night
Irene good night
Good night Irene, good night Irene
I guess you're in my dreams
[Verse 2]
Sometimes I live in the country
Sometimes I live in town
Sometimes I haves a great notion
Jumping in, into the river and drown
[Chorus]
Irene good night
Irene good night
Good night Irene, good night Irene
I guess you're in my dreams
[Verse 3]
Stop ramblin' and stop gamblin'
Quit staying out late at night
Go home to your wife and family
Stay there by the fireside bright
[Chorus]
Irene good night
Irene good night
Good night Irene, good night Irene
I guess you're in my dreams
[Verse 4]
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
Goodnight, Irene Q&A
Who wrote Goodnight, Irene's ?
Goodnight, Irene was written by Lead Belly & John A. Lomax.