Goodnight, Irene / Leadbelly
This great old blues song talks about love gone bad and offers some advice for the guy whose lost his way. Cindy Gehm and Sharon Gray join me on this song.
Folksinger/songwriter/poet
I'm a singer/songwriter who enjoys covering a good song regardless of where it's been.
Story behind the song
There's no shortage or variations on this song. Its been done by just about everybody you could name including Willy Nelson, Pete Seeger, the Weavers, Woody Guthrie, Poker Alice, and Peter, Paul & Mary.
Lyrics
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 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 staying out late at night
Go home to your wife and family
Stay there by your 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
